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Music

Why you should buy a jukebox for your business space

Preview: Besides being a unique way to invite your guests to have a good time, purchasing a jukebox can transform your business or space for other reasons

The benefits of purchasing a jukebox for your business (or any space) extend far beyond the aesthetic. We don’t talk about jukeboxes often, but they’re a nice piece of furniture, er, art… er, music to study.

We’ve written about the history of jukeboxes before, so let’s recap some of that info. As we dive a bit into the early beginnings of the jukebox and also address risk factors and more, we’re hoping this jukebox information will help you in your decision-making process.

The History of the Jukebox (aka Revised Phonograph)

“LIKE ALMOST EVERYTHING ELSE IN THE COUNTRY, THE GREAT DEPRESSION BROUGHT THE MUSIC INDUSTRY TO A SCREECHING HALT.”

So we know the jukebox had its heyday, but let’s not focus on that. The first jukebox in history looked nothing like the jukeboxes we’re familiar with today. The invention of the jukebox began when Thomas Edison invented the phonograph in 1877. The machine was modified with a coin slot and installed inside an oak cabinet.

A 25-pound sulfuric acid battery provided electricity to run the phonograph. It could only play one wax cylinder at a time, which had to be changed by hand. 

Since amplification hadn’t been developed yet, users had to listen to the music through one of four listening tubes. The tubes looked a bit like stethoscopes that went into people’s ears. Handkerchiefs hung on the side of the machine, so people could wipe off the tubes after each use.

But it wouldn’t be for another 29 years before the automation process was added that allowed you to put a coin in and select a song and then another 20 years before an amplifier was added so that you could hear the music throughout a room. 

The Jukebox was starting to gain some popularity; especially during the prohibition era when these machines made their way into speakeasies and became a staple in bars from that time forward.

Related article(s): Who Invented the Jukebox?

Why You Should Consider Going Vintage with a Jukebox

1. Cultural and historical significance.

Admittedly this is one of the most obvious examples, but that’s exactly the reason we should start with it! Though the designs of a vintage jukebox can be mimicked down to the very last detail, no imitation can reproduce its authenticity and historical value.

A vintage jukebox is a snapshot of history, a physical embodiment of a bygone age, and that alone is enough to make it a must-have for enthusiasts and aficionados alike. But here’s the interesting thing – not only are they products of their time, but many even helped shape their contemporary cultures.

Take the aesthetics of an AMI Continental, for example, which shares characteristics with a lot of automobiles of the age; the contours, the metallic color and the chrome finish that’s reminiscent of a vintage Cadillac. Very few brand-new jukebox designs can replicate that level of cultural value.

2. Authentic vintage sound — not over produced

Vintage jukeboxes are blessed with a distinctive sound that’s not crisp like the type produced by modern hi-fi equipment. It has more bass, with a soft, warm quality that we’ve all grown to appreciate.

In fact, the vinyl sound is actually so distinctive that some modern jukeboxes being produced today are being specifically engineered to reproduce this vinyl to valve sound. 

Related article(s): 3 Great Reasons to Buy a Vintage Jukebox

Things to Consider if You're Contemplating a Jukebox

Are jukeboxes a good investment?

If you are looking to purchase a jukebox and just have it sit in your house and hope it appreciates then it probably isn’t a good investment. If instead you are planning on putting it in a location where you could make money with each play then it could be a fine investment.

What is your goal for the investment?

If you are wanting to buy a jukebox and place it in a local bar or retro style restaurant then that is probably a better investment than to let it sit in your basement for years. However, having a machine at a business requires you to check it regularly, to remove money from it, to share revenue with the business owner, and many other things.

Do you understand the potential risks?

For example what happens if someone breaks the machine the first weekend you have it at a business? You are now having to spend additional money before you have ever made a dime. You also have to consider what might happen if the nostalgia fad passes. If people are too busy streaming music on their phones to care about your jukebox in the corner your investment could become worthless quickly.

Related article(s): Are Jukeboxes A Good Investment?

A Guide to Buying a Jukebox

If you’ve decided that you’re going to do it — you’re going to get that jukebox — here are some helpful tips.

  • Choose a brand based on research/reviews and the aesthetic that you’re going for.

  • Know what condition do you want your jukebox to be in when you purchase it.

  • Know your budget. Some brands are more expensive than others — as in thousands of dollars more expensive.

  • Warranty is a very crucial factor to consider when buying a jukebox. Buying from a company that gives a warranty is an assurance that their jukeboxes can be trusted. You are also assured of compensation in case your jukebox fails within a certain period.

  • Different jukeboxes have different sound outputs. You can decide on which jukebox depending on the sound output that interests you.

  • We mentioned it previously, but buy a jukebox that is attractive to you and for you/your business.

