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Rudolph Wurlitzer
and the production plant
in North Tonawanda


         MIGHTY WURLITZER
         cinema and theatre organ
Rudolph Wurlitzer founded
THE WURLITZER COMPANY
in 1856. At first he imported
musical instruments and
opened sales outlets in
all big American cities.
He started production of
pianos in America in 1880.

In 1896 the 'Tonophone',
the first coin-operated piano,
was introduced to the market.
WURLITZER
TONOPHONE




                 1933: The first
                 WURLITZER
                 'P10' jukebox
                 with shellac records







Some of the WURLITZER
jukeboxes highlights

 
Wurlitzer history
The musical tradition of the Wurlitzer family can be traced back to the 17th century. The forefathers of Rudolph Wurlitzer, who emigrated to America in 1853 at the age of 24, had already made a name for themselves in Saxony as manufacturers of and dealers in musical instruments. Rudolph Wurlitzer founded THE WURLITZER COMPANY in 1856. At first he imported musical instruments and opened sales outlets in all big American cities. He started production of pianos in America in 1880 In 1896 the 'Tonophone', the first coin-operated piano, was introduced to the market. The turnover provided by cinema and theatre organs achieved mighty heights in the silent film era of the 20th century. The 'Mighty Wurlitzer' is still well-known. Farny Wurlitzer, youngest son of the firm's founder, bought a patented music box mechanism at the beginning of the Thirties, and took on its inventor, Homer Capehart, and a brilliant designer called Paul Fuller. This was the beginning of the 'golden era' for Wurlitzer with the first jukeboxes which played the old 78 shellac records. Wurlitzer quickly took over 60 % of the booming jukebox market. The name of Wurlitzer became a synonym for jukeboxes with its 'Music for millions' trademark in this period. 1933 was a decisive year in the history of WURLITZER Up to this time the elite circles in America had been well served with pianos and theatre organs; now the Wurlitzer Jukebox became a familiar sight to every restaurant or bar customer with the first 'P10' model. After inserting a coin, one could select a song from 10 shellac record titles. In the Thirties, the jukebox became the 'small man's concert hall'. This principle has remained the same up to today. The customer can make a selection from the music list after inserting a coin. Nowadays, CDs are in use, and there is a choice from over 2000 titles. The sound quality is light-years better and the jukebox can fulfil almost any musical request. The WURLITZER '1015' became a big hit in 1946. Wurlitzer had to call a halt to the production of jukeboxes due to the war in order to produce important war products such as radar components. The engineers, especially designer Paul Fuller, had continued to work on new jukebox models over this period. The result was called the '1015'. Between 1946 and 1947, 56,000 of these machines were built and sold in only 18 months. The exceptional design of the '1015' had made it possibly the most attractive jukebox of all time. In all events, it was sold more than any other jukebox model in the 20th century. The 'golden era' of the jukebox continued into the first post-war years. The 'silver era' of jukeboxes began around 1950. The design was changed, the 45 single made inroads, and the selection from 100 titles became standard. Jukeboxes with shiny chrome and magical lighting began to be produced. They became a fascinating focal point in any bar or cafe. In 1956, Wurlitzer produced its first jukebox with a selection of 200 titles perfectly timed for its 100th company anniversary. Deutsche Wurlitzer GmbH 1986 brought the 'One More Time' nostalgia jukebox with modern technology onto the market 40 years after the original '1015', and it has enjoyed unbroken popularity right up to today.