Quoted from pinballcorpse:An alternate strategy is to buy games from collectors who have done the leg work to get the games playing awesome. This can be with a new game or even a game that 10, 20, 30, 40+ years old. For example, a lot of the EMS seem to bullet proof once they are gone through and working correctly. It is amazing how much of a workhorse some EMs are.
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Enjoy, and remember pinball IS fun!
I agree that well-restored EMs are often extremely reliable in a home environment. Some EMs in my line-up have literally worked flawlessly for years (played weekly, which helps) requiring nothing more than an occasional playfield wipe-down and wax.
Another advantage with EMs is that when they do require service, the repair does not require sending out a circuit board or playfield.
Once an EM is dialed in, a novice can usually handle most repair issues that arise. Between Pinside, the EM Pinball Facebook group and other resources, newbies can find what's needed to fix their EMs.
For $2K more or less, restored (bulletproofed) EMs (popular titles) are available. The investment is relatively low, the reliability is high, the resale value is high, the fun quotient is high. . .what's not to like?
