SEEBURG - M100B Jukebox

An authentic masterpiece of American engineering and design from the Golden Age. Released in 1950, the Seeburg M100B is not simply a jukebox: it is the historic machine that inaugurated the modern era of musical reproduction in diners and venues across America, becoming the visual symbol of the first Rock 'n' Roll.

Electrified era jukebox already wired for 220V European network. The unit was serviced about 20 years ago and subsequently kept in a domestic environment without further use. Connected to power it powers on regularly: the motors start, the mechanism begins the scrolling motion, and the original valve amplifier shows signs of warm power. Because of the long period of inactivity, the mechanism requires routine cleaning and lubrication (an ordinary conservative service) to optimize the smooth flow of selections. It is sold as an original vintage specimen for refurbishment, representing a perfect, complete auction base for collectors or enthusiasts.

Seeburg M100B "The B" (1950): The Legend that Revolutionized the History of Music

Anatomy and Detailed Analysis of the Object:

1. The Visible Mechanism (The Panorama Dome):

The upper part is dominated by a spectacular curved glass dome that showcases the legendary Select-O-Matic mechanism. Unlike hidden systems, here the mechanical act becomes a spectacle: the electro-mechanical carriage slides horizontally, retrieves the vinyl, and places it on the turntable before the eyes of the viewer.

2. The Title Board (Titler Board):

Right beneath the dome unfolds the large silkscreen with the carousel of title cards (100 selections divided by musical genre). The original warm yellow-orange graphic frame perfectly encases the catalog of tracks.

3. The Selection Keyboard and Coin Op:

In the center of the mid-band stands the iconic two‑tone alphanumeric A B C D E F G H J K / 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 keyboard, flanked to the right by the original coin slot and the coin return mechanism.

4. The Iconic Front Grille in Two Tones:

The lower section features the famous Coral Orange and Cream contoured frame, a pure mid-century color explosion. The speaker grille is protected by elegant horizontal mirrored slats that reflect light, creating a warm and imposing visual architecture.

For an expert collector, the M100B represents the true technological and stylistic turning point compared to contemporaries (Wurlitzer, Rock-Ola, AMI):

The First Jukebox in History Designed for 45 RPM:

While earlier models (including the Seeburg M100A of 1948) played old fragile wax/ shellac 78 RPM records, the M100B was the world’s very first jukebox designed specifically for 45 RPM vinyl singles (the 7" format launched by RCA in 1949).

Re-centering Capacity (100 Selections):

At its release, competing machines offered at most 20 or 24 selections. The Seeburg M100B quintupled musical choice, allowing 50 records to be loaded and played on both Side A and Side B.

Unmatched Mechanical Reliability:

The horizontal scrolling operator carriage designed by Seeburg was vastly more reliable, fluid, and gentle on vinyl than the complex vertical ring arms of Wurlitzer jukeboxes.

Unmistakable Diner Aesthetic:

While later models from the late 1950s integrated too much plastic or squared glass in an "automobile" style, the M100B preserves the perfect balance between the warmth of wood, the louvered metal grille, and the Streamlined glass panorama.

Decor Value and Collectibility:
An impactful functional work of art. Placed in a lounge, a design tavern, or a top-tier arcade, the Seeburg M100B not only captures attention as an era-era luminous sculpture but also offers the tactile and auditory pleasure of listening to genuine vintage vinyl.

Detailed Description of the Internal Mechanism (Select-O-Matic 100)
Looking through the panoramic glass dome, the interior reveals the engineering heart of the Seeburg M100B preserved in its original configuration:

The Operating Car and Original Chassis:

Centered is the electro-mechanical horizontal sliding carriage, protected by its original cream/ivory finish housing. Prominently displayed is the vintage gold-and-weathered serigraphed plaque reading "100 Select-o-matic Mechanism," whose graphics are intact and testify to the absence of modern paints or replacements.

The 45 RPM Vinyl Rack (Disc Rack):

On the right, the vertical rack hosts the slots for the 50 45 RPM singles. At the base of the rack the original alphanumeric coding rail with positions A1 to K10 is fully visible, with no missing parts or bent guides.

The Background Silkscreen (Animated Background):

In the backdrop of the mechanism remains the original era glass and silkscreen with illustrations of dancing couples and era genres (Wiener Walzer, Calypso, Shake, Cool Jazz). The top reading panel with the red and white selection indicators is perfectly preserved and aligned.

The Internal Supports and Carriage Guides:

The cast metal support frames, the base rack, and the carriage guides retain the original red paint and mechanical mounting components, confirming the unit has never been reassembled with parts from other models.

An extraordinary collectible specimen, rare to find in this state of preservation: preserved integrally in both the exterior casing and the sophisticated internal mechanism, with no modern alterations or rebuilt parts.

The Era’s Electromechanical Heart (Pinbank Seeburg):

The image unequivocally documents the heart of the Seeburg M100B: the famous 100-pin original Selector Assembly (Pinbank).

Original Wiring and Connections:

The hand-twisted wiring harness is soldered point-by-point in its factory configuration. The absence of cuts, modern splices, or insulating tape shows that the selection system has seen no tampering or arbitrary wiring across the decades.

Selection Pins and Solenoids:

The upper rack houses the complete series of metal recording pins, which are actuated by solenoids when the user selects a track on the front keyboard. The mechanical system retains the original release levers and contact blocks in Bakelite and metal.

Structural Integrity of the Chassis:

The zinc-coated steel frame and the vintage wooden internal shelf show a natural patina, with no signs of penetrating corrosion or moisture damage.

The presence of the original, intact Seeburg Pinbank with unmodified vintage wiring represents one of the most important guarantees for vintage jukebox collectors: confirms that the machine preserves its original 1950 electromechanical architecture, a fundamental value for historical conservation and any conservative restoration.

Technical Analysis and Conservation: The Rear Compartment and Vacuum Tube Amplifier
1. The Thermionic Valve Amplifier (Original Amplifier Unit):

Opening the lower rear door reveals the acoustic heart of the Seeburg M100B. The original period amplifier unit retains its perforated aluminum/metal chassis with its full set of original thermionic valves, output transformers, and the power/control block. The absence of transistor modifications or modern electronic modules certifies its pure collectible value and the warm, enveloping sound typical of the 1950s.

2. The Slug Rejector & Coin Chute:

Inside, the mechanical slug rejector assembly mounted on the wall with its galvanized metal inclined ramp that guides the deposited coin to the cashbox at the base is clearly visible. The system preserves all feedback levers and ancient linkages.

3. The Original Electro-dynamic Speaker:

To the right of the compartment stands the large original speaker with its vintage metal basket and protected magnet, connected to the circuit by the original bipolar wiring. It guarantees the authentic deep acoustic performance Seeburg designed for American venues of the era.