Evaluation - Introduction

Pinball machines are kind of like cars.  As time goes by, they get used and their condition deteriorates. Therefore, they require frequent maintenance and often require extensive reconditioning to maintain or regain their value.

All pinball machines require service whether they are played often or not. Batteries mounted on the printed circuit boards go dead and can leak alkaline (acid), capacitors lose their efficiency, display tubes become dim, and other parts just wear out.

Many people use the 1 – 10 scale when estimating the condition of their pinball machines.  However, what is a 10?  Or a 6?  Or even a 2?  Most people describe their machines in the 7-10 range, but the fact is, most sellers don't notice flaws or other cosmetic issues that would cause their machine to be rated significantly lower on the 1 – 10 scale. 

Everyone’s definition of condition will vary.  Some people use the term “Mint Condition” when describing machines.  We would say that less than 1% of games out in circulation are truly in “Mint Condition.”

The term “mint” comes from coin collecting and refers to coins that are in the same uncirculated condition they were in when they were minted.  Applying this to pinball machines is difficult as very few machines are unused and in the same condition as they were in when they were delivered from the factory. 

Even a machine which has been restored with new parts would probably not be classified as “mint”.