I'd like to build my own jukebox too :) Where can I find a tutorial?

[spystyle]

Howdy,

Like the title says I'd like to build a jukebox too, but apparently I've missed the mecca of information on the topic, I can't find a tutuorial on the matter.

How did you guys build your jukes?

Other than buying commercial plans, has anyone written a complete jukebox how-to?

I read through this forum but (maybe) overlooked it...

Thanks,
Craig

[GadgetGeek]

My loud speaker is only 41" tall, but is 4.5 years old and a cutie just like your loud speaker.  What is that box with the big hole in it?  

[GadgetGeek]

I'm not going to be much help on a source for plans, but given the size of that box and the fact that you want to run a laptop as the computer, I would think that a half-circle top would give it a nice jukebox look.  My thoughts on how to build it...cut out a pair of matching half circles out of 3/4" ply or mdf with the edges rounded over on both sides.  Then about a 1/4" in from the inside edge on both pieces, route a 1/8"  groove between 1/4 and 1/2" deep.  Then put 1/8" mdf into the slot and attach a couple inside braces to keep the whole thing together.  Cutouts on the front for laptop screen and controls is left as an excercise.  Rope light or actual bubble tubes to complete the image.  Paint/stain/laminate/vinyl to taste.  I've been giving all this a fair amount of thought as I'm hoping to build my own juke soon.
IIRC, there is a BYO Juke site, but traffic was pretty low and I can't find my bookmark...here it is http://www.jukeboxcontrols.com/

[Chris]

I suppose I could just sit a laptop running Winamp on it but I see everyone has proper jukes with keypads and nifty stuff, what's their source of information?

Building a control panel for a jukebox isn't really any different from building an arcade panel.  The big question is what input methods your desired jukebox software supports and whether those inputs are configurable.  If the laptop has USB, you could always hack a USB gamepad and use <blatant plug>WinCab Jukebox 3.0 (http://webpages.charter.net/celamantia/jukebox)</blatant plug>... or the more expensive option would be to use a USB iPac.  Standalone USB keypads could be a good choice...

Are you looking for a classic style jukebox or a modern album-oriented jukebox?  WinCab will do both in its final form, but the album version of it is not fully working yet.  The king of the album jukeboxes is Virtual Music Jukebox ($24.95 at http://www.virtualmusicjukebox.com/).

--Chris

--Chris

[bigle]

i've yet to come across one.  since you did such a great job on the arcade cabinet tutorial is looks like you might be the right guy for the job spystyle.

[SteveJ34]

For some info you can trot over to:

http://www.virtualmusicjukebox.com

and take a look at the forums including project pics. It's a little sparse but might give you some ideas as to what others have done.

Juke project styles are varied, lots of different approaches, a nostalgic retro look or new wave style. Biggest choice is probably the interface, button pad, touchscreen, or something in between.

I've been gathering parts but haven't decided on the cabinet style yet. I have acquired an LCD (trying to decide if I want to add touchscreen), mini home amp, and speakers but am still playing with different designs.

[june]

I'd have to agree with Chris - building a jukebox was identical to building a cab for me.  The only additional step was picking the software I liked and then identifying/programming the inputs needed.  

As for the cabinet design, I should have the plans and dimensions for mine available this week.  It's not the traditional, Wurlitzer-style juke, but I like it.   You can see it here...

http://www.arcadecontrols.org/yabbse/index.php?board=10;action=display;threadid=20824

My husband is working on the plans, and he had just one measurement to finalize.  So, if you'd consider a style similar to this one, I'll probably have it posted in a day or two.  

You really did create an awesome tutorial.  If you did decide to do a jukebox one, I'd be glad to share any measurements and photos you might need, if it'll help.

[paigeoliver]

If you want to simply do an easy jukebox project then start out with an old 50s or 60s console stereo (big wooden record player). These are awesome for jukebox conversions. You will already have the big high quality speakers, and might be able to reuse the nice tube amp inside (if it still works).

[mrjukebox]

Howdy,

Like the title says I'd like to build a jukebox too, but apparently I've missed the mecca of information on the topic, I can't find a tutuorial on the matter.

How did you guys build your jukes?

Other than buying commercial plans, has anyone written a complete jukebox how-to?

I read through this forum but (maybe) overlooked it...

Thanks,
Craig
http://spystyle.arcadecontrols.com

Our tutorial helps with different scenarios etc. And its free!!!
Click on my signature for more information

cheers,
Mrjukebox

[DrewKaree]

Our tutorial helps with different scenarios etc. And its free!!!
Click on my signature for more information

cheers,
Mrjukebox

It's one thing to miss the complete topic of the thread, it's quite another to seemingly miss it on purpose in order to pimp your software.

It's SO annoying to me to see you post this, when clearly you have no idea what the poster is looking for.  He's looking for a tutorial, as in how to build, install, setup, etc.  

He's NOT looking for your crappy tutorial as to how to install your software and configure it.  Pimp your software in the buy/sell/trade forum, or at the VERY LEAST, read the posts before spamming us with your friggen "go to my site, perhaps you'll wanna buy my software too, wink wink".

Also, 60 bucks for what your software does?  That's fine, but since you can't seem to read and decipher the english version of what a problem is, why would I want to PAY for your software when the free jukes out here have authors who can read and understand what the problem or question actually is?

