I want a pachinko machine/where to start

[Tranzor Z]

Greetings,

I like pachinko and think it would be a fun game to have at home; where do I start? I do not have a very big budget for a pachinko machine and I live in the Sacramento area (Oroville to be exact). Should I try to find a busted machine and repair it (would I be saving any $$?); should I try to get one off of eBay and pay massive shipping? Should I just keep monitoring Craigslist until one pops up at the right price and location? Also, if I could get any kind of machine, should I focus on modern or older styles (remember G-rated and I speak no Japanese)?

So many questions, so much time...

Thanks.

[slothappy144]

Look around and get one that you think you will like to play, don't purchase on price alone, its a toy, you need to enjoy it.
If you want to save $$$ find a nice one within driving distance and pick it up.

[Tranzor Z]

Any ideas if there are any Pachinko vendors in the Sacramento area?

[Delgrieve]

Hey Tranzor - Just looking at your name and pic thought this might interest you.

http://cgi.ebay.com/MAJINGER-Z-PINBA...QQcmdZViewItem

It is a completed auction but thought it might give you something to look for. I don't know anything about the game but maybe another member might...

[Tranzor Z]

Wow, that is really cool! And it went for not very much money either! The shipping was $90, however. Very cool!

[Delgrieve]

Thats pretty standard for shipping. Just used the link to show you the machine. Maybe you can find more info on it. Unfortunately the seller in that auction is declining rapidly with respect to service and support after the sale...

[luckydog]

factor in the 70 or 80 dollars shipping in your bid.

I have 6 modern pachinkos and my cost was around 150.00 each shipped.

[dattia]

[chmer01]

Welcome!

[fronzdan]

Well Ontario is WAY too long a drive for you, otherwise I'd suggest you try SamuraiSlots. Picking up from them bypasses most of the problems we've had with them - lousy packaging. Their prices are generally lower than most.

I wouldn't worry all that much about not speaking Japanese. Most of the games available here don't require an understanding of the language to enjoy it.

If it's your first machine, you probably want to go with something that's been cleaned and refurbed by someone who knows what they are doing. They can still be had for reasonable price.

The best advice is to concentrate on a theme, design and style you like. Then run it by people here. Chances are, someone has it or had it and can share their view. There's the museum here, but that's more useful if you have something specific in mind. There are MANY machines in the museum that you won't find available for sale, so browsing there only helps so much. You're better off browsing on ebay and on various dealer sites for something that catches your eye. THEN come back and check in the museum and post.

[Tranzor Z]

That is some solid advice, thanks. I think I am looking for a machine that is fun for little ones as well as adults. Godzilla, Tranzor-Z, Mermaids, Fish, Ducks... just no adult stuff or straight gambling themes. No my search begins. Is there a pachinko place in Reno, NV or Portland, OR areas?

[Chris]

Welcome - Great to have you on board.

Cannot really add a lot more, other than to say to go with a theme you like most......

[Tranzor Z]

What sort of themes are people on the board using?

[Chris]

Well - My first pachinko was Star Wars as I am a massive Star Wars fan, then I love Spiderman - so my next one that I bought was Spiderman Neo..

[Tranzor Z]

I did not realize there was a spiderman machine... nice! Star Wars would be cool, but pricey (I am guessing). Are there any other super-hero/comic book character machines?

[Chris]

A good place to start to look is in our museum, the link for this is at the top right side of the page. You need to register for the musuem, but use the same user name & password as here it register. You can then search many different machines on there, along with many videos of these machines.

[Lazarus]

Have you tried Arby? Price may be higher but you will NOT have to worry about the condition of the machine. At the least he has probably played and knows more about the machines then anyone here. Does this count as a referral? So how many referrals do I need to get an Arby machine? :sigh1:

[Tranzor Z]

Other than a slightly overpriced, roast-beef-based fast food joint, who is Arby and how do I contact him/her/them?

[drcrippen324]

Arby Coffee is a member and moderator here you can send him a pm or he will probebly be along later

[slothappy144]

Other than a slightly overpriced, roast-beef-based fast food joint, who is Arby and how do I contact him/her/them?

Arby is as you will learn a pachinko icon.