Does anyone here own a pinball machine?

[agates]

I've always wanted one. Any hints, tips, suggestions or advice for a first-time buyer?

[tridim]

1. I have a '79 Williams 'Flash'

I bought it for $25.00 out of the classifieds. It was advertised as "Not working", so when I got it home I broke out the schematics and had it humming within an hour. I think I got really lucky though, it could have been much worse. It was a good thing it was broken because it kept the previous owners from playing it. :)

Study this site.. http://marvin3m.com/fix.htm

If you can afford it, go with a newer machine. They're much more fun. I really want an Addams Family machine.

[derby378]

2. Are you kidding?!?

Those old Williams tables were my favorites, including Flash and Firepower. You're like a demi-god, man.

This is not to say that I didn't enjoy Gottlieb or Bally tables. Gorgar is another personal favorite of mine. Some Italian company tried to cut a slice for themselves with machines like Farfalla, but I think the Americans had this market cornered.

[agates]

3. So what would be a good machine

For a first time buyer? I'm pretty handy, with good mechanical skills, SO was a machinist in a previous life so taking things apart and putting them together isn't too intimidating. What's easy to fix and find parts for? I know nothing except I love to play and I want one...

[tridim]

4. All the machines are about the same technically

The solid state machines of the 70's to the 00's are easier to fix than the electro-mechanical machines that came before them. There are more electronics in the newer machines, but everything is documented and fairly easy to fix. Actually the mechanical parts are more difficult to get working right.. Things like drop targets can be really tricky.. It's still fun though.

So I'd say, get a Williams machine from about 78 or up. That site in my other post is fabulous.

[hfojvt]

5. I have pinball on my computer

It is pretty cool, almost like the real thing.
A couple complaints though:
1) I think it would be more fun if it added bonus points slowly, like the old machines did
2) since every game is free, the thrill of winning a game is gone and after a while it becomes very difficult to get a high score. It would add something if you could win extra balls by points, so you would have something to shoot for.

[derby378]

6. To me, though...

...there's nothing quite like the sound and tactile feel of that heavy steel ball as it shoots up the alley and enters the board. That element unites the old classics and the new-fangled upstarts alike, including that monster Bigfoot table.

[agates]

7. I enjoy computer pinball

but no way is it like the real thing. Thanks to all for your suggestions. I'll keep the pinball machine on my wish list and keep looking.

[Liberal In Texas]

8. I used to have one in my house...my brother got it from someplace..

It was great.
To get a cheap one, no glass on the top. (At least back then.)
Glass is apparently pretty expensive.
(Maybe that's where the TILT first came from?)

Used from a distribtor. They're kind of crapped out, but still work pretty good.

Maybe, these days, a hundred or two.

Good luck. Check on-line, of course.