Paragon feedback

[pinsanity]

Looking to broaden the era and range of machines in my collection as I have nothing before the 1980's so would be interested in preliminary feedback in this listing if possible.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/182031409614?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Are machines of this era prone to playfield wear down to the wood in multiple areas like the one above and still be considered as "great condition"?

Thanks.

[rustalan]

Not really great condition maybe average would be closer.

[ralph67]

Generally games from that era have Mylar ( sometimes ) , If you can find a one that was done by the operator they usally only need a few minor paint touch ups ,
 Otherwise un-mylared games  around  mid - late 1970's will be down to wood around the bumpers inserts etc .
 Most games were flogged to death by 1983 , I know i did 
Go for a Mylared playfield if you can .
Good luck

[pinsanity]

Thanks for the info guys.

Looks like I should keep an eye out for a full mylared version as this one clearly wasn't with that kind of wear.

As rustalan says the machine certainly looks average to say the least, particularly with those wear spots all over the playfield.

I think I'll pass on this as chances are great there are much better examples out there.

Maybe the seller of this machine needs to look up the definition of "great" in the meantime.

great
adjective

    1. of an extent, amount, or intensity considerably above average.

    2. of ability, quality, or eminence considerably above average.
  

[Toads]

Paragon is a brutal wide bodied game. It's a players game.
Great for learning to nudge and tap pass.
Most were thrashed in the day and I have seen much worse ware than this one has.
I've seen that centre section down to wood.
This one has been for sale for a few months now.
One of my favourite games.

I'm sure Nino will have a few words on this.

[Strangeways]

There is no mylar version. Factory mylar was not used on games until the early 80's. It could be mylar applied during route years, but again, operators didn't have access to mylar as we know it. I recall my youth NIB Bally's (Mata Hari, EK were the first) being stripped of all playfield parts and book contact being applied. The Paragon I've had since new had two sheets of contact as the contact was not available in wider lengths. Under the contact was a very nice playfield with the exception of the sling area. These games were very well played.

CPR have the playfield in the pipeline. Backglass has been out for a while and plastics.

The eBay game is not worth more than $1500 in it's current state. The last eBay Paragon that I paid attention to was local to my area, complete, no wear and it was sold for around $1500.

I agree with Toads, it is a player's game. It is not part of the cliche "Slow Widebody" that it used these days. The artwork is stunning, and the game has enough going on to pull you back time and time again. It is the quintessential Bally from Pinball's Golden Age. It is my favorite game of all time. I play mine almost daily.

[Strangeways]

Thanks for the info guys.

Looks like I should keep an eye out for a full mylared version as this one clearly wasn't with that kind of wear.

As rustalan says the machine certainly looks average to say the least, particularly with those wear spots all over the playfield.

I think I'll pass on this as chances are great there are much better examples out there.

Maybe the seller of this machine needs to look up the definition of "great" in the meantime.

great
adjective

    1. of an extent, amount, or intensity considerably above average.

    2. of ability, quality, or eminence considerably above average.
  

In the context of this machine, I would say it is "great" compared to the examples I've seen and worked on over the journey. As I mentioned earlier, this title was well played, and the one I have was operated until 1995. Even my original game will need playfield restoration, but I can't do without it for a prolonged period.

[Toads]

Buy a second playfield and send it to Tim, he'll cringe, and then do the swap out.
It's a lot quicker.

[pinsanity]

This one has been for sale for a few months now.

There's a telling statement. Thanks for that info.

The eBay game is not worth more than $1500 in it's current state. The last eBay Paragon that I paid attention to was local to my area, complete, no wear and it was sold for around $1500.

Excellent, now I have an accurate benchmark standard for one with no wear.

Wasn't sure if the listing was overpriced for what it is considering the playfield wear spots.

This assessment combined with the previous info from Toads confirms it.

[pinball god]

Buyer wants $3k without going into negotiations. Can't see him parting for $1500 but at least you know what he really wants.

[Strangeways]

This one has been for sale for a few months now.

There's a telling statement. Thanks for that info.

The eBay game is not worth more than $1500 in it's current state. The last eBay Paragon that I paid attention to was local to my area, complete, no wear and it was sold for around $1500.

Excellent, now I have an accurate benchmark standard for one with no wear.

Wasn't sure if the listing was overpriced for what it is considering the playfield wear spots.

This assessment combined with the previous info from Toads confirms it.

There are many other considerations with Paragon. I keep an eye on this title as it is my favorite game. Most Paragons I've seen are worse. It is rare to Paragons with no wear sell for less than $3000. Certainly, mine has less wear, but I refused to sell mine 10 years ago for $3,500. That was before dealers killed the market by becoming experts on SS games overnight and over pricing junk games.

Also, when we put "for a few months" into eBay context, how long has the $5500 Space invaders been listed ? I'd say 2-3 YEARS - and although I LOVE Space Invaders, that eBay game is not worth $1700 as it needs to be redone completely. There are always collectors looking for this title. The detailed photos along with desirability will dictate the final price. Not some vague "out of focus" shots with glare across the playfield glass hiding the wear !

As Rob mentioned, the seller has aimed high to start off with. But the game has not been misrepresented in my opinion (context = dealer and some private pins that hide imperfections).

[turbo27]

For a game of that era it is in excellent condition, and that's coming from a pin snob who only likes DMD's!!
Pictures do not do it justice.
And believe me the electronic repairs are second to none.

So if you are really serious, see the game, and decide for yourselves, rather than speculating and comparing to Paragons to have seen in the past.

[Freiherr]

Unadulterated beauty from a golden era.
This is not a dressed up tart and the seller is not hiding anything.