The best thing to do is go to local league nights and try as many machines as you can. Then form your own opinion on what you like.

Most machines are servicable to some extent, but they tend to reproduce plastics and ramps and other game specific parts for higher value machines because people that invest their cash in them are willing to spend on the parts relative to the value of the games.

Nobody will buy $500 in ramps for a $1000.00 game.

Quoted from wbradley

The best thing to do is go to local league nights and try as many machines as you can. Then form your own opinion on what you like.

Most machines are servicable to some extent, but they tend to reproduce plastics and ramps and other game specific parts for higher value machines because people that invest their cash in them are willing to spend on the parts relative to the value of the games.

Nobody will buy $500 in ramps for a $1000.00 game.

Good advice, this is what I have been doing but the problem is that there is so many machines and so little time.....  I guess this is why I got into the hobby.  Besides, there has to be some people that don't mind early 90's Gottlieb (anyone?  Bueller, Bueller)

tks for sharing

Have to agree with Adam. I don't see what is puzzling with the variance in price at all. Mid 80s to 90s Gottlieb games, generally, just aren't in the same league as Williams/Bally and are priced accordingly.

Duane

Quoted Text

so many machines and so little time.....    

or, to quote TSPP' "So many buttons, so few brain cells".

Quoted from gmaranda

Good advice, this is what I have been doing but the problem is that there is so many machines and so little time.

Just go here one year:

http://www.papa.org

Free to the public every game on .50 cent play.  400+ machines in one location, more machines then most shows have in their free play area.  You'll get a chance to play every game you've ever wanted to in one weekend.  

Quoted from TwilightZone

Have to agree with Adam. I don't see what is puzzling with the variance in price at all. Mid 80s to 90s Gottlieb games, generally, just aren't in the same league as Williams/Bally and are priced accordingly.

Duane

Ok guys give it up with the word "puzzling" I was refering to why there is a price difference.  I want to know the why based on your experience not based on simply "because".  Sparky gave a good explanation and Vengeance last post was pretty good about sound etc.

That is the kind of relevant info I was looking for not that I am puzzled about offer and demand.  I want to know why early 90's Gottlieb don't make you tick.  Or tickle your fancy.  

Throw me a freakin bone here guys

Quoted from gmaranda

That is the kind of relevant info I was looking for not that I am puzzled about offer and demand.  I want to know why early 90's Gottlieb don't make you tick.  Or tickle your fancy.  

Throw me a freakin bone here guys

I think it's just a language barrier thing

You said "However, it is still puzzling me a bit."

Which us Anglo's took as You were still confused as to why Gottlieb's cost much less then Williams/Bally, hence our response.    

Quoted from Vengeance

I think it's just a language barrier thing

You said "However, it is still puzzling me a bit."

Which us Anglo's took as You were still confused as to why Gottlieb's cost much less then Williams/Bally, hence our response.    

I type with an accent or you read with one........

Another indication of value is build quality. Just on the playfield, Williams went with Diamondplate, based on an automotive clear. Gottlieb went with an old-school clear lacquer right up until the end. So that is another factor. Many GTBs have some extensive wear. Williams resist better with time.

This said, they are not BAD machines at all. I consider them to be "casual player" type machines.

The Gottleib era ended with SS machines, and Williams/Bally took over.  Proof is clear here:

http://www.ipdb.org/lists.cgi?puid=24610&browser=1282590867&list=top300


HH and BH are more pretty than they are "players" in my opinion.  Silver Slugger is a rare gem in the Gottleib SS's.

Agree with Silver Slugger.  Fun game.  Most other Gtb's really do royally suck and are more suitable for folks who know nothing about pinball and just want one so they can flail at the ball aimlessly.  Once you start to understand the nuances of a nice ruleset then you'll start to dislike Gtb.  And the sound really is cheesy..

My $0.02

Mike

Think about cars...

Which one is more sought after: Renault Fuego or a Porsche 924?

A car enthusiast might go for a Fuego due to its rarity, but a sportscar enthusiast would go for the 924. pricewise, I would think the Fuego would be cheaper.

Well, that, is about the difference between the Gottlieb and WMS DMD-era machines.

WMS had great titles, good software, neat toys and the 'fun' factor is almost way up there'. On the GTB-side, well...they're built solid, but the fun factor, toys and titles aren't in the same ballpark as wms.

2 similar titles: Indy500 and Mario Andretti...play both and you'll mostlikely stop playing Mario after one ball.

IMHO, Some GTB games are ok...for a few games whereas a WMS have some games that you'll enjoy for YEARS.

Then again, we're lucky to live in a land where there are hundreds of pinball titles available and YOU can pick and choose which one YOU like.

Supply and demand is important if you're looking to buy, but then try to sell the machine. Don't get me wrong, you should look at pinballs like a HOBBY and not an INVESTMENT (many members here could give you great stories about this statement).

It doesn't matter what others think...buy what YOU like and YOU want. However, bear in mind that even in the pinball world, there are some "Yugos", "Skodas" and "Ladas"... their resale value is rock bottom and the 'fun' factor will last a gas tank.

mes deux cennes,

frosken