Houdini
American Pinball, 2017You're currently viewing posts by Pinsider fixintoplay.
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Greetings. I've been thinking quite a while about joining this "club". The game looks and sounds like it was made for me, although I have not played it yet. Are there NIB units available at this time from distributors? If so, can someone recommend one they've had a good experience with? It appears some are still accepting reserve deposits. Any input or advice would be appreciated.
Quoted from Ericpinballfan:Call Joe at pinballstar.
I will say, these come up on the used market often. Perhaps a better deal, unless you want NIB.
Thanks for the referral. I'm on the fence used vs NIB. Warranty is nice -- I'm impressed with AP customer service comments. But I'm concerned NIB may not have all the design updates/improvements posters talk about here: I'm having difficulty keeping track of them all. Then there's the question of what a used one will need. I get the sense from this thread that Houdini has a bit more issues than average, both new and used?
Quoted from mikepmcs:I've had zero issues other than upgrading the scoop to the wider radius one that AP sells only because I didn't want to modify the original. Mine is a newer run with the upgrades.
Chose to buy NIB because I wanted to support this company and it's employees. Literally the primary reason.
The head of the company even responded to me on a Sunday when I sent some emails regarding my build/upcoming build dates.
If you choose NIB, ask the distributor (if it is in their possession) to tell/show you the build date. Shop around and get the deal you are comfortable with. All deals and costs are not the same from distributor to distributor. It pays to do some leg work.
Best of luck.
r/
Mike
Mike, this is great advice. Thanks for the guidance, especially about what questions to ask. I bought my first NIB (Stern SW) in March from Coin Taker and didn't know to ask about the build date. Big rookie error. It's sensible you ordered yours from a distributor but went to AP direct for build dates -- eliminates second-hand info. One technical question I have: checking the AP website for Houdini parts, they offer a $150 power supply upgrade but it doesn't note what years or builds it covers. I must admit, that they offer store credit with this buy speaks volumes about AP's integrity and commitment to customer service.
scbill88 This is proof of the old maxim: "They don't make 'em like they used to." If the plastic links are wearing that fast, I would rebuild the plunger assemblies with Link Material (MAT-LINK) available from pbresource ($1.75 per 12" strip). These were the standard for EMs for decades. The phenolic-like material is incredibly durable and can take a pounding for years, which would avoid having to keep stocking and swapping out the plunger assemblies. You sound handy, and they're really easy to make. (I've made many of them myself.)
I'm enamored with the whole Houdini pinball idea, but reading all that I have about it I'm concerned it may not be enjoyed by less experienced players (family and friends.) I'm not the sharpshooter I used to be either. Are there ways to tune this machine to make it more enjoyable and "easier" for casual players? Appreciate any and all advice/input. Thanks.
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Festus, MO