I would say to a purist, it would matter and they will nit pick it. From a person who prides himself on producing nice translites, for most collectors I don't think it matters.

I've got an original Pharaoh BG on mine, and although it is in good shape, it looks horrible, it is dark and fuzzy compared to the mirrored BGs of the other fantastic 4 machines.

Pharaoh is an odd duck machine, you'll probably find a Williams collector to sell it to, will probably want a real BG over a translight, and its probably worth the extra $150. Rm,ember there is a hard top for this, so maybe someone will want to 'restore' it.

With that said, it all depends on how good the repros look, and I haven't seen either style. It also depends on what shape your machine is in. If it's a player's player, then translight probably OK. If the machine is nice, go with the BG. Get it working an in the shape you want, then make your decision.

My BK has a Mayfair glass, looks great
JL has BG resto, looks OK, but it isn't mirrored
Solar Fire has a CPR and looks great
Pharaoh has original and looks dark

GL

Live dangerously and go with this fun alternate. I had it on mine and loved it.

Pharaoh (resized).jpg

Pharaoh 1 pst (resized).jpg

I’d verify what BG offers is a true Printed or silkscreen glass. I have a Lasercue thick trans light with taped rolled over the edge of the glass. I’m not sure if this was a special case, but disappointing.

I'm sure you have seen translites on machines that originally had glass, but didn't know it. Unless you tapped on it with your finger.

If you're going to a nice restoration then I'd get glass. If making a nice player to enjoy go for the cheaper option.

Either way it'll look way nicer than a flaking, faded out original.

-Paul

Im in the same boat with a Firepower
BG Resto cant do the mirror
CPR just told me they have no plans to run this
Mayfair wants $56789876567889.99 for a repro from the 90s
Bout to say screw it and go the translight route
(cough cough @atari_daze cough)

Do what, I thought I heard something?

Some mirror effect can be simulated with chrome vinyl. It is a time consuming and often tedious process but I have found the results positive thus far.

Wow, that's more than I expected...I think Atari_Daze can do it for you for half that.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'd rather have a bad original then any so called reproduction glass/translite no matter who made it. Search for an original, there out there.

John