No, it's not that bad, had a bulb out on mine a while ago and went through the top, can't remember how exactly though (!) there are lots of springs though! Good luck.

Pretty sure if you unmount the whole mini PF from the backboard first, you can tilt it enough to get to the 555 twist-in lampholders. I did mine that way - didn't even see a spring!

Good Topic. I LED'd my JM but didn't do the 9 reds in the matrix after seeing that diagram. I'm scared of springs, ever since I tried to fix a fishing reel!

Just finished mine as well and now I'm going to try the Matrix!

I put red flex supers in mine to really aim the light at each switch.. it came out amazing, but was a pain in the ass. You can do it without removing the mini playfield, but it's not by any means easy, from what I remember.

remove the two nuts from the back board. disconnect the two connectors. lift assembly up with the coil traveling threw the play field. gives lots of room now to get under assembly. I also took off the cyber ramp for more room to move around. going threw the top is insane. Hope this helps

Thanks flip out for posting on this thread

Thanks for posting this. I have one light out that I can't reach. About to start a full teardown and ramp replacement. Has anyone had problems with the flashers that run through j122?

Bookmarking this.

Ok so figured I'd take a couple of pictures demonstrating the easy way to change bulbs in the JM grid.

So - you just pull the playfield forward. I recommend taking the top ramp off to get it out of the way. (3 nuts and a plug).

Then unplug the two white connectors and the third that connects to the solenoid as pictured here.

Next - you use a nutdriver to unscrew the two nuts attached to the threaded studs pictured on the back of the matrix assembly. (These threaded studs protrude through the back wall and you unscrew them from behind.)

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Really easy to pull out the entire unit. Then just turn it over.
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I bought a bag of RED Bendy's from Comet (on sale for $18.75/25 pcs).
http://www.cometpinball.com/product-p/25-pack-flex.htm?1=1&CartID=0
Bendy's are perfect for the Grid because they reach farther and allow you to point them perfectly for maximum illuminaton of the matrix buttons above them.
This first picture shows you how far away from the incandescent bulbs the buttons are.

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This picture demonstrates why bendy's are so valuable in the grid - because not all of the holes are fully aligned (and open) so without a bendy you won't fully illuminate the button from the top!

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Happy Playing!

This works perfect. I did the same. Much easier to remove it. It also gives access to the playfield to clean that part of the orbit etc.

screwed around with for an 1 ½ hour before I searched pinside....BINGO.

EASY PEASY!

Thanks!

Old threads are still useful. Thanks for the pic @pinterest. You made my new to the JM club experience better.

I'm assuming they're wedge style lamps?

Yes 555’s

Make sure you experience Midnight Madness on that machine. JM has one of the best of those.

I obtained a set of plastics that I got shipped from Brazil. I am installing them this weekend. I'll LED the Matrix while I am at it.

AlexSMendes still currently selling his plastic set reproductions from Brazil I see.

An old and helpful post that made the switch to LEDs really easy. Easiest fix of the day!
Let me add the following:
1. Make sure the wedge does not interfere with any part of the rollover. I inserted mine too far. Fortunately, I pressed each rollover only to discover that some got stuck. Just retract your wedge a little.
2. I replaced my coil sleeve but did not return the coil's electrical terminals to the correct position. The Matrix would not seat and it was so easy to remove, surely I missed something: I simply rotated the coil, put the terminals in the right location, and everything re-assembled perfectly.

Now it's time for full maintenance on the 'hand' and the owner's thread has already lead me to the best guide out there:
https://quinndunki.com/blondihacks/?p=1615

If only I could find a right ramp
Good luck and happy hunting.