Wurlitzer 3300 Americana III Jukebox Repair Journal and
Photos
by Chad Hauris, Retro
Electronics and Audio Lab, Midland, TX. 2/16/06, Updated 6/20/06
The Wurlitzer 3300 Americana III
was the last model of the original American Wurlitzer Co. to use the
traditional Wurlitzer mechanism and
selection system. The next model (Statesman 3400) used the Wurlamatic
system which picked the record from the carousel with a gripper arm
like on a Rockola or Rowe and played it flat. The Wurlamatic system
encountered trouble when it was first introduced and much money was
lost by the company on repairs. Some people think it was this 3400
mechanism that led to the demise of Wurlitzer in N. Tonawanda N.Y.
later in the 1970's. I think the vertical record playing system was the
best system
Wurlitzer used.
We have received notice of the Wurlitzer Lyric of 1975 which did return
to the traditional vertical Wurlitzer mechanism. Thanks to that
contributor for pointing it out as we have not had to work on
one...That model I believe was built by the German Wurlitzer Co.
This 3300 basically worked when it came in but needed some freshening
up such as new ballasts and
power cord and a cleaning and lubrication. We cleaned, lubricated, and
adjusted the mechanism as it was running at 33 rpm and not staying at
45.
Please click on the photos for larger views.
Front view with lid open before repairs.
Rear view before repairs.
Amp before repairs. We replaced the electrolytic and paper capacitors,
restoring good power and bass response to the amp.
Replacing caps in the amp.
We replaced the old ballasts with a new electronic ballast and used
washers to space it out from the cabinet for proper cooling. We
replaced the power cord to the ballast and added a 3 amp fuse. Also, we
replaced the cord to the "day-to-night" animation motor and replaced
the belt to get the display working again.
Front view with lid closed.
Top panel. The motor system in the top moves a diffuser slowly in and
out over the fluorescent bulb, giving the city scene a night-to-day
effect.
Return to
Wurlitzer Jukebox page
Retro Electronics Home Page
