Expert: Rodger Knutson - 9/7/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I'm looking to buy my first jukebox here in the philippines and I
have found 2 working units.  One is a Seeburg matador 160 (i checked
online), and the other might be an AMI J-40 or J-80, I'm not so sure.  The
AMI is in a better condition, but the other seller promised to
recondition the seeburg as well.  The price for the seeburg is about 1200USD
and about 1400 for the AMI.  Am i getting good deals here? which should
i get?  Thanks



ANSWER: Hi Duke,

Sorry, I have been out fix-en machines along with my regular job so got behind here, just haven't had the time to turn on the computer this week. The Seeberg Matador was made in 1973, and has a refurbished retail grade 2 value on $1,400.00 or next down grade 3 wholesale value of $600.00. I think the model number of this one is the SPS2 Matador.

The AMI J ??? Maybe a model J of 1959 or another 1959 model J-200, both look neat and look about the same. This box would be the more value box, as it is older then the 73 seeberg, and it has classic lines and inside viewing of the dome, this as a retail refurbished value grade 2 of 2,500.00 and a grade three wholesale value of $800.00. If it is the model j, I would buy the AMI over the seeburg in a heartbeat.
Good Luck
Rodger

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks a lot roger.  Actually, there was a little bit lost in translation because Filipinos pronounce their "g"'s as "j"'s, so what i actually got was a nice, red G-200.  I still am curious about the value of this box, but I have no regrets buying it.  It looks beautiful in my apartment and it plays beautiful music.  Thanks for the help!

Answer
OK Duke, I understand and glad you got a good one! A wild looking box with a great view or what is happening under the hood! 1956 AMI G-200,
Retail grade 1 perfect restored value $3,000.00, grade two refurbished retain $2,200.00, grade 3 wholesale working complete $800.00, grade 4 needs work and parts $400.00, grade 5 junk parts only $200.00.
There you have it Duke.
Thanks
Rodger