Quoted from PinMonk:nteresting that this essentially confirms they gave up on Beatles before hitting the 1966 units because they couldn't sell any more overpriced golds once their Diamonds and Platinums were used up on the initial 1000.
Actually, it's 1964 units.
Also, the Australian distributor has imported 4 more batches of Beatles in the last year, well after the Diamonds and Platinums were snapped up. The next shipment is due into port in January 2021.
Stern needs to produce all 1964 units to recover the $1M license fee they paid Paul McCartney. But they are in no rush to do so. Within 5 years of launch all will be produced and sold.
Not sure why you think the Golds are overpriced. All three models have identical playfields, all are a blast to play, but the Golds are a lot cheaper for the same enjoyment factor and play experience. Maybe the Diamonds and Platinums were overpriced, but not the Golds (which, by the way, are in every way superior and better than any Seawatch I have ever seen).