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Wurlitzer produced its first jukebox in 1934 and very soon became the most popular brand in the early days of jukeboxes, due to its ingenious designer Paul Fuller and the outstanding marketing activities of Homer Capeheart. In many countries Wurlitzer became synonymous for jukeboxes and still today the company's famous slogan from the 40s holds true: "Wurlitzer means music to millions".
Deutsche Wurlitzer GmbH started production of jukeboxes in Germany in 1960 and concentrated in the last 20 years - after the decline of the professional jukebox market - on reproductions of nostalgic models.
Paul Fuller designed the legendary model 1015 after WWII and in 1946/47 Wurlitzer sold 56,000 units within 18 months. It was the most popular jukebox model ever built.
Deutsche Wurlitzer GmbH called its reproduction of the 1015 "ONE MORE TIME". The OMT in 1986 was a sophisticated design replica of the original 1015 from 1946, with the latest CD technology. It was welcomed enthusiastically by the operators and collectors world-wide.
But the market changed. Today, it's no longer the operator buying this model. Now it is still the collector, but in addition, it is the wealthy private person that buys this nostalgic piece of furniture for his or her own home. It is the attraction in the living room. In addition, more and more companies that are looking for unique incentives choose nostalgic Wurlitzer jukeboxes as prizes or eye-catchers for entrance halls and exhibition stands.
Initially, Wurlitzer had estimated production figures of 1000 maybe 2000 units... The unbroken success is overwhelming. Total sales figures today come close to the original 1015.
This success encouraged Wurlitzer to start assembling the replica of the Classic 2100, an icon from 1956, representing the chrome and glitter of the "Silver Age of jukeboxes". This provies an attractive alternative for the modern living room.
The latest jewel in the Wurlitzer nostalgia range is the Peacock. Paul Fuller created the model 850 (Peacock) in 1941, The Peacock never had the same commercial success as the 1015 - due to the fact that Wurlitzer had to stop production of jukeboxes during WWII, shifting activities to military products. However, the Peacock is considered by many experts as the most beautiful jukebox of the "Golden AGE".
Today, most operators concentrate on slot machines and games, no longer on jukeboxes. But many also know that the fantastic design of the nostalgic Wurlitzer is a door-opener to get a foot into top hotels and bars. The Wurlitzer is a piece of furniture and decoration, playing background music in the bar and lobby, creating visual and acoustic atmospheres.
Even the former communist countries in Eastern Europe are discovering the charming elegance of Wurlitzer jukeboxes, although they have no history in jukeboxes at all.
The Wurlitzer customer list now includes millionaires from the Forbes lists, the British Lord, the Formula 1 champion, the famous artist, musician, the successful broker, but also the enthusiasts that dream for years of their Wurlitzer before they can afford to buy it.
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