Lamer

[tteettuk]

Hi if you search on eBay you will see the plans /manual for a Ami Continental jukebox, the best looking jukebox of the 1950/60's  search : ami continental

[spystyle]

Hi if you search on eBay you will see the plans /manual for a Ami Continental jukebox, the best looking jukebox of the 1950/60's  search : ami continental

$43.66 for plans? Then an additional $23.82 for "part 2"?

I suppose there is a part 3?

You must be crazy!

I'd sooner figure it out on my own.

Talk to me when it is $20 for the entire plan.

----

What is it about this thread that attracts knuckle-headed pimps?

[mccoy178]

Spystyle, I have a question.  Honestly innocent (sort of).  Didn't you sell plans on ebay on how to build a cabinet?  That's how I found this site.  I thought it was you who was selling them.  But anyways, I paid like $7 to pretty much find this site.  If it wasn't you, I appologize.

[Barry Barcrest]

Hi if you search on eBay you will see the plans /manual for a Ami Continental jukebox, the best looking jukebox of the 1950/60's  search : ami continental

Man digging up a thred from 2004 is not the way to go when you join a board dude... McCoy you shoul dhave known better 

[spystyle]

Spystyle, I have a question.  Honestly innocent (sort of).  Didn't you sell plans on ebay on how to build a cabinet?  That's how I found this site.  I thought it was you who was selling them.

 

Hi there,

I was NOT flaming the guy for selling his book - you'll note I said "talk to me when it is $20"

Writers certainly have the right to sell a book. I sell my tutorial on ePay for $9.50 and that includes unlimited technical support and updates, both for life. Also free worldwide shipping - I am not a capitolist, I believe I have an excellent book and sell it at an excellent price. I always say if you are not 200% satisfied with my coaching and tutorial you get a full refund.

I WAS flaming the knucklehead for selling his book in multiple parts equalling $67 with more "parts" to come - that price is too high to casually promote.

Honestly, for $67 I'd sooner figure it out.

Cheers,
Craig

p.s.

But anyways, I paid like $7 to pretty much find this site.  If it wasn't you, I apologize.

 

You are implying my tutorial is simply a link to this site? That's untrue. My tutorial has over 20 chapters and more than 850 pictures. The PDF is 76 megabytes in size.

[spystyle]

Back on topic:

Here are free plans to an excellent juke by June:

http://www.kingcupcottage.com/arcade/

Thank you June

Cheers,
Craig

[NinjaEpisode]

Back on topic:

Here are free plans to an excellent juke by June:

http://www.kingcupcottage.com/arcade/

Thank you June

Cheers,
Craig

Hopefully those aren't included in your tutorial without June's permission. 

[spystyle]

Where did that come from?

I don't include ANYBODY's work in my tutorial except my own.

I link to cabinet plans because what good is a building tutorial without plans.

[spystyle]

Anyway, once again back on topic.

I was Googling some home made jukes and came across this:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericthecleric/sets/72157594349019395/

I really dig it. He's integrated the buttons into the frame for the LCD, it looks really smooth. It is "bolted on" to an old juke.

I had the idea a person could build a loudspeaker (like an Altec) and "bolt" that type of interface on top.

For example, leaving out the "port" (the rectangular cut in the loudspeaker cabinet below) a person could flip the cab, put a shelf inside to house a PC, add a full range speaker in the hole. Bolt on an LCD and some buttons and *poof* a big Juke that makes big sound.

Cheers,
Craig

p.s. Here is some nice vintage Altec loudspeaker plans and literature:
http://www.lansingheritage.org/images/altec/plans/

[Barry Barcrest]

1. It's bolted on to an old radio not a juke...

2. That's an industrial touchscreen and it comes with those buttons, it's not a mod he's done.

All in all i think that's a pretty lazy ass effort. He has taken and all-in-one touch panel pc and just stuck it on the top of an old radio. Just my opinion but it's only about an hours work (Maybe longer to stain) not really a project. Might as well buy a megatouch and respray it, install XP and jukesoftware and call that a project.

[spystyle]

I can dig it

"one hour"
"off the shelf"
"inexpensive"
"so easy my dog could do it if he had thumbs"

These are appealing things to a handyman :)

[myntik1]

leapinlew gave me the green light to copy his juke. not that I needed one, but it's nice to know someone doesn't mind. i'm finally getting off my lazy arse tomorrow and going to home depot and chrome depot (the ghetto super cheap stereo store). I'll post some pics

[spystyle]

Link to LeapinLew's juke:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=52734.msg524107

and the juke it is based on:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=51350.0

[Barry Barcrest]

Link to LeapinLew's juke:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=52734.msg524107

and the juke it is based on:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=51350.0

I thought LeapinLew took inspiration from the Metal Station... I really like the spinners on his speakers, very pimp my ride esque. Also i like the fact he uses my software 

[DrewKaree]

I thought LeapinLew took inspiration from the Metal Station

   Seriously?  If so, then you also thought he took HUUUUUUGE creative license in completely redoing the design

[spystyle]

Link to The Metal Station:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=47707.0

[Barry Barcrest]

First off, your metal station was the inspiration for me to build a jukebox. I hadn't considered it even an option until I saw yours. So, not possessing your skills, but still having the desire for a jukebox - I did the best I could with what I had. Overall I'm happy how it turned out and it was a fairly inexpensive project.

Why i am participating in such an old thred i don't know...

[DrewKaree]

It's new again, duh!

I read "inspiration" to mean "Man, I want to build a juke" from him there.

For whatever reason, I read your use of the same word to mean "the juke he based his project on".