Black Hole Project price check

playpin35

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I've decided that my next project pin will be a black hole. I've found a guy that deals in pins that has one in his warehouse. It is complete(minus CPU) with a few scuffs, good backglass and playfields unshopped for $650. I know what a new CPU and the other parts cost to shop it out. In its stated condition, does $650 seem like a fair price?
 
Missing CPU at that price would be a bit high to me. The way I think of it is, if the CPU is working.... why was it pulled out? You normally don't cannabilize a good machine, and the fact that it was done in this case makes me nervous what made the machine unworthy of staying complete.

Now, if you had a working CPU to take with you and the ability to test it out that way in person, and it checks out.... and the machine is in good physical condition, that's a different story completely. It's the fact that the rest of the system is a big unknown that would make me nervous.

-Hans
 
That's too much, considering all the unknowns.

I bought a 100% complete great great shape one off ebay last fall for $650 partially working and 100% complete. Only thing that didn't work was some of the sounds and the back glass spinner (who cares) ooh and a couple of the pbdb's were shot.
A new cpu is gonna run you like $200 for a pre programmed aftermarket one, the cpu houses the game eprom. And gottlieb eproms are not readily available as some one is still protecting them. So just getting some random sys 80 cpu will be a bit useless with out the proper roms. So you will have 850 into a machine that needs more work....id tell the guy $350 take it or leave it.
 
What is Black hole worth to you? It doesn't matter what I or anyone else thinks. Look up the machine on the price guides, see what they normally go for, and make your decision.
 
Missing CPU at that price would be a bit high to me. The way I think of it is, if the CPU is working.... why was it pulled out? You normally don't cannabilize a good machine, and the fact that it was done in this case makes me nervous what made the machine unworthy of staying complete.

Now, if you had a working CPU to take with you and the ability to test it out that way in person, and it checks out.... and the machine is in good physical condition, that's a different story completely. It's the fact that the rest of the system is a big unknown that would make me nervous.

-Hans

I was thinking along the same lines, however this guy had a thing for black hole machines as he had one in flawless shape and had 3 others in the warehouse. He said that he had bought this one that way as part of a lot. He said he puts new cpu's in all of the gottlieb machines he sells, he just hadn't had the desire to put the time and effort into this one yet.

I posted to see what other people's opinions were as there has not been any surface locally in the past and I don't value some of ebay's prices very much.
 
I would trust this more than what people on this forum are going to tell you:

http://www.bostonpinball.biz/eBay052910.htm

Especially on a high production game with lots of sales like Black Hole.

My personal opinion... no way in hell I would pay $650 for it unless it was in amazing condition and totally complete with the exception of the MPU. With it unshopped and missing the MPU you're going to have trouble recovering your money. Worst case is you'll be into the game for several hundred more than it's worth.

At the end of the day $650 isn't a huge sum. If you are dieing for a Black Hole and this is the only one you expect to see locally then go for it but at least try to get the price down. Who knows... the guy might give you a good deal if you ask.
 
I would trust this more than what people on this forum are going to tell you:

http://www.bostonpinball.biz/eBay052910.htm

Especially on a high production game with lots of sales like Black Hole.

My personal opinion... no way in hell I would pay $650 for it unless it was in amazing condition and totally complete with the exception of the MPU. With it unshopped and missing the MPU you're going to have trouble recovering your money. Worst case is you'll be into the game for several hundred more than it's worth.

At the end of the day $650 isn't a huge sum. If you are dieing for a Black Hole and this is the only one you expect to see locally then go for it but at least try to get the price down. Who knows... the guy might give you a good deal if you ask.

Or you can take Lindseys approach of insulting the guy first, then screaming at him, and if that doesn't work beat him with the bat and pay what you want to anyways. Force will always work! I am kidding Lindsey chill, but I do agree with you completely.
 
Or you can take Lindseys approach of insulting the guy first, then screaming at him, and if that doesn't work beat him with the bat and pay what you want to anyways. Force will always work! I am kidding Lindsey chill, but I do agree with you completely.

True, it never hurts to make an offer, but I'm not one to insult others on their pricing. As being stated before, how much it is worth to me to own one. Just like the rest of the klov members, ya just gotta have it once you've made up your mind. However, still trying to make the funds go as far as you can, thus the reason for posting this.
 
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