Menace said:
Hammerhead said:
What constitutes an 'A' list game. Is there a definitive list on what's 'A', 'B', 'C', etc list or is it up to individuals preference?
There is no definitive list unfortunately, so the answers you will get vary greatly from person to person. In this context though I would say "A" list games are the more desirable (hence more expensive) games and it all comes down to supply and demand. The easy ones would be AFM, TAF, TZ, MB, MM, CC, CV, TOTAN, TOM, SM (and SMB) etc etc etc. This list has nothing to do with how good they are because that is very subjective, just strictly based on cost and availability.
D
While pinwiki is a good read, the last update to that history was May 29, 2012. Not too old for most things, but archaic for pinball prices and ratings.
Menace has very well described what many of the veterans define as an "A" pin. Not speaking for anyone other than myself, but what is described in the "B" section in pinwiki, many people would define them as all, or mostly "A" pins. The "C" and "D" pins described in pinwiki are in actual fact more like "B' pins. These are mostly Bally/Williams/Midway, and newer Stern pins. (If not all) The "C" and "D" pins are usually DE, Gottlieb etc., but there are exceptions everywhere. Many people consider GNR by DE to be either an "A" or a "B" pin, with few other DE's making it past a "B" or "C" at best.
My list is even broader with what I consider what an "A" or "B' pin is. I used to make the "A" pin list 10 machines. My "A" list of pins is now 25, and price isn't the only factor I would consider. I believe the only "A" pin I have is STTNG. Many consider it a "B" pin, and that is ok too, but it is perhaps not a Top 10 pin in many collectors eyes, (even though it is to me) but it certainly would rank in the Top 25 of many people's lists. It certainly is not a "C" or "D" pin. (except for those people who truly dislike it)
I set my "B" list at 25 pins as well and went on and on until I had formed some independent theory that finally congealed about how to rate all these machines for myself. You have to come up with your own list, and decide over time what works for you.
Ask 50 collectors their opinions. They will tell you. Then ask 50 more, and form your own list and opinions. It worked for me.
I continue to read and pull sources from the internet in as many places for pin prices as I can. It becomes quite fun to look at regional price
differences of the same pin all over North America as it can vary from one state or province to the next, or one town or city to the next.
Seems to all be based on what people used to play when they were younger as a basis, then what they want to play (and buy) after that.
It is even more fun when you start adding in early SS machines, late SS machines and EM's into the "A', "B", "C", "D" lists.
Lots of people know I would gladly take 5 - SS machines over 1 - "A" pin. I have actually done that twice now, just over
several transactions however.
Pick your own trophies.
Fun thread.
Oh, AND "Volley" is still the NEW Volley! (Although I assume that Metallica will be the NEW "Volley" once enough of them are out there)
