Fixing the Wurlitzer Niagara Jukebox

Mark services a 1975 Wurlitzer Niagara Jukebox. Mechanical service, lock replacement, gas strut repair, speaker test, lamp fixes, and amplifier inspection.

[@darkstatehk]

I like how Mark is permanently in happy mode.

[@marcse7en]

Some people need drugs for that! 🤣 (Due to an infestation of humourless hate-filled trolls, and the general toxicity of social media, I no longer monitor or otherwise revisit any comments I may make!)

[@Matt_Aquila]

except for 23:13 ;)

[@neilbarnett3046]

That's the isopropyl alcohol. 🤪

[@davidgriffin79]

I find it a bit relentless.

[@davidgriffin79]

@@Matt_Aquila And 29:06.

[@MrAsBBB]

Just found Mark’s channel and I will be honest, as an electronic geek, I find every video so relaxing. I love someone who enjoys what they do. I’ve been lucky that I have enjoyed everything I have done but not the politics and management that I. Have had to deal with. This year, 2024 I want to retire and spend my retirement repairing things.. All the best

[@steveosshenanigans]

See if you have ‘’repair cafe’’near you, you can volunteer to repair items that Joe Public bring in

[@aalexjohna]

Closeted homosexual?

[@Mark.Brindle]

Why does this channel not have 10x more subs? Brilliant channel!

[@Mozart4000]

True. Let's thank us Tom Evans. 😂

[@integerofdoom69]

​@Mozart4000 It brought me here and I couldn't be happier.

[@WOFFY-qc9te]

Is it because we are more discriminating and appreciate the honest technical abilities of Mark without drama, although an errant tie wrap initiated a fruity report .

[@Mark.Brindle]

@WOFFY-qc9te Let's have a Tie Wrap tutorial by Mark

[@WOFFY-qc9te]

@@Mark.Brindle Full spectral analysis ?..

[@MrEtonmess]

The confidence Mark has tearing this beast apart is truly amazing.

[@lostndebox]

That cable tie comment at the end was incredible! Haha...that's the life of a repair tech! I've felt that pain a thousand times.

[@maicod]

he should've filmed the whole disassembly again to get rid of that cable tie :)

[@rileysimmons9886]

29:05 started watching recently, and after quite a few videos, this is the first time I could really feel the frustration. A true man of patience!

[@69bartman6969]

me too! he's human after all

[@thenflywjaz6917]

Love your channel content. Was very surprised that you didn't replace the stylus, as a matter of routine servicing. A worn stylus could certainly explain the muffled sound. Great job.

[@ianstorey1521]

Mark seems to be able to fix any retro gear. Amazing skill.

[@konotathan]

Sadly, I'm not in the UK, but your videos help me to motivate myself and to understand better how the Wurlitzer 3000 of my grandpa used to work. I hope I'll finally make it run like when I was a child, he would be proud of me!

[@silkroad1201]

You must have some skills then. I know the simplicity of this kind of job is purely an illusion given by the vast experience of a seasoned professional

[@stretchmorgan]

@@silkroad1201 And a workshop with all the tools & metering devices to hand....

[@DrLoverLover]

Its not that hard. Mostly electro mechanical

[@kevincozens6837]

Nice to see old machines like this getting repaired and restored to working order. The designers of the jukebox did a nice job of making the system easy to work on.

[@gs425]

Unlike most things yank made, wurlitzers were actually well made and designed to last. I cut my teeth on a 1947 bubble tube orginal that my old boss bought back in 80s. With no service doc i had to find my way around it ...but got there in the end. And quite enjoyed keeping the old beast going .

[@WOFFY-qc9te]

Great job Mark, that black oxide is sometime from H2S hydrogen sulphide, you get this from rotting bananas and other organic stuff, it is very destructive since it is such a good insulator. I had a switch room MCC at a paper mill that was badly ventilated and the busbars and motor contactors were black. The whole lot had to be disassembled and cleaned. Another issue can be when kit is exposed to near silicone polish that is bad news for relays as one BT telephone exchange found out.

