Author Topic: Pinball prices (Read 6566 times)

slycrel · « **on:** March 31, 2006, 02:16:46 pm »

So I am looking hard at an addam's family or twilight zone pinabll machine. There is a seller in mesa AZ selling one of each for ~3100, both in purportedly very good condition.

Is this a reasonable price for these machines? From what I have seen in the past it is, but I know some of you know much more about the pin scene than I do.

Thanks.

hnugz · « **Reply #1 on:** March 31, 2006, 02:36:56 pm »

yeah i havent seen anything lower than maybe $2k for those addams family machines. My g/f really wants one. Apparently its one of the more sought after ones...

grantspain · « **Reply #2 on:** March 31, 2006, 03:08:36 pm »

Addams is a true classic and its worth every penny,my boss has an addams gold for sale(its issue no.34) and he only wants $2000 for it,trouble is its in southern spain

PetitMorte · « **Reply #3 on:** March 31, 2006, 03:15:06 pm »

You may want to check the Mr. Pinball Classifieds to get an idea of what's a good price and what isn't.

Tons of things can factor into a price. What kind of shape is the machine in? Does it need repairs? Is it "Home use only " good shape or "Just pulled out of a bar" good shape?

But yeah, I've seen Adams Familys going upwards of $6,000, and as low as $2000. Twilights seem to be mostly in the $2000s, but for a very good one, 3100 may be a good price.

There was just a discussion on rec.games.pinball about the different styles of play of the two games. The Addams Family is a good "Hit the ball and something will happen" machine. Smooth flowing play, no matter what you hit, something happens. Twilight Zone is a bit different, and some people didn't really like it's stop-sn-go play. When you start a mode there, only specific shots count, so you can be hitting and shooting with nothing much happening.

Having one of each would be the best of all worlds, I guess.

slycrel · « **Reply #4 on:** March 31, 2006, 04:06:03 pm »

I'd love to have both, but there's no way I can spend $3175 (TAF) and $3100 (TZ) for two.

I have been lusting after one of these two machines, as they are my top 2 favorites of all time, for over 2 years. I've played a lot of pins here and there, but I always have had the desire to come back to these two. I've been subscribed to the Mr. Pinball Classifieds daily digest for probably close to 3 years now. Just from that I feel like this is a resonable price, though not a super fantastic deal, but I know that's certainly not the only source of prices around for this kind of thing, just all I've had easy access to.

To me, the addam's family sounds like a better deal than the TZ for the money, but they are both pretty reasonable. I have recently gotten the OK to spend the cash I have saved + extra from my wife and to look around for the right deal. This might be it. =)

And opinions on which people like are always welcome. heh.

Thanks for the comments so far.

deadkenndys1105 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 31, 2006, 08:56:54 pm »

The local haburger place has an adams family pinball but no one plays it because they dont know how much it rules. Honestly im one of the few peole around me that even cares about pacman or other old games.

GGKoul · « **Reply #6 on:** March 31, 2006, 11:14:55 pm »

Quote from: deadkenndys1105 on March 31, 2006, 08:56:54 pm

The local haburger place has an adams family pinball but no one plays it because they dont know how much it rules. Honestly im one of the few peole around me that even cares about pacman or other old games.

Offer the place some cash for the unit.

ChadTower · « **Reply #7 on:** April 01, 2006, 05:14:32 pm »

Addams Family sells a bit higher than TZ, with equal machines, because there are more TZs out there.

That said, the price seems a bit high unless it's a really nice TZ... the scale slides a bit for AF. If it's a really nice AF that's not a total scam but it's a bit high, yes.

Wade · « **Reply #8 on:** April 04, 2006, 02:03:32 pm »

I disagree with this, most of the prices on Mr. Pinball are people fishing for a sucker, and are drastically overpriced...

Wade

Quote from: PetitMorte on March 31, 2006, 03:15:06 pm

You may want to check the Mr. Pinball Classifieds to get an idea of what's a good price and what isn't.

PetitMorte · « **Reply #9 on:** April 04, 2006, 03:43:36 pm »

Hmmmm.... then where would you get good, fairly priced pins from?

slycrel · « **Reply #10 on:** April 04, 2006, 06:44:57 pm »

Quote from: PetitMorte on April 04, 2006, 03:43:36 pm

Hmmmm.... then where would you get good, fairly priced pins from?

