Wurlitzer
In the 1930s and 1940s, one name was synonymous with the jukebox, Wurlitzer. Previously successful producing organs and player pianos, the Wurlitzer company began producing jukeboxes which incorporated fantastical lighting effects and art deco design to create a more physically appealing listening experience than had previously been available. They were also one of the first to introduce the now standard glass window in front of the record selector to allow the listener to see what was going on behind the curtain. All of these effects gave the listener something to watch while listening to their selection, be it the actual functioning of the selector and tone arm, or the light show of the cabinet, providing a clever solution to the invisibility of sound. These unique attributes make Wurlitzer jukeboxes some of the most desirable among collectors.
The Wurlitzer Model 1015
The Wurlitzer 1015, also known as The Bubbler, was introduced in 1946 following the close of the Second World War. During the War, restriction on raw materials used for war had precluded the use of plastics from manufacturing but, with war time rationing over, Wurlitzer was free to create their most successful model ever, which sold over 55,000 units. The 1015 featured a fantastic array of lights behind brightly colored plastic, an enclosed bubble tube on the front fascia, and the rounded top that came to define the jukebox in popular culture.
Wurlitzer was also quite adept at marketing to the masses, as evidenced by this educational film created to show how the manufacturing process worked as well as demonstrating the functioning of the device.
Although Wurlitzer was overshadowed by other companies in the 1950s and beyond, their innovative approach to design left its mark on all devices which would follow, and Wurlitzer jukeboxes appear in a number of period films, their cultural impact undeniable.