[@filmwork1]

23:13 "fck sake" first time ive heard you curse after binge watching all of your videos this week. 😂

[@djhrecordhound4391]

Really late to this party, but adding a bit of context history on this beautiful jukebox: Wurlitzer's factory was in Buffalo, N.Y., near the city of Niagara Falls. With the sibilance I caught on final tests, it sounded like the stylus was knackered. Peeking in comments, I see you had wisely changed the cartridge, but I bet a new stylus would have made a world of overall difference. Still you made it sing wonderfully, cheers Mark!!!!

[@hi-friaudioman]

7:29 that is a really cool design! The way the plugs are neatly in a row, shielded and secured by a security plate is genius and a nice attention to detail. Peak mechanical design era.

[@blizteredthumbs7911]

23:10 ... excuse me?! Lol is this man human after all. I caught a cheeky little F bomb. All good bro 😎

[@MrDunklerEngel]

The cable tie on the contacts....FFS....🤣😂 Just love this channel, you're doing an amazing job, thanks.

[@RickMahoney2013]

OMG I basically grew up in the late 60’s and all of the 70’s best times of my life. I would love to have a room in my house with a jukebox like this and some old video games and other things. This is really nice to see someone to work on these things.

[@paulmichaelfreedman8334]

A man cave doesn't have to cost much, if you're handy with tools and woodwork and such

[@klauslaus2535]

Brutal technology at its finest, that fascinated me even as a child, today I am 61 years old, and I am very happy that you showed this music box and its inner workings, thank you very much for that. I often ask myself what would be mechanically electrically possible if microcontrollers didn't exist. Today you have to be a programmer, back then you have to be a technician...

[@TassieLorenzo]

The electric hardtop on a 1950's Lincoln Continental ran electromechanically IIRC. It was pretty elaborate for the time and not un-prone to going out of alignment and jamming!

[@Luckystone211]

An awesome engineer indeed in the field of home audio, especially for those of us, audiophiles included who still use the equipments of the 70s,80s and 90s.These equipments were robust and designed to last with impeccable performance and with a great fan following.Iam 70 years old and still listen to my rack mounted system,I tell you they sound great.

[@robw6277]

Love the Channel Mark. A man of many skills. If I could please suggest you use a softer paper towel though. That green stuff goes through me. I don't know where you have found that.

[@edawnerraw3148]

7 plays for 50p! You could have had close to 10 minutes of Television's Marquee Moon for just 7p! 🤣 Fantastic work as always Mark.

[@spooktasticaparanormal]

Hello Mark, thanks so much for this fantastic video. It's a pure nostalgia overload. I remember popping some coins into one of these whilst on holiday when I was just 12 years old. Love and light to you from Paul in Bonnie Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿. 🥰😇👍

[@richardanderson5424]

Nice to see you using a sucker. Most people seem to be using desoldering braid. Also a heat gun on the heat shrink and not contaminating your iron,

[@tomaskorenek1259]

that cable tie at the end made me chuckle, seeing only second video but already subscribed to see more. Look like easy job for you to fix that big machine. Never seen such beautiful jukebox, look cool.

[@BulletmanDoom]

It's incredible how these things worked as well as they did. Most were in pubs filled with cigarette smoke and drunks splashing beer around and bumping into it. All those mechanical parts and open contacts yet apart from some oxidation it's still as good as it was in it's prime.

[@zbaby82]

Good job. I was thinking it may need a new stylus/needle. A friend of mine used to check them with a microscope.

[@sw6188]

I was thinking that too. I have worked on many old jukeboxes including early Wurlitzers that play 78 discs, and that grungy sound lacking in top end is usually due to a worn stylus. Edit - I just read further down that he discovered it had a bad cartridge. The rubber stylus mount had gone very hard. New cartridge fixed it.

[@maidenfarms]

One of my new favorite channels. What a likable guy! This and Mr Carlsons Lab ❤

[@kssrinivasarao3888]

I have been following Mr. Mark's Channel since couple of months, Excellent explanation in details. Keep updating us.

