My husband has a Gottlieb Blue Note Pinball that he won back around 1981.  It has sat in storage since then, other than once or twice when he plugged it in to play it.  The machine is in very good condition - no damage to it at all.  It most likely needs a good tune up. What I am wondering is what is it worth?  I did some research and see that there were only 229 ever made.  We would like to sell it but don't know where to start.

If you mean that he got it new in the box and played it only a few times (less than 50 plays), i would assume it is in mint condition. Then it might worth some money.

If possible, take pictures of it, cabinet and playfield and post it here so we can see in what condition it is in.

I will look in my price guide tonight and give you a rough idea of what it "may" worth. Condition and rarity might bring the prices higher, or lower.. depending how desirable it is.

That's a good question!!!

This is a rare game (229 units)

Low production does not necessarily mean 'worth a fortune'... City Slicker had only 300 units made and it's value is way down there, but Joust on the other hand...

However, It's probably one of the last wedgeheads (electro-mechanical only) that Gottlieb made, as other companies (Bally, Williams, Stern) were already switched to the 'electronic age'...

After verification, it was the second last 'wedgehead' ever made (TKO was the last one)

If it hasn't been touched, then the rubbers would need to be replaced as they are probably hard as a rock (not a big problem to change)

Pictures are worth 1000 words...picture of the backglass (painted glass where the scoreboard is), playfield (wood where the balls are rolling on) and overall machine (cabinet) would be a great start!  

Good luck!

Who wants to bet that flashman is already parked at the end of their driveway..

Adam

Quoted from bubbapal

My husband has a Gottlieb Blue Note Pinball that he won back around 1981.  It has sat in storage since then, other than once or twice when he plugged it in to play it.  The machine is in very good condition - no damage to it at all.  It most likely needs a good tune up. What I am wondering is what is it worth?  I did some research and see that there were only 229 ever made.  We would like to sell it but don't know where to start.

Without seeing it, it is hard to tell. It all depends what type of storage. If it was in an unheated damp garage, everything in the game will be rusted, and it won't be worth more than 150-200$. The condition of the backglass (chips, bubbling of the paint, paint missing...) is a big factor too.

But if it was stored good, and in the end all it needs is a good cleaning, rubbers and switch adjustments, correct me if I am wrong guys, but it might reach the 400-600$
range.

A Blue Note in very good working and cosmetic condition (without being mint, fresh out of the factory box) will grab around 600-700$ I believe.

You're absolutely right Sparky, MrPinball 2006 price guide has a 600$ US price tag for it.

For a working game in very good condition, and to the right buyer.

As mentioned by the above posters, the temperature and humidity of the
storage is key on how well a stored game will be kept in good conditions.
Damp, and with wide temperature variations often cause havoc on the paint and wood.

Assuming the game is in very good conditions (no paint peeling on backglass,
no wear on playfield, nice original cabinet, no surface rust inside or out,
and with new rubber rings), with game working, book value is, according to:

- Mr.Pinball Price Guide 2006 (by Daina Pettit): $600 USD
- Pinball Price Guide 7th edition (Larry Bieza): Class 3: $300 USD; Class 2: $550 USD; Class 1: $900 USD.

Any cosmetical damage will reduce the value accordingly.

Is it the game advertized on Mr.Pinball Classifieds two days ago  ?

Although a rare game, I would be very surprized if it would sell locally above $800
cdn 100% working. However, if close to mint, with the original complete
documentation, perhaps there is a possibility, some collectors go banana
when a game is really mint and 'Home Use Only'.
It may sell for more in the USA.

Good luck,
Cheers,
- Sylvain