Agreed, I'd like to know this as well. I know that ebay will be generally overpriced. Is there another resource (that's not just a small local thing) for pins? Most places I have found are MORE expensive than Mr. Pinball.

yugffuts · « **Reply #11 on:** April 05, 2006, 09:52:49 am »

The pinball deals seem to come from networking. If they were easy to find, everyone would have nice pins :-)

Your best bets online are Mr Pinball, craigslist, RGP & ebay, as far as I know. Off CL or Mr Pin, you can find the machine you want, and offer what you think is reasonable. Of course, ebay is ebay...

slycrel · « **Reply #12 on:** April 05, 2006, 12:54:52 pm »

Yeah, networking doesn't work well in Utah taht I've been able to determine. None of the guys who deal in the stuff regularly want any competition. Even the "newest" guy on the scene that I talked to was the nicest abotu 2 years ago, and he lied to me about some prices so he could pick up some machines himself. Apparently Utah is a pretty tight market arcade-wise. :/

I haven't done a lot of looking on craigslist though, I'll look there. I have a hard time finding much on RGP, to much noise. =)

yugffuts · « **Reply #13 on:** April 05, 2006, 01:58:48 pm »

In general, the people on RGP seem to want all the deals for themselves, hence all the noise. Seems like 60% of all threads turn into a pissing match of some kind.

I approach it with the attitude of "don't get screwed". Look around for _fair_ prices (not GREAT prices), maybe pick up something cheap that needs some work and fix it up. If you see a pin somewhere, jot down the number and call the op and see if he has anything for sale, etc. Eventually deals will come up if you look hard enough, but it's not like they are all over.

Not knowing prices is a different problem; there are plenty of people out there that DO know the prices, and will snatch up a good deal while you are trying to figure out the value. You can pick up the pinball price guide, or just pay attention to Ebay, RGP, Mr Pinball etc to get an idea of what things are worth.

clanggedin · « **Reply #14 on:** April 06, 2006, 12:52:40 pm »

The last TZ that was available in Utah on Ebay was in awesome shape. I bid up to $2700. It ended up going for about $3600.

You really have to work on getting good arcade connections. I haven't worked hard enough. I do have some other arcade enthusiast looking out for me, but they usually buy what I'm looking for and keep it. Once they have one they give me ups on others that they find.

Most local arcade vendors sell their cabs at high Ebay prices. Meaning they try and sell a Lethal Enforcers in a beat up cab for $800 (Nickelcade).

There is a guy in Salem that sells cabs on Ebay, but he wants too much for them too. He did sell a Star Trek Anniversary pin that needed a shop job and new side art for $500.

I've practically given up on getting a pin at a decent price locally. I am waiting for the next arcade auction in Mesquite to get some stuff. Unfortunately it may not be for anohter year or so.

I may still have the name and number of a guy in Santaqiun that has a warehouse of arcade stuff. I have never called him though. He may have a AF or a TZ to sell. If you want his number PM me and I'll try and find it.

Good luck on your search.

slycrel · « **Reply #15 on:** April 06, 2006, 08:14:39 pm »

Yeah, the guy at the nickelcade wanted $2300 for a beat up Batman returns pin that actually had playability problems! I talked with him and he was trying to sell me on it saying it was super easy to fix, he would even sell me the part. Bleh. I don't go there anymore, mostly on principal. =)

clang, one of these days you're going to have to hook me up with your source. Let me know if you hear of any addam's family or TZ machines in the area?

ChadTower · « **Reply #16 on:** April 07, 2006, 09:06:57 am »

What dude above said about working arcade connections is absolutely right. I have no trouble finding quality, good priced games now, but it took me two whole years of leg work to get my connections.

Plus, you have to be prepared to be THERE WITH CASH AND VEHICLE immediately. If you cannot do that someone else will. Plain and simple.

There ARE hella cheap games out there. You just have to be in the right place at the right time and that means a lot of searching around. Check your classifieds, ask people, go to yard sales... right now I have 5 pins in my basement and the most expensive one was $150 once all the dust settled. One was free in return for removing it and another I actually made money on.

