CP Builder for hire?

[fantoboy]

I was wondering if there are any control panel builders for hire on this forum.  I saw one thread about someone who shouldn't have gone with slick stick because of better options out there.  What are these better options?

I basically want a 4 player quad set up with some kind of protective plexi or lexan.  With the wood board under it both but to fit all of the buttons, sticks, and trackball.  I really want the sleek look of Neon Mame.  But with my own graphic underneath.  Perhaps the housing underneath too.  Any reccommendations?

[quarterback]

I was wondering if there are any control panel builders for hire on this forum.  I saw one thread about someone who shouldn't have gone with slick stick because of better options out there.  What are these better options?

I basically want a 4 player quad set up with some kind of protective plexi or lexan.  With the wood board under it both but to fit all of the buttons, sticks, and trackball.  I really want the sleek look of Neon Mame.  But with my own graphic underneath.  Perhaps the housing underneath too.  Any reccommendations?

Knievel used to do this, although I think I remember a post saying/implying he was taking some time off.   In any case, he does some GREAT work and all his cabs have been very impressive.    I'll see if I can find his website URL for you.

[quarterback]

Here's his site:  http://www.knievelkustoms.com/kustomwork.htm

But you'll notice that the top of the page says "*I have stopped production of my CP Tops until further notice*"  Oh well.  But you should definitely check out his site and his machines.  They're all things of beauty and may inspire you.

Cheers,
qb


EDIT:  Sorry, I didn't realize you actually must have seen his work before.  Upon my first read I didn't notice you said:

I really want the sleek look of Neon Mame.

[xteeejx]

I'd be really interested in this too,  knievel's cps are amazing.  Too bad he's on hiatus. 

[Dustin Mustangs]

For what it

[screaming]

That's an ambitious plan, but if you're willing to go for it I think people here would be willing to give you a shot.   What kind of materials would you be able to offer? mdf? how many players? I might be interested in a nice 4p top. Would you be able to take customized requests?

[Luckydevil]

Knievel is the man and very reasonably priced. I'd wait for him to start back up.

[Dustin Mustangs]

That's an ambitious plan, but if you're willing to go for it I think people here would be willing to give you a shot.   What kind of materials would you be able to offer? mdf? how many players? I might be interested in a nice 4p top. Would you be able to take customized requests?

Ambitious?  Not the way I see it.  Once I get mine done doing more is really not that involved, even custom. 

As far as materials go, I am sure I could get and machine anything you guys have ever heard of, literally.  Everything would be sourced through this company

[GoPodular.com]

Will you be mounting it to a cabinet?  Where are you located?  We do single player panels, but I might be interested in making a 4-player panel at home when the girlie is out of town next week.  The website is almost done, and it might just keep me out of trouble.  Depends on how busy we are though.

Is this something you want to assemble yourself?  Or do you want it plug-n-play?

Low-res reference pic:

[fantoboy]

I do want to mount it to a cabinet.  I am on Long Island NY. 
Due to the complexity of my layout- I'd probably wanna assemble it myself- but I'd be willing to pay for it if it was reasonable.

What I want:

Lit up buttons similair to neon mame.
maybe these: http://www.nicemite.com/

ipac4 split into the console adapters.  So basically the cp can be used on pc, ps2, and xbox.  http://www.ultimarc.com/console.html

Powermame compatabilty.  Which means the led wiz i believe.
http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=82&products_id=239

Illuminated trackball with no visible plate so it doesn't interrupt the graphic
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=51900.0

button discs since i want transparent buttons
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=51813.0

4 player setup (2 x 6 button, 2 x 4 button set up x++x not ++++) perfect 360 happ, with 2 admin buttons, coin buttons, trackball, spinner

[GoPodular.com]

That would make for one expensive but very nice panel.

cost      qty   subtotl              item                   
 $35.00    1    $35.00    playstation converter
 $4.00       1    $4.00              project box
 $35.00    1    $35.00    x-box converter
 $4.00       1    $4.00              project box
 $65.00    1    $65.00    ipac 4
         
         
 $45.00    1    $45.00    LED-wiz
 $5.20       31    $161.20    Electric ICE button with RGB-Drive
 $2.00       11    $22.00    Button discs
         
         
 $27.00    4    $108.00    Happ 360
 $156.70    1    $156.70    Happ trackball (USB/PS2)
         