Remember that buying a modern jukebox can be a costly undertaking; a good machine could set you off tens of thousands of dollars. With so many choices each promising this and that feature, it can be daunting to settle on one. Of course, you do not have to be Justus Seeburg to know a good jukebox; you only need to do a little homework (just as you’ve done by reading this blog).

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Air Hockey Darts Gifts Holidays Music Ping Pong Pool Shuffleboard

2018 Holiday Game Gift Guide

The holidays are here. Are you feeling the pressure to find the perfect gift? It can be increasingly difficult when shopping for a game lover with unique style. From the various styles of pool tables to choosing which size ping pong table will fit in your living room; each game provides a different type of experience.

We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite products online and in our showroom to help you on your shopping journey.

If you have specific questions, or you aren’t sure where to start, give the Games For Fun team a call at: (909)-885-3604. Our 2018 Holiday Gift Guide will give you an easy start to your game shopping this holiday season:

 

Driftwood 56-inch Foosball Table

foseball

Foosball is a game that the whole family can enjoy together, requires only a few pieces, and can fit in any room you choose! These tables are great for indoors, as they don’t require any extra setup and are smaller than most game tables, allowing for more free space in your home.

Our premium-grade Driftwood 56-inch Foosball Table is the flagship of our entire Hathaway Games line of foosball tables. This stylish table has durable exterior melamine with a beautiful driftwood finish, so you can seamlessly fit this design into your decorated home. Each side of the table contains 2 drink holders, so you won’t have to stray too far for a beer while you’re in the middle of a game. Plus, this table is $200 off right now!

 

Harper Pool Table

pool table

If your special someone has a taste for the classics, you can never go wrong with a billiards table. It might not fit under the tree, but it will surely be the center of attention in any room! A pool table is a worthwhile investment, as it will be apart of your family’s memories for years to come.

The Harper Pool Table by Generations, our own original collection, features tastefully carved detail with its double arch cabinet, scalloped carved legs, and leather pockets; creating a beautiful design to incorporate into your home. This table is made from solid Aspen wood to for long lasting support. The unique design allows the frame and carved legs to flow into each other to create a beautiful piece of furniture with just enough detail to amp up any living space.

 

Carmelli Avenger Shuffleboard Table

pool table

While a pool or foosball table may be the first choice for most, the game of shuffleboard creates a unique type of gaming environment. From the pubs to your home game room, a shuffleboard table will provide a sleek, retro look in your home while giving your household an opportunity to unwind after work. This is the perfect gift for those who have an eye for modern gaming designs.

Our 9-foot Carmelli Avenger Shuffleboard Table is a gift nobody will stop appreciating. The beautiful black melamine cabinet style creates a beautiful, classic look for any home. The sturdy pedestal legs and adjustable levelers provide optimum stability and level play for players for all ages and levels. The Avenger features a slick, poly-coated playing surface to keep pucks sliding smoothly and padded gutters that reduce noise during play.

 

JOOLA Tour 2500 Indoor Table Tennis Table

pool table

Table Tennis is an action-packed game that brings the whole family together for come friendly competition. If you are looking for a gift for the adrenaline junkie in your life, look no further. Bring the exciting game of table tennis inside without sacrificing the aesthetic of your home with a sleek game table.

Our JOOLA Tour 2500 Indoor Table contains the optimal level of strength and thickness to help give each player a consistent bounce. A sleek frame and separable nesting halves make this table perfect for compact storage. This is table is a great way to start off holiday celebrations, as it comes 95% pre-assembled and is ready to play in just 15 minutes!

 

 

Dynamo Pro Style Air Hockey Table

pool table

When it comes to choosing a holiday gift to add to your game room, most of the time, an air hockey table doesn’t immediately come to mind. These game pieces are mostly known to be played in an arcade, but we know otherwise.

When you are investing in a Dynamo Pro Style Air Hockey Table, you are investing in quality. The home air hockey table is a unique, yet nostalgic piece that will bring you back to your arcade days. Spice up your game room with this commercial style table. It has all the toughness and time-tested durability of our widely-respected Dynamo Coin tables, but without the worry of having a roll of quarters to play.

 

Renegade Slate Bumper Pool Table

pool table

Finding a game that everyone in the household will enjoy and use can be almost impossible. When the kids are too small to participate in real-sized billiards, bumper pool will be their favorite choice. Our Renegade Slate Bumper Pool Table offers outstanding durability and value to any family. This table is much smaller than normal pool tables, allowing it to fit in smaller spaces.

The sturdy black cabinet includes rugged pedestal base legs with levelers to keep the table steady when the competition heats up. This pool table comes with everything you need for a quick round: two 48-inch cues, 10 bumper pool balls, a table brush and chalk.

 

 

Rock-Ola Gloss Black Music Center Jukebox

pool table

With our Rock-Ola Jukebox, finding a gift that your music lover will appreciate is simple! As classic retro piece, a jukebox can bring a warm and welcoming environment into your home. It can seamlessly fit into many interior styles, while keeping your guests entertained at your upcoming holiday party.

