Glad you got some good advice...
When I got into the hobby, a buddy of mine was collecting 90’s and early 2000’s machines and knew he loved to fix, tinker and repair along with play and enjoy.
While I can do the basics (and am learning stuff like soldering, etc), I wanted more time playing and modding (i.e. following instructions) rather than the enjoyment of fixing up a machine as a project.
That means I know I pay a premium for something that is either newer (HUO) or NIB.
Normally I’d share everyone else’s advice and say “play a bunch of machines and then decide” but with COVID and most places shut down (and the Ottawa pinball show not happening this year), I’d suggest watching gameplay videos online.
The good news is that once you get into the hobby and buy your first machine, pinball machines seem to be holding their value quite well with the resurgence of popularity... so if you want to change it up in the future, you can always sell or trade...
Beyond that, it really comes down to what’s important to you... theme, gameplay, etc.
Personally, I really love the JJP GnR... but if you’re considering it, here’s what I’d say:
1. Know that you’d be waiting to actually get delivery of the machine until likely the spring at this stage since they are backed up in production
2. You’re spending at the top end of the spectrum and could possibly get TWO older/less popular machines for the same price
3. Be comfortable with the tax and delivery charge not being recovered in the resell value when you buy NIB
4. If you go NIB for your first machine, you’ll be up and playing (with a manufacturer warranty) right away with no real fixes or issues that may be from previous use/owners. (Not to say there are never any issues with NIB, but generally, you’re playing as soon as you’re setup!)
5. You may get spoiled by a JJP as they are the best a presentation/production value in pinball. That’s not to say that other manufacturers aren’t just as (or more) fun, it’s just different and again...depends what’s important to you!
6. I find JJP machines play a bit “slower” than other pinball manufacturers. That’s not a BAD thing, that’s just different... depends what you like or are in the mood for...
7. You need to like GnR as a band/theme obviously... This game is all about the theme integration rather than I’d say it being classified as a pure “pinball shooter”
Check out people’s collections on Pinside and generally a lot of people are really good at giving you their advice/opinion on a particular game they own or HAVE owned and sold...
So far, from what you’ve listed, you can’t go wrong with anything you’re considering!
Good luck!
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