Quoted from etr104:Just a couple dumb questions. I'm looking for a game to compliment my JJP GNR machine. My wife is a big Beatles fan. What is the difference between the Gold, Platinum and Diamond versions of this game? Are Platinum/Diamond still even available or is everything sold out except for Gold?
Is the Gold version of the game numbered on a plaque or something?
The gold version is the bargain. All 3 versions together are limited to 1,964 units, 250 of which are platinum, 100 are diamonds and the remainder are golds.
Each version has different cabinet and backglass art. All versions are equally nice with respect to cabinet art, in my opinion.
Platinum and diamonds have a plaque (big deal for some, I suppose). The legs, lockdown bar and backbox trim are a different color than on the gold version. Again, the gold color looks as good or better, to my eye.
The diamonds have a crystal backglass as opposed to a translite on the other versions.
The playfield and programming are identical on all versions.
Apart from the notion that limited production adds value, there's no justification for a price differential above the gold version beyond a few hundred dollars. Yet, some platinums have sold for $10K - $16K and diamonds for $30K+ during the early release. More recently, enthusiasts have realized that these artificial "elevated versions" possess no added intrinsic value, a recognition which has deflated the price of those versions and elevated the best value version (i.e. the gold).
If you buy a gold and prefer the platinum translite (like me), you can replace the translite for about $100.
At about $8K or less, the gold is the way to go. Get an aftermarket shaker motor, enhanced speakers and the speaker light mod for more fun. This thread reviews all of the mods..
I hear that the cabinets are constructed with Norwegian wood. ;>