‘Rare’, we need a better word

[Pop Bumper Pete]

I am sometimes surprised when certain games are described as ‘Rare’
Sure, Rapid Fire & Spectrum (Less than 500 examples were made) could be described as 'Rare'
But games like Xenon, that came out in their 1000’s (11,000 made) , should not be considered ‘Rare’

Sure, they are older games, many have probably been trashed over the years.
Maybe the game was not imported to Australia in large numbers
Or maybe they are good looking and fun to play, so owners do not sell or trade them

Any opinions?

Pete

[Homepin]

'collectable'

'don't come up for sale often'

'desirable machine'

 

[goodolddays]

Agree that "Rare" is very misused .

Would like to see a lot more honest and detailed descriptions and pictures from sellers (Ebay I mean)

[Mr Pinbologist]

Agree that "Rare" is very misused .

Would like to see a lot more honest and detailed de******ions and pictures from sellers (Ebay I mean)

+1 it always cracks me up when i read someones eGay listing of their "rare" game they're selling, especially if its one in which over 10'000 were made 

[Strangeways]

A rule that should be enforced on eBay ;

"KISS is not rare. Reconditioned KISS' are not rare. Correctly restored KISS machines are extremely rare."

Xenon may have 11,000 units but it is "rare" to see them for sale. Maybe it is not a rare title - but I've seen two Xenons and one BMX on eBay over the last 5 years. So Xenon could be rare. Certainly more rare than Centaur. I think the term "rare" should take into account either the total number of units produced - BMX is a great example, and it should also take into account the number of times that game has been listed on eBay.

Rare does not mean the game is desirable or collectible. Raven is rare, yet it is the worst game Gottlieb ever produced. Rolling Stones (Bally) is rare, yet it is a poor playing game.

"Rare" should refer to the "quantity", not "quality" of the machine. It can easily become confusing ;

"Rare Bally Spectrum" - the term "rare" is used in the correct context. The game IS rare with low production numbers. It can be worn to wood or have a peeled backglass.

"Restored KISS - Rare" - Incorrectly used. Misleading to buyers. High production numbers.

[Pop Bumper Pete]

It is not necessarily about e-bay, but in general conversation

A few times when posting here, Nino has commented about a game I own as being rare
I have always found it odd.
I have never bought a game because it is ‘Rare’ or ‘Valuable’ or an ‘A lister’, I add a game simply because it is either fun, or it interests me
I do not mind the term ‘uncommon’ or a ‘Keeper’


But….
Speaking of rare, I saw some good pics of ‘Viking’, looks more interesting than I had originally given it credit for

[Strangeways]

It is not necessarily about e-bay, but in general conversation

A few times when posting here, Nino has commented about a game I own as being rare
I have always found it odd.
I have never bought a game because it is ‘Rare’ or ‘Valuable’ or an ‘A lister’, I add a game simply because it is either fun, or it interests me
I do not mind the term ‘uncommon’ or a ‘Keeper’


But….
Speaking of rare, I saw some good pics of ‘Viking’, looks more interesting than I had originally given it credit for

Without Checking the production numbers - this is a very rare machine. Rare to locate and an awesome player. Mine is next in the resto queue and will be a keeper. You will have to pop around when it is done !

[Pop Bumper Pete]

About production numbers
acording to IPDB, viking was low, (2,600) compared to other Bally games of the time
Harlem globetrotters numbered 14,550

I was wrong in an earlier post, IPDB says they produced 5000 rapid fire's.
go figure 

[Pop Bumper Pete]

I remember as a kid seeing Evel Knievel, Power Play and Mata Hari’s everywhere
They all had large production numbers, but I do not often see them for sale

I wonder if they got trashed, or they are sitting at the back of peoples sheds

[Boots]

Rare is not always good.
Sometimes a machine is rare because it was no good or unpopular.

Quote from KLOV site "Rarity is NOT necessarily an indication of value."

Collectable or highly collectable might be a better choice.

[ddstoys]

 Very hard one.   I've always looked at production numbers and thought anything under 2000 would be rare.  50% would now be trashed and tipped most would be in Europe rotting away and the rest well who knows. 

   But I don't think I would ever consider any of my games rare if I can get one anyone can 

[PinPal]

My 1989 Williams Bad Cats had a run of 2,500 units, would that make it rare ?

[Pinprick]

My 1989 Williams Bad Cats had a run of 2,500 units, would that make it rare ?

Not quite as rare as "Monster Cats?"

P.S. How would you rate Bad Cats as a player?

[PinPal]

This is my Bad Cats, its ok but its not a multi ball game. The back Glass is unique for a game of the late 80s. The sounds on it are fantastic. Out of 10. would rate it a 7.

[Retropin]

Bally Spectrum is most definately rare... low production and most sent to the tip... reason? Its a huge lemon! No pop bumpers and awkward to play.
there are 5 balls in play at all times... should the game turn off and one of these balls isnt in its correct position then the game logic gets thrown out and the machine fails to send a ball down to the flippers for play. Bet my arse this is why it failed onsite so badly... funny thing is... the manual doesnt cover this, i had to work it out in order to get the game going... SPECTRUM... stear clear!