 $70.00    1    $70.00    GGG spinner


       $705.90    

       *shipping to & fro not included   
       *case not included    
       *lexan not included    
       *wiring not included    
       *artwork not included    
       *labor not included

guestimates that would add to cost:
shipping to me = $50+ (low estimate, but I could combine some stuff with my regular orders)
artwork = $60+
lexan     = $50? (no idea on this one)
wiring/bolts    = $20

would need more details to determine labor (assembly, panel shape, size, etc)

guestimate without any labor, wood or shipping to you:
~ $885.90

Definately a panel that would benefit from shopping around for the best deals for each part (I just used "retail" prices, actual cost would be a bit lower).  The trackball cost could come down a bit.  That should tell you what ballpark you'd be playing in though.

[fantoboy]

Cool- do you have any examples of past work you've done?

I like the look and shape of these:
http://members.shaw.ca/knievelgod/bcp8.jpg
http://members.shaw.ca/knievelgod/cp3.jpg
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=51900.0;attach=44506;image

The chun li is placed in this last pic close to what I want.  I'm working on getting a hi res version of the pic to work with.  I want the swirls in it though like shown in my topic:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=51900.0

Is it possible to do a 4 player layout without getting too huge and still keeping the feel of these other two?
I guess kinda like this:
http://www.slikstik.com/quadfeatures.htm

[GoPodular.com]

Just of single player panels.  I don't do bigger panels normally.  I've done 2-player ones before, but it's all been local sales.  We're just getting stuff online now.

Going from 2->4-players will add around 16+ inches to the overall panel width.  Depends on what kind of overhang and wrist rest area you wanted.  It adds quite a bit.  You could still get the same kind of look, but you're going to have to really work the image you have to get it wide enough.  The Slikstick Quad is 48" wide and 21" deep.  It would probably take around 5 of those Chun-Li images side-by-side to cover that much space.

[Toonces]

I was wondering if there are any control panel builders for hire on this forum.  I saw one thread about someone who shouldn't have gone with slick stick because of better options out there.  What are these better options?

I basically want a 4 player quad set up with some kind of protective plexi or lexan.  With the wood board under it both but to fit all of the buttons, sticks, and trackball.  I really want the sleek look of Neon Mame.  But with my own graphic underneath.  Perhaps the housing underneath too.  Any reccommendations?

I just ordered a custom 2 player replacement panel for a Marvel vs Capcom 2 machine from 123gumby123 on eBay. He's reasonably priced and has good feedback.

2 player panel for $129
http://cgi.ebay.com/Arcade-Blank-Control-Panel-Kit-Flush-Mount-MAME-TM_W0QQitemZ6264729540QQcategoryZ13718QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

4 player kit (all controls and interfaces) for $299
http://cgi.ebay.com/4-Player-Home-Arcade-Kit-W-I-Pac4-Comp-W-MAME-TM_W0QQitemZ6266929029QQcategoryZ13718QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

He does 4 player panels too. My order for a custom 2 player panel (36" X 13") was $78 + shipping. I also ordered sticks, buttons and overlay from him and the entire order came to around $150 shipped. His panels are CNC cut, same with the lexan. I am having him do another small panel after this one is done for a mini machine (20" X 6")!

Tell hime Erik sent ya, maybe he'll give me a discount

Toonces

[fantoboy]

gonna order the chun li lithograph so i can scan it and have a hi res version to work with in photoshop, gonna take a little while.

That mvc panel looks ok- reminds me alot of the slickstick.

[PCtech]

4 player kit (all controls and interfaces) for $299
http://cgi.ebay.com/4-Player-Home-Arcade-Kit-W-I-Pac4-Comp-W-MAME-TM_W0QQitemZ6266929029QQcategoryZ13718QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

He does 4 player panels too. My order for a custom 2 player panel (36" X 13") was $78 + shipping. I also ordered sticks, buttons and overlay from him and the entire order came to around $150 shipped. His panels are CNC cut, same with the lexan. I am having him do another small panel after this one is done for a mini machine (20" X 6")!