Ebay is actually a less expensive route to go with pins but it is hugely buyer beware. If you are not able to make repairs an Ebay pin is just like a used car. You can get a "good deal" and then be totally screwed trying to get the thing running, even if they say it runs well.

slycrel · « **Reply #17 on:** May 16, 2006, 02:31:52 am »

Just a quick update if anyone is interested... I've been looking hard for one of these two machines for a while. I am currently torn. I've talked with a guy in texas and he can get me a fully shopped TZ macine within a few months for $3500. (also $4200 for an AF, but the other is already pushing it...) I also have a guy I am talking with now, who just sent me some pics of an addam's family. It's unshopped, but looks like it's in reasonable condition. He wants $3000 for it, which seems a bit high, but I have a hard time knowing on AF machines. They seem to go so quickly.

Is that AF gold still available in spain?

rugby1 · « **Reply #18 on:** May 16, 2006, 03:38:27 am »

Here's a German store that I bought my Indiana Jones pinball machine from.... they have 5 different "grades" of machines and priced accordingly.

(http://www.pinball-shop.de/shop.php?cPath=6)

Adams Family is under Blockbuster movie pinballs catagory... 2950 for it (C Condition)... thats in Euro so add about 25% for the exchange rate diff to dollars but then subtract 16% for sales tax that is already added in (God I hate VAT, Don't know how the Europeans deal with 16% sales tax)

A - Unshopped and probably doesn't play - cheapest
B - Plays but some functions don't work
C - Everything Works but some cosmetic issues
D- Everything works very very minor cosmetic issues
E- Fully restored to factory new - most expensive

My IJ is a C condition and was about 3300 US dollars. nothing majorly wrong.....

needs new upper side decals as the wood is chipped out (about 1 1/2 inches long by 1/2 inch wide).... they gave me replacement artwork... just waiting to schedule time for them to repair wood and put on artwork.

1/2 inch long by 1/8 inch wide scratch on backglass....

legs could use a coat of metallic gold paint or taken off and electroplated with bronze.... not a big issue to me right now

Habittrails need brasso'ed or steel wool ... minor rust

2 screw holes in the right hand side of the cab... not sure if there was a lock bar to secure the coin door even more or what.... not very noticeable....

Playfield is in pristine condition. That was the biggest thing for me. I can replace burnt out fuses/lightbulbs etc not a problem.

I think their prices for C and D rated machines are pretty reasonable nowadays. I would never pay for an E graded machine.... some of them are going for 10 Grand!!!!

I can post pics if you would like to see what condition my IJ is in. I feel that it was worth 3K. I could have saved a grand by going condition A but didn't want to spend tons of precious time shopping it.

Gunstar Hero · « **Reply #19 on:** May 20, 2006, 03:07:20 am »

Addams and TZ are expensive and popular. Expect to pay alot, even for only "mostly working" examples. Unless you are DEAD SET on one of those, pick a similar pin from that era that's not as lusted for. Heck, IMO Addams doesn't even play that hot, and TZ is a favorite, but man, it's fragile. Anyways here's a good article...

http://www.worldofpinball.com/news.php?id=61

I got my first pin, a 1993 Bally Judge Dredd, for $900, shopped and playable. It's not 100% naturally, but it's an AWESOME pin, fast, fun and cool looking and sounding... just not so popular. It'll take about $100 in parts to get the Judge fully operational, and hell, I'll probably try to do the "Deadworld" mod... but even then I'm still well under the cost of a "popular" machine.

slycrel · « **Reply #20 on:** May 22, 2006, 05:50:41 pm »

Unfortunately I am pretty dead set on one of those machines. Guess I get to pay a premium for it. =)

I am 90% sure I'm going to go with the owner of www.txpinball.com. I've gotten a lot of good information from him, he knows what he's talking about, and though the price is a bit high, it will be professionally shopped, have a few mods (particularly the functional ones like clock and target mods), etc.

It'll be $3500 total, but I'm almost to that point with my savings. =)

As far as alternatives.. I've played a lot of games out there. Judge dredd just doesn't cut it for me for example, nor does terminator 2 or some of the others. The ones I've really enjoyed playing in the arcades seem to be the ones that have higher prices. Go figure.

Gunstar Hero · « **Reply #21 on:** May 23, 2006, 01:51:29 pm »

(shrug) Some people just have to learn the hard way I guess.

