How Rock-Ola Hand-Build Jukeboxes

How Rock-Ola Hand-Build Jukeboxes

Our process begins by sorting walnut veneered bentwood cabinet panels by color and grain. These panels are then squared and the top, bottom and sides are machined for the cabinets and door frames.

Our CNC (computerized numerical control) machine operator then selects programs that automatically cuts various cabinet, base and door panels from Maple plywood, Baltic Birch, high density particle board and MDF wood sheets. Hand-picked African satinwood veneer is used for the door front. The two solid hardwood door “knees” go through a separate hand cut ten step machining process to cut, glue, shape, detail, sand, stain and finish.

All of the cut wooden panels and trim pieces are assembled into cabinets and door assemblies, using the same case clamps that Rock-Ola used since the late 1930’s to produce their jukeboxes, furniture, radio and television cabinets. The wooden cabinets and door assemblies are then sent for sanding and finishing where they go through a five-step finishing process before receiving two coats of clear satin finish. 

 

 

Once in the assembly area, seven stainless steel panels are affixed to the cabinet base frame, wheels and top trim frame are added and base is mounted to the cabinet. Six cut glass mirror strips are glued into the recess on the sides of the cabinet. A colorful back mural, locking mechanism, power supply, amplifier, audio connection panel, volume control, 10” bass speaker, coin cup and chute, crossover and cables are installed.

The wooden door assembly receives 15 triple plated chrome die cast trims pieces. A total of 15 plastic lighting panels/inserts are installed, followed by 8 hand made glass bubble tubes, LED light assemblies, rotating color cylinders, diamond grill cloth, 2-6” and 2-3” speakers, keyboard, Bluetooth receiver, cables and tempered glass windows. The door assemblies are then shaved by hand to mate perfectly to the cabinet assemblies. The CD or record mechanism and title page assemblies are built in a separate area. Both go through a 24-hour test procedure before being installed into the completed cabinets and doors.

Now the completed jukebox is powered up. The operation of the mechanism, title page, sound system, lighting and physical appearance are all checked. The jukebox is allowed to run on test for 2-3 hours before being sent to the burn-in area for function, sound check, and final inspection. Once entering the burn-in area, the jukebox gets a check of the mechanism, title page, lighting, sound system and appearance. This jukebox is then placed on a 24-hour self-diagnostic run-in procedure to test the mechanism, keyboard and title page functions. 

 

When the 24-hour test procedure is complete, the jukebox enters the sound booth. A Hi-pot test is performed to ensure proper grounding. Multiple selections are made, the sound system is checked along with the mechanism, keyboard, title page, Bluetooth, remote control and microphone functions. 

A final visual appearance inspection is done before being sent to be inner packed and crated for shipment.