The Complete Handbook of Jukeboxes

I bought this for my husband who just got into collecting, and it did help us avoid a couple of obvious problems on the used market. But I felt the troubleshooting section assumed you already knew how to use a multimeter, which we don't. It's detailed, but maybe a bit too deep for a true beginner. The glossary is handy, and the chapter on business models was surprisingly interesting for a non-tech person. I'd say it's for serious people, not casual buyers.

The book is well-organized and comprehensive, and I respect that it doesn't waste time on the nostalgia stuff. My main complaint is that it occasionally drifts into jargon-heavy territory without pausing to coach you through it. The specs chapter made me feel like I needed a degree in electrical engineering. It's a good reference, but I wouldn't call it accessible for a hobbyist like me who just wants to keep a jukebox running in their home bar. It's more for the trade.

I've been in the route business for 18 years and this is the first reference that actually matches the real world. The chapter on installing and networking digital machines is spot-on, and the business opportunity section nailed the rental model we've been using. I bought three copies for my techs. It's not fluff—it's the kind of thing you will reference in the field. Worth every penny. The maintenance checklists alone paid for the book on the first job.

Solid reference, and I appreciate the clear focus on the practical aspects. The comparison tables for different mechanisms and amp specs were exactly what I needed to evaluate a couple of 'restored' machines at a swap meet. I dropped a star because I felt the chapter on brands was a little light on the smaller modern manufacturers, and I'd have liked a little more on sourcing specific parts. Otherwise, a well-written, dependable manual.

This should be called 'The Only Jukebox Book You'll Need.' As a bar owner, I didn't care about the history, I just wanted to know what to buy and how to keep it working when my staff inevitably breaks it. The troubleshooting section helped me fix a paper-jam issue we'd been paying a tech to come out for. The book paid for itself in two service calls. It's dry, but it's a manual, not a novel. Exactly what it should be.

I am a collector of 70s machines and have been rebuilding them for fun. This book's chapter on the evolution of the mechanisms was enlightening, and the spec explanations helped me settle a long-standing argument with a friend about amp ratings. I also love that it goes into the future with digital conversion kits, which I was considering. This is a serious resource. I'll be gifting it to the younger guys at my local collectors club.

Finally, a book that treats jukeboxes as a commercial venture. I'm just starting my own route, and the business opportunities chapter gave me a realistic look at the costs and revenue projections. The book doesn't oversell—it's honest about the challenges. The FAQ section was very helpful for understanding the licensing requirements in different states. This is the handbook I wished existed a year ago. Highly recommended.