Modding a pinball machine is satisfying in so many ways. I think all of the costs are worth it when you can make your machine your own. It is definitely an art. Great video
You're absolutely right. And even at what you spent, it was still way less than what you would have paid for a Premium. Plus, the majority of mods that you chose aren't on the Premium and make it look even better. I've got a Deadpool Pro that was just ridiculously modded out by the previous owner. I'm talking almost $4k in mods! I still paid less than the price of a new, stock Pro for it. And, needless to say, it's every bit as fun to play as the Premium. Great video. Thanks for sharing!
Oh man, your deadpool sounds awesome, I wish TH-cam would let you attach pictures, I would love to see it. Deadpool is a great game too! I feel like it's similar to bond in that the pro (even stock) is a great game. Anyway, I really appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment!
Question about the pinball world… you started your channel doing arcade mods, 1Up mods, multicade stuff. Then you evolved into a more of a preservationist/purist collector on the video game side, chasing original games and parts. Now you’ve gotten into pinball modding, but pins are not $300 1Up video games, they’re big investments (using investment literally, they seem to have a lot of collector value). Is the pinball community not as concerned with preservation and keeping things original when it comes to future resale? I’m not faulting you for personal interests or channel focus shifting, just curious for your thoughts about the move from modder to preservationist back to modder.
Oh man, this is actually an awesome question. It's been quite a ride from arcade mods to becoming a preservationist collector and now diving into pinball! I can speak best about the arcade scene. There’s definitely a delicate dance between keeping things original for historical significance and spicing things up with mods for better gameplay or aesthetics. With pinball, though, it gets even more interesting because these machines aren't just games-they're serious investments. Especially if we’re talking about new-in-box machines, you’re looking at a $6,999.00 investment for a pro machine. Some folks in the pinball community lean heavily towards keeping machines pristine for their collector value, while others see modding as a way to put their personal stamp on things. In general, modding is much more acceptable in the pinball world compared to OG arcade collectors who typically want to keep the games as close to original as possible. My shift in focus from modding to preservation and back to modding isn't just about personal interests; it's about exploring different facets of arcade and pinball culture, all while contributing to the community that surrounds these awesome games the best I can. If I look back at my life so far, no matter what hobby I’m into, I’m always evolving. I don’t typically abandon things, and I don’t plan to do that with my arcade roots. I actually just picked up a new game recently. So while that won’t stop, it will probably slow down, and pinball will take up more of my time. I hope that makes sense; it’s all “arcade” at the end of the day to me. Thanks so much for watching and for taking the time to write such a great comment.
Mod everything!!! But I feel mods make you enjoy the game even more and gives a sence of longevity of ownership... but if you try to resell a heavily modded pin, it may be difficult on yourself and a buyer 🤣
Thanks bud, I really appreciate you watching. I love your youtube channel but I guess I wasn't subscribed, you have a new subscriber :-) Thanks again man!
Mods! Got some for my DP and LOTR but tried not to rack up those numbers 😅 think I’m still under on what you spent but the moment I get that color DMD I’m inching closer haha. Great video as always 😄🤘 glad to see you coming over to the pinball side 🤓
Thanks so much for watching Erika! Yeahhhhhhh, I really didn't add it up till the video and was like, OH BOY... that's a lot. I'm sure your DP and LOTR look amazing! Do you think you'll do a video on them at some point? Would love to see how they came out! Anyway, thanks again for watching and have a great rest of the weekend!
Well that's the thing, I'm into a lot of stuff. Just sharing all aspects of "Arcade" (Multicades, Emulation, Real Machines, Pinball, Modding)... the channel is really whatever thing I'm excited about at the time. Next video is actually going to be an arcade pickup so everyone is getting the love :-) I'm just glad you're here watching and hopefully enjoying it.
Thanks brother, I appreciate you man! I hope the variety keeps it fun & interesting, I would personally get bored if I was always covering the same thing.
@@TiltingT For sure. I have one too along with the PBL 5.25" Lit Kenwood kit. Still considering PinWoofer system to side step the stock amplifier... Feels right for a music pin.
@@TiltingT Yeah. $400-500 for the whole kit is up there. I thought I saw another amplifier replacement option, but price was up there too. I'm happy with the $150 commitment for the PBL speakers. I'd consider spending the money on precision flippers first, but I'm going to try the tighter tolerance flipper bushings ($2 each) first...
Question about the speakers: are there pre wired connections for the speaker lights inside the machine? Or should I expect to be cutting and splicing wire?
