Minty, NIB, I don’t see the point

I suppose this is a counter point to Cavey and his NIB, minty attitude

A pinball machine is for amusement, that is why they were built
You put your money in, hit the ball around, and hopefully score enough points to have another turn

These machines saw many years of use in arcades, fish and chip shops, so naturally they got a little battered. A few dints and scratches make up a part of what a pinball machine is. A little bit of playfield wear does not effect my enjoyment of a game.

Until a few years ago, none of us even dreamed of owning a brand new, never played pinball machine. Part of collecting was ‘the hunt’, doing research, talking to other enthusiasts, keeping an eye out, trying to find that next game.

Nowadays, there are some collections that are made up of machines that have never had a coin inserted, never been on location. People just turn up at a distributor, reach into their deep, deep pockets, and drive away with the latest offering from Stern

I see people buying a game and then selling it on, no attachment, just another toy

I don’t like the ‘the only good machine is the latest Stern’ or ‘I will only buy older games that are in perfect condition’

This is not what pinball is about
(Don't get me started about pro's, premiums and LE's)

I think there is something missing these days

: Pete

Absolutely spot on. The NIB Home Market is very much a new concept. Even Gary Stern had to listen to the investors to realize that Stern could not produce pinballs SOLELY for commercial use for operators. The Home market really took off with AC/DC, but it had been around for no more than 2 -5 years prior.

Bit of History straight from someone who was there - Gottlieb produced machines in the 60's and 70's to last no more than 5 years. They were designed and built for one reason - make money. In the 70's and 80's these machines made small fortunes, and instead of being thrown out, they were replaced with NEW games, but older games were so reliable and the industry was in it's Golden Age, so machines kept being re routed. The manufacturers had top designers and competition from other manufacturers - but there was no "Bally VS Gottlieb" or anything like that - a pinball machine was a "pinball machine". 20c per play.

Today, the industry is in survival mode - and it is a minor miracle that we still have machines being made - but it is no miracle that OLDER games keep on playing. They were made that well. People my age are reliving their youth and buying games they identified with as a teenager. I have customers that don't want games restored - they want them reconditioned in working order so they can PLAY the games. No interest in having it look new.

Pinball IS about the silver ball rolling across the playfield. Whether it be a woodrail or the latest DMD - you are meant to walk away with the little voice in your head - "just ONE more game"..

I do remember the sales catch cry of a new defunct Dealer - "Pinball is an investment". I've never heard such bollocks in all my life. Pinball IS fun, and addictive.. If pinheads collect late model pins to use as ornaments in the hope they appreciate in price later on - then they need to get into wall art or property.