Quoted from SilverBallKid:

OK, at this point I am getting close to slapping down the rest of my $$$ and taking delivery of my Beatles table. I have purchased a Stern Spike2 knocker from PinballLife and I got my hands on a topper. Not super happy about the price of the topper but I just kind of feel like this is the only NIB I will ever buy so why not shoot the works; you know? Also, I greatly appreciate all the feedback to my initial questions a few posts back. Never thought I would get such an enthusiastic, positive response. Thanks again.
I have a few questions for you guys who already own this table. Just trying to have all my ducks in a row so that when this Bad Boy is delivered, I am ready to go. Sorry if this seems like overkill. Let’s just say I’m getting a little jazzed up in anticipation. Never ever thought I would buy a NIB table. Never. This thing is my divorce present to myself, just signed papers last week after 15 years together and 10 married. The whole process sucked. I run a restaurant and the last year has been horrible. Got the virus in November and survived it, thank god. I suppose I just decided that it is ok to spend money in a way I never really do – just this once after the worst year of my life…
Anyway, my questions:
1. I have read many times that people do not dig on the stock balls shipped in Stern games and that a lot of peeps get replacements to drop in right away. Thoughts?
2. I am kind of confused about there not being rubbers on the vertical posts above the in/outlanes at the bottom of the table. I have always thought that one of the important things about playfield rubber is that it protects balls from damage. How can naked posts in a location like that be a good thing? I have read through this entire topic and it sounds like adding rubber there pretty much eliminates outlane drains. As a geek and pinball purist, I hate the idea of removing that aspect of the gameplay. Side drains are part of life in pinball. Owners, what are our thoughts on this issue?
3. From pictures I have seen, it appears that Stern now designs their cabinets in such a way that cabinet protectors are no longer needed. Is this true or do you guys still recommend their purchase?
4. The knocker. The sound of a pinball knocker to me is like the sound of a hockey puck (grew up in a hockey city – sorry) hitting a goalpost – I LOVE IT. If any of you installed a knocker and have suggestions as to where to mount that thing to get maximum THWACK from it, I am all ears. I CAN NOT STAND THAT NEW ELECTRONICALLY GENERATYED SQUEAL. Sorry for the caps, but I really do loathe that sound. If anyone wants to throw up a pic of where they mounted theirs, I would greatly appreciate it.
I am so stoked about the deal with the SD cards and the different music. CAN NOT WAIT to try these out!
It won’t be long (yeah) until the truck pulls up. I smile every damn time I think about it. One of my buddies lives in Louisville, KY and he is prepared to call off work and drive up to Detroit on short notice for the unboxing/christening.
Thanks in advance for any and all guidance. Happy flipping.
Tim in Motown

Quoted from Hawks:

Has Stern stopped production on The Beatles?

Quoted from TeeJayN:

Are you sure? They were supposed to make no more than 1964 but are you sure ALL have been made?

Quoted from TeeJayN:

I understand they made them and sold them to the distributors. And I understand they were required, under certain conditions, to buy a certain amount. I also bought my Gold NIB but was also told that while all 100 Diamonds and all 250 Platinum's were made, that not all of the remaining 1614 Golds were made - hence my question. If true, in the future, Stern would still have some allowable number of Golds that could be made.
Personally it matters not, but still interesting none the less.