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The Bigolboys like nothing better than cranking up the jukeboxes, whether the neighbours like it or not. In our opinion nothing beats the sound of a 45 or 78 pumping out from a jukebox. Like all our things, we use and abuse them, like they were meant to be.

The best, and only way to listen to 78's is on a Jukebox. We believe that Wurlitzer and Rock-Ola are the best of the Golden Age boxes. Using these boxes is not difficult as there many people out there who can maintain them and many sources of 78s to play on them.

If you need maintenance then call Jooks , they recently rebuilt Bubba's Wurlitzer 600 mechanism, and sorted Chevvy Paul's Wurlitzer 1100 and Bal Ami. Watch this space for details of how Blind Graham restores the Rock Ola Luxury Light Up. I'm sure we'll be able to report on the grief that will ensue, as he wishes he found something else to tinker with over a cold Christmas.

As predicted the Rock-Ola restoration is going tits up. Local chrome platers fail to nickel plate, lose small parts and chrome some other bits. These have now been rescued and given to Alan at Marque Restore to work his magic on. The Cabinet is being re veneered, that sounds ominous to us. At least Packard Bob came through, locating the correct tone arm and pillar. We wonder if we should take CDs more seriously. More progress on the Rock-Ola. Despite earlier pessimism the box is coming together well. The re-veneering of the cabinet has been finished, and the results are excellent. The plating has all come out looking good, despite the poor quality of the original parts. Now it needs putting back together. So we're not out the woods yet!

Good news, bad news: the box is reassembled and looks a treat, the bad news is the amp doesn't work properly.

Big Al has finally splashed out on an AMI G. This is now installed in his lounge and receiving a serious amount of play. We are not convinced by his choice of music; Perry Como never sounded so good. Don't worry we're all working on him; pics soon. Check out big Al's hi fi equipment sales on ebay, at the rate he's selling stuff he'll have to give up the day job.


Wurlitzer 1100	Wurlitzer 600	Rock-Ola Luxury Light Up

All the 78's we suggest are currently playing on the above Jukeboxes.

As for where do we get the 78's from? The main source is Greg, of Greg's Greats, see him at all the good UK record fairs. He has over 100,000 in stock at any one time, we know as we've seen them!. Jukebox Madness in October each year is always a good for a rummage for bargains, and brings together dealers from all over the UK. Weekenders like Hemsby and Rhythm Riot. Ebay has a 78 section in their records for sale. But any second hand store is worth a quick peek.

What do 78's cost? That depends on condition and rarity. Fifties pop hits should cost only a few pounds in good nick. Classic RnB, Rock & Roll and Western Swing will start at £10-£20, but rarities will cost in the range of £100 - £200 each and sometimes substantially more. Doo Wop commands the highest prices. Good tracks will start from £25, and escalate upward. Reissues are available from the US at reasonable prices.

Previous Position	Title/Artist
New Entry	CRYING IN THE CHAPEL THE ORIOLES
New Entry	AMERICAN PATROL GLENN MILLER
New Entry	BLUE MONDAY SMILEY LEWIS
New Entry	BLUE VELVET THE CLOVERS
Re- Entry	CRY ME A RIVER JULIE LONDON

As well as Greg we also now have Phil providing us with new 78's. This has meant the lists now tend to be totally updated on a regular basis.

Let us know your favourite Jukebox hits on 78 by submitting your own top 5 to The Bigolboys and we will compile a regular update of favourites.

There is one spring and one autumn Jukebox fair in the UK: Kempton Park in October and Copthorne in April. If you know nothing about Jukeboxes, then these are the events to visit. If you know your stuff then these are still interesting; there is always the odd interesting box, or that rare record. Below are some of the Jukeboxes for sale from the Oct 2002 Jukebox Madness event at Kempton