Tell hime Erik sent ya, maybe he'll give me a discount

Toonces

Looks like that price doesn't include the box itself, just the "guts"

Hmmm...is it really that good of a price, not much different than buying direct (except maybe for shipping)

Ipac4, USB board and Feet - $68.00 (Ultimarc)
4 Happ Competition Joysticks - $13.95 each -$55.80 (Happ Controls)
28 Happ Concave Buttons - $1.85 each - $51.80 (Happ Controls)
4 (1-4 player) buttons - $2.30 each - $9.20 (Happ Controls)
3" PS2/Beston Trackball - Happ Version  $102.90 (Happ Controls)
Button Nut wrench -  $2.50 (Happ Controls)
Wiring kit -  $19 (Ultimarc)
_______________________________
Total (Buy direct)-         $309.20
123Gumby123's price - $299

I haven't dealt with the guy, so I can't say if his stuff is any good or not, but doesn't seem like much of a savings to me....I might check with a couple other guys on this board....I want to say PONYBOY and DIVEMASTER both sell parts, and have gotten good reviews from the folks on this forum (again, no personal experience).

To the guru's...If I missed anything, please let me know.  I'm a noob, and I'm getting ready to purchase the parts for my first panel.   I'm planning on building one of these myself, and want to make sure I got the prices right.

Thanks,

PCTech

[divemaster127]

Pony boy's prices & mine(divemaster127) are much cheaper than this so send either of us a pm if you wish to save money
dm

[PCtech]

4 player kit (all controls and interfaces) for $299
http://cgi.ebay.com/4-Player-Home-Arcade-Kit-W-I-Pac4-Comp-W-MAME-TM_W0QQitemZ6266929029QQcategoryZ13718QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Looks like that price doesn't include the box itself, just the "guts"

Hmmm...is it really that good of a price, not much different than buying direct (except maybe for shipping)

Ipac4, USB board and Feet - $68.00 (Ultimarc)
4 Happ Competition Joysticks - $13.95 each -$55.80 (Happ Controls)
28 Happ Concave Buttons - $1.85 each - $51.80 (Happ Controls)
4 (1-4 player) buttons - $2.30 each - $9.20 (Happ Controls)
3" PS2/Beston Trackball - Happ Version  $102.90 (Happ Controls)
Button Nut wrench -  $2.50 (Happ Controls)
Wiring kit -  $19 (Ultimarc)
_______________________________
Total (Buy direct)-         $309.20
123Gumby123's price - $299

WOW! 

Well I checked with DIVEMASTER127 on the items listed above, and he was able save me quite a bit on this stuff....almost 1/2 the price of 123Gumby123's price....I think I'll be sending my business to DIVEMASTER127 on this one.  Good Luck!

 

[Zakk]

I suggest really reconsidering the 4 player setup.  There is no need for more than 2 on any setup.  I look at it as "all show and no go".

[PCtech]

I look at it as "all show and no go".

Been talkin' to my wife, eh?   


CP is actually not for me, building for someone else, who wants to have it for parties.

Although I mostly agree, I think it is difficult to do a "good" 4 Player CP (but I have seen a few here).

2P would be plenty for me...but I'm poor, so I don't get one (untill I sell this one, and a couple more) 

[Zakk]

Heh, here's how I feel about it.  Somewhere near the bottom is my philosophy on 4 players

http://www.retroblast.com/articles/zakk-03232006-01.html

[escher]

I suggest really reconsidering the 4 player setup.  There is no need for more than 2 on any setup.  I look at it as "all show and no go".

How would you go about games like The Simpsons, Gauntlet, TMNT, etc?  Not just having the number of players, but having the RIGHT player for the character you want.  You could remap the controls, but that'd be quite annoying to do every time.  I'm asking out of curiousity, because I'm in the same situation right now.  I know I won't have 4 people playing all that often, but for the versatility, it seems like it could be worth it.

[Dustin Mustangs]

You could easily map player 3 and 4 to game pads.  Not exactly ideal, but might be a good way to go if you don't plan on using all 4 players much.  That's what I'm going to do.

[Zakk]

Once you re-map the controls, it gets stored in a .cfg file for that game, so once you set up tmnt, it would be the same every time.  Even with Gauntlet, it's a great game, but I don't think I've ever had more than 3 people playing together at a time, and I've had these machines for 6 years or more.  I mean, I hear what you're saying, but let's say that you are going to build a frankenpanel based soley on the fact that you might one day just have to play Simpsons as Marge.

