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The Classic Pinball Podcast
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#61 Black Knight 2000 - The Classic Pinball Podcast

PodcastAnalysis updated 2d ago49 min listenBy George
From the creator

In this episode the guys start with “ the sheet”, which has 7 items for discussion. A review of Black Knight 2000 rounds out the episode. Bonus feature: a call to purchase a 1989 Black Knight 2000 t...

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Highlights

  • A restored Medusa machine sold for around $2,500 at Allentown, double the price George sold his for (~$1,400) five years prior
  • David Yop's Yopsicles are LED replacements for older 4744 bulbs; modern Stern and Jersey Jack games already use similar LED technology as standard
  • Fathom production is experiencing sourcing problems and delayed shipments
  • Merco playfield reproductions (Quicksilver, 8-Ball Deluxe, Spectrum, Nine Ball) incorporated extensive Pinside community feedback to correct graphics, artwork, and color matching
  • Black Knight 2000 production was 5,700 units; System 11B games (1987-1990) ranged from 1,200 (Bad Cats) to 9,400 (Cyclone); original Black Knight produced 15,000 units in 1980-ish
  • Stern home pinball games are now pre-selling faster than demand can be met; distributors report stock is immediately spoken for upon arrival
  • A company at Allentown was observed finding restored machines, paying restorers for their work, stripping badges/custom work, and drop-shipping with 'a couple grand' markup while misrepresenting themselves as the restorer
  • Black Knight 2000 features Steve Ritchie's voice as the Black Knight; designer Steve Ritchie wrote a personal note in the operating manual
  • Black Knight 2000 has two-level playfield with lift-up hood design for easier servicing than original BK; includes Magna Save right outlane, plastic ramp, multiple multiball modes (2-ball, 3-ball, 3-ball Time Wizard)
  • Dave is booking service calls through September due to high demand for game repairs and maintenance

Notable quotes

“They represent that they are actually doing the restoration, which is kind of weird. People are kind of getting wise to it, especially in the collector community.”
Dave
“As soon as it comes in, it's already spoken for, and it's out the door. Ultraman and Halloween pre-sold before anybody even saw the game.”
George
“I'm booked up pretty much all through September at this point. We're just starting September. And I keep getting tons of calls and emails about 'Hey, you have anything for sale?'”
Dave
“It's a fine line between stupid and clever.”
George
“Steve Ritchie wrote a whole little thing in the operating manual, a little insert that said, 'enjoy my game, a lot of fun making it.'”
Dave
“I almost hate to sell it. This is a very fast game.”
Dave
“I like the slow decay of incandescent here and there. So it's like a hybrid effect.”
Dave
“I don't even know if I can call it a level shifter game. I don't know what to call this thing.”
George

Entities

  • Jersey Jack Pinball· company
  • Merco· company
  • Stern Pinball· company
  • Williams· company
  • Black Knight 2000· game
  • Fathom· game
  • High Speed· game
  • Original Black Knight· game
  • Quicksilver· game
  • Roller Coaster Tycoon· game
  • Spinal Tap· game
  • Bill Davis· person
  • Brian Schmidt· person
  • Bruce Nightingale· person
  • Dan Ford· person
  • Dave· person
  • David Yop· person
  • Doug Watson· person
  • George· person
  • Grant· person
  • Joe Juice Jr.· person
  • Ryan McQuaid· person
  • Steve Ritchie· person

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