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 playback in diners and American venues, becoming the visual symbol of the first Rock 'n' Roll.

Electrified vintage jukebox already wired for 220V European network. The device was serviced about 20 years ago and subsequently kept in a domestic environment without being used. Plugged in, it powers up regularly: the motors start, the mechanism begins the scrolling motion, and the original valve amplifier shows signs of warm operation. Due to the long period of inactivity, the mechanism requires a routine cleaning and lubrication (ordinary conservative service) to optimize the smooth running of the selections. It is sold as an original vintage specimen to be serviced, representing a perfect and 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 Panoramic 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 electromechanical carriage moves horizontally, retrieves the vinyl, and places it on the platter before the awed eyes of the viewer.

2. The Title Panel (Titler Board):

Just below the dome runs the large silkscreen with the carousel of title cards (100 selections divided by musical genre). The warm yellow‑orange original graphics perfectly frame the catalog of tracks.

3. The Selection Keyboard and Coin Mechanism:

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

4. The Iconic Front Panel in Two Tones:

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

For an experienced 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 and fragile wax/ shellac discs at 78 RPM, the M100B was the world’s very first jukebox conceived specifically for vinyl at 45 RPM (the 7 inch singles format launched by RCA in 1949).

Re-centering Capacity (100 Selections):

At the time of its release, competing machines offered at most 20 or 24 selections. The Seeburg M100B quintupled the musical choice, allowing 50 discs to be loaded and play both Side A and Side B.

Unmatched Mechanical Reliability:

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

unmistakable Diner Aesthetic:

While late‑1950s models integrated too much plastic or squared glass in a car‑styled look, the M100B preserves the perfect balance between the warmth of wood, the louvered metal grille, and the Streamlined-inspired panoramic glass.

Decor Value and Collectibility:
A functional, outstanding work of art. Placed in a living room, a design‑oriented tavern, or a top‑tier arcade, the Seeburg M100B not only commands attention as a luminous period sculpture but also offers the tactile and auditory pleasure of listening to true vintage vinyl.

Detailed Internal Mechanism Description (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 Operator Carriage and Original Carter:

In the center stands the horizontal electromechanical carriage, protected by its original ivory/cream finish housing. A proudly displayed era‑printed plaque reads "100 Select-o-matic Mechanism", its gilded and aged graphics intact, attesting to the absence of modern paints or replacements.

The 45 RPM Record Rack (Vinyl Rack):

On the right, the coordinated vertical rack houses the slots for the 50 45‑rpm singles. At the base of the rack the original alphanumeric encoding bar with positions A1 to K10 is perfectly visible, with no missing parts or bent guides.

The Background Silkscreen (Animated Background):

In the backdrop of the mechanism is preserved the original era mirror and graphic silkscreen with illustrations of dancing couples and the period’s musical genres (Wiener Waltz, Calypso, Shake, Cool Jazz). The upper reading panel with red and white selection indicators is perfectly preserved and aligned.

The Internal Supports and Racks:

The cast metal support frames, the base rack, and the carriage guides retain their red paint and the original mounting mechanical 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 intact both in the external body and in the sophisticated internal mechanism, without modern alterations or rebuilt parts.

The Era Electromechanical Core (Pinbank Seeburg):

The image unequivocally documents the heart of the Seeburg M100B’s selection system: the famous original 100‑pin Selector Assembly (Pinbank).

Original Wiring and Connections:

The hand‑twisted wiring harness and point‑to‑point soldering retain their factory configuration. The absence of cuts, modern splices, or insulation tape shows that the selection system has not suffered tampering or arbitrary cabling over the decades.

Selection Pins and Solenoids:

The upper rack houses the complete series of metallic registration pins, which are clicked by the solenoids when the user selects a track on the front keypad. The mechanical system retains the original unlock levers and contact blocks in Bakelite and metal.

Structural Integrity of the Chassis:

The zinc‑plated steel frame and the period wooden interior shelf show a completely natural patina of time, with no signs of penetrating corrosion or moisture damage.

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

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

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

2. The Slug Rejector & Coin Chute:

Inside the cabinet the original slug coin mechanism (Slug Rejector Assembly) mounted on the wall with its galvanized metal inclined ramp guides the deposited coin to the cash box at the base. The system retains all feedback levers and original balance weights.

3. The Original Electro-dynamic Speaker:

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