Build a GOOD 2 player, with lots of space between players, and no angled controls.  You'll thank me in the morning

[escher]

Once you re-map the controls, it gets stored in a .cfg file for that game, so once you set up tmnt, it would be the same every time.  Even with Gauntlet, it's a great game, but I don't think I've ever had more than 3 people playing together at a time, and I've had these machines for 6 years or more.  I mean, I hear what you're saying, but let's say that you are going to build a frankenpanel based soley on the fact that you might one day just have to play Simpsons as Marge.

Build a GOOD 2 player, with lots of space between players, and no angled controls.  You'll thank me in the morning

You may have just convinced me.  Even though the cfg argument is somewhat weak (what if I want to play as Donatello today, Leo tomorrow, Raph next week...), I think the fact that it'll probably be a 90/10 or 95/5 breakdown of one or two player games to four player games might just win me over.  Plus then I know it won't be cramped for two people for fighting games...

Gah, decisions, decisions...

[XtraSmiley]

Also, don't forget that most games have a two player version, either through dip switches or actual different PCBs.  Games like the Simpsons allow you to choose your character in these two player versions.

So, really no need for the 4 player.

That being said, I want a 4 player myself. 

[escher]

Also, don't forget that most games have a two player version, either through dip switches or actual different PCBs.  Games like the Simpsons allow you to choose your character in these two player versions.

So, really no need for the 4 player.

That being said, I want a 4 player myself. 

Well shoot.  I didn't know that there was ever a 2p version of The Simpsons.  If there's a way I can choose my character in all of those 3/4p games, I'm sold on a 2p control panel.

[divemaster127]

Its really what your need is, i have a 4 player based on the slikstik & its great for when my boy brings his friends over, I still have my spinner, trackball & 4 way
dm

[XtraSmiley]

Also, don't forget that most games have a two player version, either through dip switches or actual different PCBs.  Games like the Simpsons allow you to choose your character in these two player versions.

So, really no need for the 4 player.

That being said, I want a 4 player myself. 

Well shoot.  I didn't know that there was ever a 2p version of The Simpsons.  If there's a way I can choose my character in all of those 3/4p games, I'm sold on a 2p control panel.

Yeah, if you are using MAME32, just expand the view of the games and you can see all the different versions such as 2 player, 3 player, sitdown, clone, japanese etc.

All games have them I think (other than early 80's stuff).  TMNT has them too.  My favorite is still Simpsons though.

[escher]

Also, don't forget that most games have a two player version, either through dip switches or actual different PCBs.  Games like the Simpsons allow you to choose your character in these two player versions.

So, really no need for the 4 player.

That being said, I want a 4 player myself. 

Well shoot.  I didn't know that there was ever a 2p version of The Simpsons.  If there's a way I can choose my character in all of those 3/4p games, I'm sold on a 2p control panel.

Yeah, if you are using MAME32, just expand the view of the games and you can see all the different versions such as 2 player, 3 player, sitdown, clone, japanese etc.

All games have them I think (other than early 80's stuff).  TMNT has them too.  My favorite is still Simpsons though.

Welp, time to load up Visio and start hacking away at my CP design.  Maybe this'll actually make a dedicated 4-way more possible. 

[Arcades R Fun]

Hi,
I'm the Gumby Erik has recommended. I'm an active custom builder of arcade games the past 3 years but now I have a CNC! I'm locasted in NJ. I can build almost anything you can think of. I have 4 player control panel designs for $179. They come with the top panel, bottom assembled with a 30" piano hinge with double sided black melamine. The coolest thing I like about these panels is I cut an inlay so the trackball mounting plate lies flush with the top of the panel surface. Then your favorite artwork can be applied. Each panel has a plexi top cut exactly the size of the panel top except only the trackball hole is cut out instead of the mounting plate. The final detail is the t-molding. It's wider than the panel and risees high enough to meet the edge of the plexi top making for a perfect finished top that does not require any bolts to hold the plexi edges down. The result gives you a beautiful panel!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6267707433&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&rd=1

Feel free to PM or e-mail me about your panel needs.

By all means please buy your arcade parts from Divemaster or Ponyboy, their prices can't be beat.

Jack

[Zakk]

Dude, you need to invest in a better camera.  Or a light bulb.  Those are probably pretty cool pics, but I can only make out the one that is mounted to the machine, and in the other, I -think- I see diamond plate, but not much else.

