The Jukebox Project
This web page is being created, in part, as a presentation for the "Build Your Own Arcade Controls" site, specifically the Audio/Jukebox/MP3 Forum.
I can't remember what, exactly, made me think of beginning this project. The idea sort of evolved over a long period of time after I realized that I wanted a practical and attractive way of accessing and playing my large MP3 library in the main area (living room) of my house. I already had (have) a wireless media server made by SMC which supposedly allows access to an MP3 library from a remote computer. It has a television interface and RCA outputs for a home stereo. Unfortunately, using it is rather hit-and-miss; most of the time it refuses to even access my wireless network. When it does the sound is far less than perfect and its ability to access a large MP3 collection is really lacking.
It was while researchnig the project that I happened upon the Arcade Control forum and examined the various jukebox projects that others had already completed. To say I was inspired was an understatement. I decided I would attempt to replicate a Seeburg Model B (circa 1936). This is a jukebox from the "art deco" period and matches the woodwork in the room where my bar is.
I did NOT want a jukebox that looked like a 1980s arcade machine. I also did not want a wall unit or something with a trackball or anything anyone has done on any of the furums I've seen. For this reason I had to start from scratch, developing my own designs and woodworking plans along the way. This is a brief outline of my jukebox project for the benefit of people who might want to complete something similar.
Here is a couple of photos of a REAL Seeburg Model B (c. 1936) that has been completely restored:
Getting Started:
The actual dimensions of a Seeburg Model B are 51"(H) x 30 1/4 (W) x 21 3/4 (D). I had to build my framework to match the audio components and speakers I already had on hand, but the dimensions turned out pretty close to original. My final cabinet will measure 54 x 31 1/4 x 22. I built the frame out of 2x4 held together with deck screws and "Liquid Nails" wood glue. I wanted to make sure nothing would vibrate from the bass. I used good qualtiy 3/4" plywood for the shelves. Here's a pic of the basic framwork:
Audio Components:
More than anything else, I wanted the finished project to sound GOOD. I planned on using this for my home stereo/ entertainment system setup, so sound quality was definitely a factor. I was NOT planning on utilizing car stereo speakers or multimedia computer speakers. I had some floor-standing Accusound speakers I purchased from Radio Shack a few years ago that were not being used anymore. They would fit side-by-side in the lower part of the cabinet. I also had a Sony STR-AV570 receiver/amp that had been stored away for a while which I thought would be ideal to power the sound system. Here are a couple of pics of the audio equipment:
The small silver box atop the amp is the link I'll use between the computer and the sound system. It is a Creative Labs Soundblaster MP3+ external USB sound card that I purchased off eBay for $20 (refurbished from Creative Labs). Since this is a 2-channel audio setup, I had no need for one of those new fancy 7.1 surround sound decoder cards. The MP3+ is an older 2-channel sound card specifically designed to decode MP3s for home stereo purposes.
Computer Set-Up:
I had a Pentium III computer I wasn't using which I thought would be perfect to use as the brains of the jukebox. Its 60GB hard drive was just big enough to hold Windows XP and my entire (5000+) collection of MP3s.
I thought long and hard about a user interface and decided a touch screen system would be the easiest (and coolest). I purchased a new 8" Innovatec TM-868 touchscreen off eBay for about $175. Installing the drivers was a bit of a chore, but when it was finally working it did work very well. I researched some jukebox software and decided on the TouchTone Audio System. A license for this is $25 which I happily paid. Here are some shots of the 8" screen running the audio software from Creative Labs, the DFX high-fidelity plug-in for WinAmp, and the TouchTone software:
Audio Testing:
When I just had the frame built (before any further woodworking) I set up the computer and audio components to see how the system would actually sound. To say that I was impressed is an understatement. The Soundblaster USB audio card worked flawlessly and after tweaking the software settings a bit, everthing sounded great. The bass from this system is HUGE, but didn't come close to drowning out any highs or midrange. I was worried that the speaker being so close together would eliminate any stereo effect, but the included CMSS surround processing software from Creative Labs, along with the simulated surround feature on the Sony amp really makes for a room-filling big sound. The overall sound, fidelity, and loudness was more than I'd hoped for and was plenty to provide music to a whole FLOOR of my house -- not just one room. Here are some pics of the audio testing setup:
Now it's time for woodworking part of the project, which will be difficult but nothing I haven't done before. I have some ideas as to how I will make the finished project look like the original Seeburg. I don't have (nor could I afford) the glasswork and viewable internal workings that you'd see on an original, but in its place I'll substitute a Rowe/AMI wallette that I purchased off eBay for $9.99 (!). This has about the same dimensions as the glassworks in an original Seeburg and I'll use it for display purposes only (none of the buttons will be functional). Here's a pic of the wallette (after a 90-minute cleaning job) set into the cabinet. I plan on the front wood surface of the cabinet covering everything except the glass window and selection buttons of the Rowe. These pics will give you a better idea as to how the wallette will mimic the glass front of the original Seeburg:
This web page will be added to on an on-going basis when the woodworking begins.
Stay tuned.