Buying in Edmonton, Alberta

Jenga

New member
Joined
Apr 28, 2010
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Location
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Sorry for the newby question, but...I would appreciate any info regarding the best place/best way to purchase a pinball machine in Edmonton. I have checked out Don's Vending (nothing I want) and SML (mon dieu $$$). I am not technically "gifted" and do want to buy a project. E-Bay appears to present significant shipping and duty issues.

My dream machine would probably be Creature, but I am open to anything good.

Thanks. Any input, suggestions, experiences, would be greatly appreciated.
 
I know what you mean. My family's from Lloydminster, and the spOilers were the only team we'd ever get a chance to see play live, so they kind of became the defacto team for us. This last year... well... it's hard to even be a fan of losing THAT bad.

That being said, if you come across another Getaway, keep me in mind, dammit!
 
Sorry for the newby question, but...I would appreciate any info regarding the best place/best way to purchase a pinball machine in Edmonton. I have checked out Don's Vending (nothing I want) and SML (mon dieu $$$). I am not technically "gifted" and do want to buy a project. E-Bay appears to present significant shipping and duty issues.

My dream machine would probably be Creature, but I am open to anything good.

Thanks. Any input, suggestions, experiences, would be greatly appreciated.

You should talk to Bob in Red Deer. He might have something you want.

http://edmonton.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and...hines-For-Sale-In-Red-Deer-W0QQAdIdZ185956652

Currently I have nothing you'd be interested in. Don't buy anything from SML.
 
Last edited:
I could consider selling my Mata Hari, it's working great now, all score displays are fixed up (albeit p3 and p4 have some burn marks). I still have to fix up the cabinet a bit and clean/rubber, got a few more bulbs to replace... nah, still a lot of work left to do on it. Plus I think I know a guy that wants it, ;) assuming he's still interested in it.

Your Pink Panther is a nice machine. My sister was having fun with it when we stopped by. Seemed to be a solid machine.

As for Bob, I've heard he's got a wide selection of games, mostly catering to the DMD crowd. I've yet to actually see any of his stuff personally, and I can't speak for his worksmanship, either. Maybe if you're gonna be in Red Deer, stop by Harbour Spas. All the pins and machines in there are his, and it'll give you kind of an informal "sneak-a-peek" as to the condition of the machines you'll be looking at. Bob's stuff for sure isn't "project" quality.

His pins seem decent, but just don't be tricked into buying his cocktails. $2500 for a multi-game cocktail in so-so condition could be a bit much, but maybe it's just my standards of a "mint" machine, let alone a retail machine.
 
Don's seems to have almost nothing but single player 1960/70s ems, which are cool looking, but not for me.

SML wants top dollar and only seems to have new Sterns.

My preference would be for a mid 90's Bally, (although as far as Bally's go, Mata Hari was a great game. I loved Gottlieb's as a kid, but I was never a fan of the double Flipper like on Pink Panther, exception being the Harlem Globetrotters).

I have a sister in Red Deer so I may make the trip to Harbour Spas. There is a also a Congo being advertised on Kijiji in S'toon that may be of interest.

What is the service situation in Edmonton like? I realize that you guys do not use outside service but for someone who is not going to be servicing it themselves what would you say. (or do I just hire Lindsey & Buck to come over)
 
Don's seems to have almost nothing but single player 1960/70s ems, which are cool looking, but not for me.

They sold all their good stuff a long time ago (a lot to me. hehe). They have some "good stuff" on location but I wouldn't expect any good pricing on that stuff. They're moving out of their shop this month so it's really not a good time to try to deal with them.

Just a general FYI: It's Dons, not Don's. Their last name is Dons.

SML wants top dollar and only seems to have new Sterns.

They're not even worth trying to deal with. The fact that you are even posting here tells me you're not their type of buyer.

My preference would be for a mid 90's Bally, (although as far as Bally's go, Mata Hari was a great game. I loved Gottlieb's as a kid, but I was never a fan of the double Flipper like on Pink Panther, exception being the Harlem Globetrotters).

The only thing even close to that which I will have available in the semi-near future is Mousin' Around.

I have a sister in Red Deer so I may make the trip to Harbour Spas. There is a also a Congo being advertised on Kijiji in S'toon that may be of interest.

Bob is alright. His prices can be a little high but he's usually willing to deal. His "shop jobs" are not up to my standard but that should come as no surprise. He doesn't do his own electronics work so that definitely adds to his cost and the overall quality he delivers. Like I said he's a good guy and I like him. He just doesn't do detailed restorations on games he sells so don't expect that.

Just my opinion.

What is the service situation in Edmonton like? I realize that you guys do not use outside service but for someone who is not going to be servicing it themselves what would you say. (or do I just hire Lindsey & Buck to come over)

I don't do any outside repairs at all any more. That said... I COULD be convinced to help out someone from the forum. Plus I don't think I could live with myself if I sent you to any of the "retail" shops for repair work.
 
Lindsey,

Thanks for your input.

I have two young kids so the theme of Mousin' Around would be good.

I am not in a big rush so keep me posted on your progress.

Thx
 
Well, shoot me a PM if you're gonna be down this way, and I'll for sure let you come bang away on my Mata Hari, and you can see what you think about it.

Bob Frantik gets his electronics work done by Grant here in Red Deer. I've talked with Grant a few times, he's a GREAT guy! His electronics work seems to be right up there, and I can totally vouch for it.

As for what Lindsey said, I can totally agree with him.

And yes, "DMD Crowd" meaning the dot matrix display, and the people that tend to steer towards them. I'm a fan of both SS and DMD, but I haven't seen the ins and outs of an EM yet, to say how i feel about them :)
 
Jenga, did you end up finding a machine?

Lindsey, got any dmd pins for sale? :) I talked to dean earlier this week, he mentioned you had a few machines that might be for sale soon. I'd also look at something from the mid to late 80's too.
 
Back
Top Bottom