Just a friendly tip.

[Toonces]

4 player kit (all controls and interfaces) for $299
http://cgi.ebay.com/4-Player-Home-Arcade-Kit-W-I-Pac4-Comp-W-MAME-TM_W0QQitemZ6266929029QQcategoryZ13718QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

He does 4 player panels too. My order for a custom 2 player panel (36" X 13") was $78 + shipping. I also ordered sticks, buttons and overlay from him and the entire order came to around $150 shipped. His panels are CNC cut, same with the lexan. I am having him do another small panel after this one is done for a mini machine (20" X 6")!

Tell hime Erik sent ya, maybe he'll give me a discount

Toonces

Looks like that price doesn't include the box itself, just the "guts"

Hmmm...is it really that good of a price, not much different than buying direct (except maybe for shipping)

Ipac4, USB board and Feet - $68.00 (Ultimarc)
4 Happ Competition Joysticks - $13.95 each -$55.80 (Happ Controls)
28 Happ Concave Buttons - $1.85 each - $51.80 (Happ Controls)
4 (1-4 player) buttons - $2.30 each - $9.20 (Happ Controls)
3" PS2/Beston Trackball - Happ Version  $102.90 (Happ Controls)
Button Nut wrench -  $2.50 (Happ Controls)
Wiring kit -  $19 (Ultimarc)
_______________________________
Total (Buy direct)-         $309.20
123Gumby123's price - $299

I haven't dealt with the guy, so I can't say if his stuff is any good or not, but doesn't seem like much of a savings to me....I might check with a couple other guys on this board....I want to say PONYBOY and DIVEMASTER both sell parts, and have gotten good reviews from the folks on this forum (again, no personal experience).

To the guru's...If I missed anything, please let me know.  I'm a noob, and I'm getting ready to purchase the parts for my first panel.   I'm planning on building one of these myself, and want to make sure I got the prices right.

Thanks,

PCTech

Let me clarify. The original poster asked for a custom panel builder that does 4 player configs. I replied with a guy that does 4 player configs using a CNC for precise cuts. He also includes a plexi top precut in the price of his panels. I only gave the link to the parts to show he does 4 player configs. When I bought my panel, he suggested I buy the parts from another seller here which I had planned on doing. I sent the seller a PM and when I didn't get a reply for 2 days, I went ahead and bought them from Jack along with the panel. I need to get my project finished as this one's on a timeline and it seems like the seller is a little backlogged right now. If you want to compare his prices against Happ and Ultimarc, he'd win. Happ has outrageous shipping if you order from their website unless you do volume business. Ultimarc's shipping is very reasonable for express from the U.K. but still higher than shipping in the US. Now considering I am already paying shipping on a panel and that the joysticks and buttons I ordered from Jack didn't impact that shipping, is it really that much more to pay $10 for a stick that I could have gotten from PB for $8 + shipping? More than likely, anyone you buy a panel from on here will be buying from PB or DM anyways and they aren't going to pass the controls off at cost. At the very least they're going to charge you what it cost them for the parts + shipping to them and you'll still end up paying the shipping back to you so it's a pretty fair comparison. Buying direct I am sure you'd get a much better price than buying on eBay as the sellers have to pay fees, etc just to have their stuff up there and I am sure his prices if you were buying a panel at the same time are much more in line with what you should expect from buying off eBay. I know it was for me. My panel with sticks, buttons and overlay came out cheaper than the 2 player panel I linked to and my panel is larger and the layout was customized.

That being said, he could definitely use a better camera or lighting!

If you have the time and want to coordinate the arrival of parts and panels, etc then PB & DM are the way to go. You will always get a better price from them than Happ or Ultimarc and the shipping times are much faster. If you want to compare them to a panel builder, whether it's Gumby or anyone else you have to consider what you're buying, either time or convenience and that they have to get the parts shipped to them before they can be shipped to you so you're going to pay for it somewhere.

I don't mean this as a bash on either seller either, I just want to clarify what I said to be more of an apples to apples comparison as the original poster was looking for a panel builder not who has the best price on parts. Those are two completely different questions. I've bought from PB in the past and will do so again when he gets his Sanwa shipment in. I've never bought from DM but would not hesitate to do so.

Toonces