The Model 780 was designed by Paul Fuller as an elegant alternative to the already flashy jukeboxes of the time. Instead of lights and chrome, it received a conservative wooden cabinet made of maple, brass handles, and a front panel reminiscent of a colonial hope chest evoking anticipation and hope. The front is adorned with the iconic “wagon wheel” – a spoked wheel, which is what some people call it. It probably reminded them of the pioneer days of settling America. In reality, however, it is not a wagon wheel, but a stylized spinning wheel. The Wurlitzer 780 offered a selection of melodies on 24 shellac records at 78 RPM. It featured a unique “Quick Start” technology built on the robust Simplex system. This ensured that the tubes did not heat up while in standby mode. Only after inserting a coin and selecting a song did the voltage rise to 9.8 V so that the amplifier could warm up before the tonearm touched the record. It’s like when a barista starts preparing your espresso before you even manage to order it. And the result? Music without waiting. Although it was technically and aesthetically exceptional, it didn’t sell well. In the end, only about 2,800 units were produced.