[@philpowell8146]

Mark, you are awesome, amazing work as always, you make it look very easy! I bloody loved the FFS at the end and the F bomb when you lost the solder joint on the neutral 😂 I’m so childish.

[@danstewart8218]

I would have really liked to have seen more of the finished product Mark.. 😉 Beautiful job! 👍

[@11000038]

Me too 😃

[@boltingskyline5234]

Good job, Marky! I love those old Jukebox's. Uhhh...! What was that You said again? 23:13 😮 🤣🤣🤣

[@QARepair]

All respect for You and people who engineering before , absolutely 😍 You are genius, I think only few people in the world can do a proper recovery restoration job for .., there's soul 👍

[@gm837228]

What a beautiful piece of kit brought back to life and restored to it's former glory. Well done!

[@RobertGott-c3f]

Never owned a jukebox but found the video very interesting 😊 Have subscribed to the channel 😊😊😊 I think it I’m going to learn a lot Thank you 😊

[@afzaalkhan.m]

What a pleasant personality . Everything explained with a smile

[@jimmy_jamesjams_a_lot4171]

My goodness!?! My, how Wurlitzer built that massive cabinet! To me, it has an uncannily similar design to the likes of Willi Studer. Nice big huge hinged blocks with contacts sort of like backplanes. All really well thought out and thoroughly designed. There’s no such thing as overengineered unless your not an engineer.

[@abdelkarimbachiri6251]

Thank you for the information. When we were childrens we were listening to this machine, but we don't know how it was working. Thank you.

[@simonlunt353]

I have watched a fair few of your videos and Mark l always thought you were a cool Calm chap very happy in your work but too hear you swear l was surprised 😯 l can’t blame you and I am not complaining but as always great attention to detail always good to watch you do your work 😊👍👏👏

[@pookatim]

These were amazing machines. Designed to be field serviceable and robust enough to withstand years of abuse and cigarette smoke.

[@Tim-Bristol-UK]

Great video Mark, you look so happy in your work, Video is great quality and a pleasure to watch

[@resipsaloquitur13]

Geeeez... As a young person: Whats a person gotta do to have the knowladge of someone like this? School? A EE PhD? Just do it? Have a good mentor? All that? I mean, I know loads of folks that have done this type of thing for years that dont have the wealth of knowlage of this guy. Whats the secret, Mark?

[@SimonEllwood]

Time on the tools in this case. An apprenticeship if you can.

[@mfbfreak]

You don't learn repair in schools anymore. Register on a bunch of electronics forums, fix everything you can get your hands on, and find people who can assist you IRL with things you don't manage to finish yourself. Do learn theory as well! There are a lot of cargo culted 'repair' methods in the vintage world. Electronics theory can be learned in schools.

[@pergessle9394]

Mark....You are simply GENIUS!

[@PaulHigginbothamSr]

To think I used to put money in those to listen. My word. I had an old pair of Sennhiezer headphones. When the cable failed I had to get a new pair of Bluetooth headphones. It is amazing quality has risen so much in 20 years, or maybe I am 76 years old but goodness gracious these sound good.

[@kenyarborough812]

That jukebox is much simpler than the early 1960s ones. Looks like Wurlitzer spent a lot of time fixing common areas with older ones.

[@elsaarmstrong-zp6ng]

Mark is right! Just a tiny spot of oil! Too much just attracts more dirt and causes more problems! I worked nearly 50 years on electronic and electro-mechanical machines! Oil getting onto contacts like circuits breakers ,relays ,switches only makes arcing worse and contacts burn out!

[@linfreeman5574]

Mark you are SO good ---------- i really enjoy watching you at work ------------ headphones on --------------- and i can just relax ----------------- MARVELOUS

[@pwalshj]

Mark, I sincerely appreciate that you are not a "nuke from orbit" guy when it comes to existing components. I have seen so many "repairs" done by "techs" who are, in reality, just "parts changers".

[@ACCOUNTANTB]

its a wonderfull machine !! a 7' jukebox !! so many history behind !! - Congratulations dude !!! - brilliant job !!