The Rock-Ola Gloss Black Music Center is the next generation in luxury music systems for the home. It is a full service music management system that allows you to load, organize, and play your CD music collection with a touch of your finger.

 

 

 

 

 

 

With such a variety of game pieces to choose from, you can always find the perfect addition to your special someone’s game collection at Games For Fun. Stop by our showroom to see and experience all of our game tables in person, we would be happy to help you find the game that will stay in your family for years to come.

We offer flexible layaway plans, financing programs, price matching, and will ship your gorgeous new game piece to your home for free.

 

Get an amazing first look at what your future game room could look like!
Visit us at 895 W. Rialto Ave. San Bernardino, California 92410
Or give us a call at: (909)-885-3604

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Air Hockey Darts Fun Music Ping Pong Pool Shuffleboard

Man Cave Must Haves

Everyone needs that space in their home where they can unwind after a long day at work. Whether this space is used to watch your favorite sports teams, or to have your closest friends over for some pool; your man cave gives you an escape from reality. Through your style and interests, you can create a room that is meant solely for leisure.  

When your buddies come over, you’re gonna want to make sure you have all the essentials to keep them entertained.

These are the must haves for every man cave:

Relaxing

You and your guests won’t enjoy the next football game standing up! In this room, the right furniture is just as important as your TV. You’re gonna need some comfortable seating for you and your guests. With a L-shaped couch, everyone will have room to spread out and still be close enough to reach for more chips and dip.  Along with a couch, having a few recliners will help spread out the seating. During an intense game, this will be needed!

You don’t need to limit yourself to just sitting by the TV. If you have enough room, adding some bar stools to your man cave game room is always a good idea. This will be especially helpful when you have a lot of people over. In our showroom, we have plenty of bar stools and chairs to get you started. 

Entertaining

Although we love watching sports games on the TV, sometimes sticking to the classics is necessary. A pool table is a staple item in most entertainment rooms and gives your guests a fun activity to do when there are no games on. In our showroom, we have a diverse selection of pool tables to choose from to match any man cave style. If you can’t make a trip to our store, check out what we have available online! We offer free shipping on all orders and will deliver it right to your door. 

Don’t have enough room to fit a pool table? A foosball table is the perfect alternative. This game is more fast paced, and is easy to set up in any type of room. Unlike pool, you don’t need to be an experienced player to get competitive in this game! 

Refreshing

What is a man cave without drinks? If your room is not near the kitchen, you’re going to need to make refreshments easily accessible. After all, this is the first place your guests will run to upon entering your game room. 

Although having a mini bar is ideal to most, some rooms just don’t have the space for it. If your room is limited on extra space, you are going to need somewhere to store those cold beers. In our showroom, we have products like a kegerator and a Coca Cola refrigerator to keep your drinks cold and ready to go for any game.

After a long day at work, nothing is better than coming home to a room full of your favorite things. Your man cave is the space in your house where you can kick up your feet and relax. This area is exclusively yours and you have the freedom to make it whatever you want.

Get your next must-have piece for your man cave in our showroom! We have a wide variety of products that will seamlessly fit into your favorite space. We are right off the 215 freeway in San Bernardino. Stop by any time Monday through Saturday between 9:00am-5:00pm.

Categories
Music

History of the Jukebox

The Jukebox harkens back to a time of leather jackets, poodle skirts and the Fonz saying “ehhhhhh”.

 

But where this may have been the heyday season of the jukebox, it is not where it started. The invention of the jukebox began when Thomas Edison invented the phonograph in 1877. But it wouldn’t be for another 29 years before the automation process was added that allowed you to put a coin in and select a song and then another 20 years before an amplifier was added so that you could hear the music throughout a room. The Jukebox was starting to gain some popularity; especially during the prohibition era when these machines made their way into speakeasies and became a staple in bars from that time forward.

 

Like almost everything else in the country, the great depression brought the music industry to a screeching halt.

 

Record sales were down drastically. However, the popularity of jukeboxes helped the industry as businesses continued to invest in records for their jukeboxes and by the end of the great depression, the music industry was gaining momentum again. In the 1940’s, jukeboxes were at the beginning of their golden age. Their original design always looked like a radio, but now companies were creating them with some flair. They seemed to take on the characteristics of vehicles that were being produced at that time. They now had chrome accents and were showing off bold colors.

 

But alas, their golden days were not meant to stay. 😞

 

As the music industry continued to evolve and technology was allowing people to get their music in new and different ways, the jukebox lost its mainstay appeal. Today, most people are getting access to their music through their phones, not at a local malt shop. But that doesn’t mean that these machines are any less important. They were the forerunners of iPods and music on demand apps. They also have enjoyed a resurgence as people sought out nostalgia pieces. If you loved the jukeboxes of old, maybe it’s time to look into getting one for yourself. Games for Fun has many different models available for you.

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