I've had four Abras. The first one I bought back in 1995 (along with a Drop A Card), and it was in decent condition (the DaC was very nice). I can't recall *why* I chose to sell it (and the DaC!), but I did. Well, I do recall actually. I bought another dozen games in 1996, so had to start cutting games loose.

I soon after realized the mistake I'd made in letting go of the Abra, and began a quest to replace it. Took three more Abras before finally getting a nice one again, and that one has stayed ever since. Probably will be the last title to leave too.

This one has 50,000-ish plays on the meter, and is nice enough all-around original (except for the bottom two plastics). I still see Abras pop up, but haven't found an upgrade yet (not really looking though either).

The thing I like about the game is that there are multiple ways to approach winning (drops, rollovers, bonus, score), a skill shot is required to reset the drops (not just an automatic reset), there are two ways to get the 1-4 sequence (so not just a plunger shot), everything can be done from flipper shots, and it has a progressive strategy. The flow is great, it's possible to make great ball saves, and the long distance drop target shots are very satisfying.

I've long thought it's been an underappreciated game, overshadowed by the other great '75 titles (El D., Atlantis), and the values have stayed low.

Downsides are the half-moon credit unit, and the use of particle board for the back of the cab. (So glad Gottlieb switched back to plywood a year or so later.)

As far as a value for the money type of game, I think Abra is a good example. Great player, not so expensive. (Yet.)

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When looking at Abras, check the back panel on the cab. If they've been stored on end, the particle board likes to wick up moisture, which can lead to disintegration.

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This thread may be of interest:
http://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/fixing-the-%e2%80%9cextra-ball-after-game-over%e2%80%9d-in-a-gottlieb-single-player-em#post-935652

That was a feat of magic for sure!

What's the count on the play meter inside the bottom cab?

The metal plate on the ball arch isn't a factory item, so was possibly placed there by an operator.

Aw, a C37 bit the dust?

No pedestal?

This is the same one that's been on CL for $1200, so they must now need it gone.

Depends a bit on the age of the game, and they didn't start using 5-digit meters until a bit later (and then 6-digit towards the end of the EMs), so they're not the most reliable indicator, but I'd say 70K-90K is average, 40-70K medium to low-ish, under 40K low. These can shift 10K +/-, depending on the age of the game.

And it's only one indicator. How the games were maintained does make a big difference. I've seen games with high play counts with better playfields than ones with 20K plays.

Hi-tap is really for use with low voltage environments. A Gottlieb that's been rebuilt well doesn't need it.

And what of the Atlantis sitting on the other side?

Ron's usually pretty good on keeping his website updated if he has glasses in stock. Abra is still showing as available, so might be worth checking again.

With the playfield in the down position, sometimes the reset bar encounters an interference point that goes away when the playfield is up, or the mech is swung out. There's an adjustment to the 'stop' position of the reset bar that can be lowered a bit, so that the bar is able to go down farther.

The contacts might benefit from a bit more burnishing. I see some carbon spots still.

Curse of the Abra!

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For some mid-70's cabinets ('75-'76), Gottlieb used particle board for that back panel. Games stored on end can wick up moisture, and cause the panel to swell and then disintegrate. It's a key thing to check when considering purchase of one from that era. Thankfully, they switched back to a wood ply, but it caught some nice titles.

Nah, that was Abra #2 or #3. Long since repaired and gone. A friend of mine was a commercial cabinet maker and we spent a Saturday at his shop making it right again. Many years ago.

It really depends on the cosmetic condition. If the backglass, playfield, cab, and plastics are nice, expect 1000-ish+. If a new backglass is needed, subtract 300; new plastics, subtract another 100, etc. I recently passed on one for 600 with a nice cab and playfield, but in need of a new backglass, only because I have one already and it wasn't enough of a deal to sink the time/money into. But last I knew it was still available. If I was looking for one, I would have grabbed it. Pretty wide range though, depending on cosmetic condition and location.