[@rioborzeli147]

👏👏 My God , You can fix anything , Lol . Love your show . Take care

[@Osk.S57]

Love the sound when you were testing the speakers. Very 50s sci-fi movie.

[@bobgrob4]

another kick-butt video, Mark. 86K and climbing.

[@bexleydragon5294]

Great old machine :-) Made to be serviced and repaired and built to last forever it seems 😮

[@quantumleap359]

Just found your channel Mark, I am so impressed with your work! We sure need more technicians like you! Subscribed.

[@wisher21uk]

Wow Mark nice to see a properly made Jukebox not like the rubbish cd player type, lovely sound I bet as well thanks nice repair techniques too thanks

[@SassyXR6007]

Best electronic channel I've come across. Subbed and now I'm keen to start up my own electronic setup 😊

[@SassyXR6007]

Good job mate! Oh, it's me

[@andysgaragediecastrestorations]

Great job. I’ve owned a 1987 Fuego which I thought was exactly the same inside but is a little different from yours. The carousel. Mine has only given trouble in the last few years on the end pick up. Thats the contacts at 12.36 they can only be accessed from the front. So difficult since they are at the back. Great informative video. 👍

[@VP-dx8xk]

Watching these videos is so calming... it's almost like meditation...

[@wdavem]

Using the card/thick paper for cleaning has worked very well over and over even for magnetic heads, even video heads (as a LAST resort/if you know what you are doing). For the next level up I use a broken tooth pick (not for video heads). You can use the splintered end for minimally abrasive delicate cleaning.

[@Crispy_Bee]

With the next jukebox you may want to checkt the tonearm weight adjustment. Even if the stylus is fine it sounds like there's way too much pressure on the record.

[@yannickbelis5360]

Very very good job ! I live in France and I really regret not having such a talented specialist to repair my Niagara 2 Electronic! Anyway, congratulations on your videos.

[@waynesharp1690]

Beautiful machine especially with all the lights working for the night ❤️

[@robhodder1687]

Nice to see you testing caps ESR rather than just replacing everything in sight.

[@Stuart_Cox1969]

That was brilliant, really enjoyed it, thanks Mark.

[@briangoldberg4439]

Have you ever tried a regular red pencil eraser on dirty copper traces? I find it works most of the time for me, and it spares me from the terrible little fiberglass fragments; also leaves a smoother surface as it does not mar the copper at all

[@mgm5457]

Blue Scotch brite by 3M for cleaning (fine) and Green for (heavy clean) Marvel Mystery Oil for light duty lube and freeing stuck screw and fasteners. Enjoy your channel, I too have had to make quite a few parts over the years (Copier and Printer Tech)

[@outfield1988]

You make everything look easy

[@Antonio-gc1cn]

Amazing jukebox!!! Great work!!!

[@ossianhaufe4671]

Very nice, I like this device after you serviced it.

[@MrHandleman123]

Hey! I met this guy in my Anger Management group years ago. Looks like that class is working for him better than me. THAT REALLY GETS MY GOAT! NOTHING WORKS FOR ME!!!

[@valdocesarsiqueira8716]

Rio de Janeiro- Brasil 👋👋👋👋magnífico. Você é um gênio. Parabéns

[@jonathanrose456]

Nice job. Would suggest that the stripey green & yellow be left longer. Ideally, if the cable were pulled they’d loosen in line, then neutral, then cpc order

[@DANWRIGHTITIS]

great Job mark! I felt ya `pain at the end !! I changed the master fader on a 20channel mixer last week for a mate. Fixed & Boxed up & all 150 knobs back on. Then I spotted 4 little screws left over after!! F.F:S . The National Battle Cry! I put them safely in a box with all the other STRAYS. Will reinstall them ( where i do not know) next time it needs fixing. Cheers from MADRID PS. do you recommend a stronger Solder iron for desoldering. I had a helluva job with my JBC 25w!

[@stevesje71]

Mark you are my saviour! 😂 at last someone who doesn’t replace all capacitors for the sake of it

[@feynthefallen]

Hint: If you have resistors you suspect might be getting hot, it's worth putting a little glassfiber and silicone sock on them, especially on the older paper-based boards that don't tolerate heat as well as the newer glassfiber reinforced ones.