IThere are several great playing pins out there that you can have for a more reasonable rate. And hey, as much as I love TZ, I can't say I wouldn't rather have a JD, a T2 and a No Fear plus a few hundred in my pocket. And believe me, I'm always looking for the right deal on a TZ or an Addams.

If you get a TZ, make sure the clock has had the new style single board installed. The old ones burn up. Stand there right after power on and punch the flippers a bunch of times too... if the power system is iffy, you'll get a reset (of course, on TZ you'll get it pretty much anytime you fight the power), get the plastic protectors, cause chipping your pristine plastics will make you cry... and get me your address, cause I'll be there to help carry it into the house. =)

RayB · « **Reply #22 on:** May 23, 2006, 02:58:58 pm »

I don't know if these are any cheaper, but I always liked "The Shadow".

slycrel · « **Reply #23 on:** May 23, 2006, 03:44:36 pm »

Yeah, well, the problem is I've not liked some of the other machines enough to have a dedicated pin, even at a third the price. Kind of like a MAME machine. I'm not sure I'd have had an arcade machine in my home if it only had one game on it... (There are a few exceptions, they are also quite expensive... go figure) But with multiple games it makes it all worthwhile.

Not so with a TZ or AF. Those are good enough for me to own and feel as though I won't get sick of them in a few months.

The other pins out there (i.e. the shadow, fun game RayB, probably $1000-1500ish for a good one if I had to guess) are fun to play, but I'm not sure I would play them often enough to justify owning one. And since I don't have room for more than one or two tops, I want those to really count.

So I guess, I don't feel I'm learning the hard way. I've done my homework. I've played a lot of pinball, I'm familiar with many of the games out there. If you're happy with other pins that happen to be cheaper then that's great. I've taken over 2 years to get to the point where I'm sure I really want one of these, it's not just a passing fad for me. It's a personal choice, please don't make this into a situation where I'm the idiot who doesn't know what he's doing. As much as that may be true, heh, I'm not going into this blind.

Gunstar Hero · « **Reply #24 on:** May 24, 2006, 03:37:37 am »

Fear not Sly. I don't feel qualified to call anyone an idiot.

I'm just talking from the POV of someone who has been where you are and decided to walk a different path upon seeing the pitfalls of paying top dollar for a 12-14 year old machine.

When I find that diamond in the rough TZ, I'll be all over it, but for now, I'm enjoying the challenges of pins on the lower end of the price scale.

So please, don't take my words as an admonishment of your plan. Like I said, I'll be the first one in line to congratulate you upon buying your dream pin.

BTW, The Shadow rules.

slycrel · « **Reply #25 on:** May 24, 2006, 06:44:33 pm »

Yeah, I started out that way as well. Unfortunately, I'm not in a prime location to see a lot of pins, and additionally, I've been looking for that fantastic deal for a long time. I'm not sure I'm willing to wait another 2 years to find that magic pin, so while I have the $ to get one I'm going to give it a go.

I was a bit knee-jerk there, apologies. It's bad enough that my family (other than my wife and kids) think im insane for doing anything arcade related, I've been getting some negative pressure. I wasn't expecting to defend myself here. =) No worries.

If you're ever in Utah feel free to look me up, you can come play it.

TheOtherBob · « **Reply #26 on:** May 24, 2006, 11:22:47 pm »

Another decent pin is Star Trek: The Next Generation. I really like mine and it is quite challenging. A very deep pin. ST:TNG generally is much cheaper than the other popular pins like Adams & Twilight. Just another option for you to consider.

Altho if you really hate the theme it might be hard to like it.

I've had mine for well over a year and it still hands ---my bottom--- to me on a regular basis......

Gunstar Hero · « **Reply #27 on:** May 25, 2006, 04:39:09 am »

No sweat Sly. I'll take you up on that

At first everyone was baffled that I'd spend $900 on a pinball machine! Now EVERYONE plays it, my wife wants a WCS94, and I just got my second pin, a Bally Fathom, that I'm getting started on.

divemaster127 · « **Reply #28 on:** May 25, 2006, 04:26:50 pm »

Good pins at a good price seem to be very hard to find, I love the add-on's you can get for the AF but its more than im willing to spend, im looking for right now
1. Black Knight
2. Speed II
3. Who dunnit...
4. Stargate that is a good looking pin...
Plus any of the startreks if anyone has leads I would appreciate it.
thanks
dm
also if anyone needs a air hockey I would make someone a heck of a deal

Gunstar Hero · « **Reply #29 on:** May 25, 2006, 07:38:10 pm »

I'm looking for a Who Dunnit, a No Fear and a WCS94 myself.