[@dcorcouk]

It's great watching you trouble shooting. I'm surprised that you didn't change the stylus, since the amp. was in good working order.

[@cliftdean]

Well done! You should do more jukeboxes

[@rrotwang]

I really enjoy your videos Adam Wolf Brooklyn NYC

[@pradesmastering5746]

3:32 A Classic Freakbeat/Psychedelic Track ..... Dream by Cupids Inspiration. Nice Choice!

[@SpicyEngineer]

The old Whirlitzer factory is now broken into a bunch of different shoppes and restaurants and stuff.

[@Ragnar8504]

I see one cap in there that I might replace even if it tests good and that's the large-ish golden one. It's made by Frako and 70s through 90s Frako caps have a bit of a reputation, I've seen quite a few shorted ones. Many do still work but you never know for how long.

[@jlev505]

I do the same thing. Leave well enough alone on old capacitors. I only change them if a circuit is faulty.

[@craigr306]

Have to say I enjoyed that. 30:02 off to make a brew and see what other videos you have it’s 4am fek it

[@antronargaiv3283]

I wonder about mounting the 220 ohm resistor on the other side of the PCB, where there's better air circulation for better cooling?

[@postersm7141]

I have a 1967 Rockola. One of the last years that had an expose mechanism. The last bloke lol that had it converted to FreePlay and I convert it back to coins :-)

[@1971VoiceoftheMummy]

Excellent work!

[@CoroaEntertainment]

After cleaning all the spring loaded electrical contacts, why didn't you lube (Deoxit) them? Like 8:48, 11:57, 12:33 & 13:39 Also, it seems some bulbs are not lighting up (skips a few on the left side, and every other bulb on the right side). 29:16 Is that because the carousel not fully loaded with 45's?

[@rongeernaert1208]

3 stars Jukebox service !

[@raindogred]

great tips about esr meter and checking caps. i gotta service my 1982 sountracs mixer. was going to re-cap the whole thing. think i'll build as esr, learn to use it and save myself a bit of work. Also look into one of those caps discharge gizmos and a desolder gun..I liked and subbed a couple days ago. been binge watching ur vids Mark. love this channel. equal parts educational because you talk through the process and entertaining when you @#$% up..he is human after all :)

[@Ragnar8504]

From what I've learned you need to be able to interpret the ESR readings though. Old ESR meters had a chart with acceptable ESR values for each capacitance and voltage rating. If I remember correctly the larger the cap and the higher its voltage rating the more ESR is acceptable.

[@PJ-ml3yy]

My recollections from the late 1970's early 80's is that the sound quality on these juke boxes were always muffled and poor quality. Great video!

[@that_thing_I_do]

Would you call that truly electronic? Looked a lot like snap and buzz technology. Loved his fastidious manner.

[@DjMjk]

Mend it Mark I watch your videos are so funny 🤣 to me I can’t keep watching your videos 12:06

[@NikMartin-I-am]

I couldn't tell from KZbin, but did the frequency response come back? It still sounded pretty muffled at the end.

[@chrispeters7399]

Hello Mark. I just acquired a Niagara Jukebox and it also needs a new gas strut, but I am having trouble finding the correct one at a reasonable price. Any chance you could post a part number for your replacement strut, it would be helpful. Thanks for the video, it was very helpful in my first attempt at cleaning contacts.

[@11000038]

Brilliant as always!

[@neilscully6597]

Great videos. Just getting back into electronic repairs after a good few years away. What is the manufacturer of the soldering irons you are using they look nice. I need new kit as my old Weller station from the late 80s uses the old bits with the thermostat built in that are no longer available and my stocks are now depleted.

[@ТаняГевейлер-з3г]

Good job Mark! 👍 😊

[@that_thing_I_do]

Loved this one!

[@EsotericArctos]

I'd usually use a dielectric grease on the wiper contacts. I know the oil works, but the grease tends to stay araound a bit longer :).

[@Jammerk40]

Very nice fix! I like your videos!