TheOtherBob · « **Reply #30 on:** May 25, 2006, 08:55:50 pm »

Heck I sold my WhoDunnit back in December.... I sorta miss it but I only have room for two pins......

I come to the conclusion I need a bigger place....

divemaster127 · « **Reply #31 on:** May 25, 2006, 09:04:52 pm »

If you do not mind me asking what did it go for, im just looking for a idea & did you like the pin
thanks
dm

TheOtherBob · « **Reply #32 on:** May 26, 2006, 10:06:48 am »

I sold my WhoDunnit for $1300. It was in really good shape. It didn't need any work and was basically plug and play. I bought it for $1000 initially. It was filthy and needed work.

I liked the pin.... like I said earlier I really only have room for two right now and my other two are Star Trek: TNG and Funhouse. So the WhoDunnit had to go.

As for liking it? IMO it's a good pin... but not a great one either. It plays a bit different than a regular pin with the clues and finding out who the killer is. Which in theory is a super idea... but the software is a bit of a let down as it can be too predictable.... if it had better software where you actually have to try and hunt the clues down by hitting a random target out on the field.... that'd been cool. Maybe even make you have to solve the crime with some different kinds of clues. Roulette wheel is cool as you can get some serious points.... lose them too. Slot machine is a neat toy. Catch the criminal is good fun (rooftop). It also has the Midnight Madness mode which caught me by surprise.

It's a *solid* pin but I think it'd be better off in a collection of pins (at least 3-5). I'd stay away from it if it is going to be your only pin.

I attached a pic of my old machine....

str1der · « **Reply #33 on:** May 26, 2006, 10:49:42 am »

I've been dying to get a pin myself. I know that AF and TZ are popular but never been a huge fan. Personally I would love to pick up a Theatre of Magic. I just love everything about that machine. The newer Lord of the Rings machine is pretty sweet also. Not that these are any cheaper. Here's another type of machine I'd like to get. I played these all the time when I was a kid. http://cgi.ebay.com/1962-Williams-World-Series-Pitch-And-Bat-Arcade-Machine_W0QQitemZ6281899687QQcategoryZ13725QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Good luck

slycrel · « **Reply #34 on:** May 26, 2006, 02:02:12 pm »

The guy I've been talking to mentioned ST:TNG as one of the top 3 that he sells, he can't keep them in stock.

I've not had the chance to play it, but I hear it's good. If I had one locally I might consider it, but I'm not going to buy one I've never played.

Theater of magic is really fun if you play one that's in good condition. I liked it a lot and would consider buying iit, but not at the current prices a good one goes for.

Wade · « **Reply #35 on:** June 21, 2006, 11:02:10 pm »

It isn't that hard to make "connections" to get a fair price on a pin. There are basically two types of pin sellers - Those out to make a lot of money off of their sales, and those who just sell at fair prices to other people/friends.

I guess there are 3 - There are also re-importers, and some of these guys are great to deal with and the prices are awesome, but you have to be able to check out the machines in person and be able to clean them up and do minor repairs.

All you really need to do is make a few friends in the hobby, and they will sell you games for a fair price, and far less than retail shops or most stuff on Mr. Pinball. They don't have to be "best buds", just someone who isn't going to take you for a ride.

You may also just query RGP and find some reputable people. However, if no one knows you, I doubt many people will just come along and extend a nice offer to sell a TZ or Addams, when those are pricey games and easy to sell. However, if you don't mind paying $3000 for a game, I'm sure someone will sell you a nice one and ship it to you, too.

A friend of mine bought a TZ locally recently, off of ebay (of all places), for $2200. Wasn't even another collector, just some dude with the game in his basement. Another friend of mine recently had a little trouble selling an Addams for $2500. I think he came down a few hundred in the end.

Just don't use Treasure Cove prices to determine what a "fair value" is. Get the pinball price guide, it is pretty accurate, really.

You should also dig up some local operators, they are everywhere, even Utah. Many of them sell games at fair prices.

Wade


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