Only thing you need to do is desolder the connector from the stock speakers and solder them onto the new speakers. Other than that, no splicing of anything, all the wiring you need is included in the kit and plugs into the stick wiring. It's a pretty easy thing to do for the most part. Thanks for watching man, you thinking about getting yourself a pinball machine? If so, what one are you looking at?
@@RetroRalph oh ok, that sounds reasonably simple. We have a Star Wars Stern machine. It’s my wife’s really, she bought it for her office haha. She would like to do some mods to it, I just wasn’t sure how involved it is. I’d love to get another machine but they’re just so expensive.
That's the thing, you don't have to own one to be into the hobby. Go to www.pinballmap.com/ and you can find places to play around you. Thanks for watching man!
i wish i had the room & money for a brand new pinball table if so i would get the 007 table. $1770 is not bad at all & still way more value than any virtual table out there
Hi retro ralf great video I noticed on the background you got a Pac-Man pixel bash how do u like do u recommend it because I was thinking about buying the version also it would be great if you can do a review on it thanks buddy
I don't know if I can recommend it to be honest. It's OK, I mean there are certain things that bother me about it. It's got an 8-way joystick so sometimes on 4-way games it makes it more difficult to play. Also the bilinear filter is not may favorite, it give the pixels a smoother look. I hope this helps! I might do a video on it eventually.
I came looking for the "for as much as you spent on the mods you couldve had a premium!" Comment and suprisingly it wasnt there yet!😂😂 but people forget then you wouldve modded the crap out of the premium too and been out 4 grand instead of $1700 😂😅...maybe that makes ya feel better??? 😅
The other angle is... how can I reasonably get my Premium to be as nice as a LE (+$3300).... For a Foo Fighters (Ralph's favorite!): +$110 Shaker, +$250 side armor, +$500 expression lighting, +$250 invisiglass, +$300-ish powder coating, +$100-150 for 5.25" Kenwood speakers/plates, +20 t-molding gets you close. You don't get the foil artwork, mirrored backglass, or Limited editition placards/signatures. ... and Godzilla taught us that Ralph (like myself) will mod a Premium, too. :)
@slinger2112 Yeah I think that is the nature of the beast for guys like us and Ralph.. no matter what edition we have of a game be it Pro or Premium we want to make it the nicest we can possibly make it in good taste.. some guys go overboard and clutter up a game or ziptie action figures to it and it just doesn't look good ..but I like every one of the mods that I have seen Ralph use.. just FYI I have a sneaking suspicion I will be receiving a new mod for my Led Zeppelin tomorrow for Fathers Day (the wife does a good job of listening and thinking she got me the Big Ben mod! ) so be on the lookout for that installation video coming up on my channel if it hapoens..although she could surprise me with the topper or armor!
@@TiltingT I haven't seen the Big Ben mod yet. The expression lights we were talking about are nice too, but likely double the price of a quality sculpt mod. I need to look up again what the LZ armor accessory looks like. If you don't get that, look into the triangular or rounded side rails. Same shape that comes on 'Zilla pro, just in black and they're $60-70 at PBL. I did the rounded ones just because they didn't have a screw hole. Looks classy :)
@slinger2112 Yeah the expression lights are like $459 ..now if I thought Zep was staying and never leaving I would consider them but I am sure it will leave at some point .. especially if the rumored Masters of the Universe machine comes to be ... but kinda sad that American Pinball apparently has the license. They haven't impressed me with anything in quite a while. Wish Stern had that one
So... what is the cost difference between the pro and premium and how does the pro with the added mods stack up against a premium as shipped... two questions that you did not answer.
MSRP on a Bond Pro is $6999.00 / MSRP on Bond Premium is $9499.00. So there's a $2500 difference but keep in mind there's a lot of things I would also upgrade that would not be stock on a premium like the shaker motor and speaker upgrades. Does that answer your question?
@@RetroRalph Thanks for that. I think you've answered it mostly. $1800 in mods vs. $2500 more for the stock Premium, but how does the modded Pro stack up against the stock premium features and playability-wise? Also, given that you've stated there would be mods to the Premium, were those covered in the mods you made to the Pro and if, not, you would have to make them to both units... So, I guess the best way to say it is: Pro + (insert list of mods) vs. Premium + (insert list of mods) = Retro Ralph approved versions of this cab. Not trying to give you homework, just thought this was the natural outcome of the comparison between the modded Pro and the Premium. Also, inquiring minds want to know...
I always leave something out... LOL. Well, it might be close but I had fun customizing the machine and making it my own. It would probably be a bit more since a lot of these things I would have done to the premium too. Thanks for watching brother!
I’m sorry bud but you’re spending a good chunk of your hard earned money on a lot of frivolous upgrades that won’t give you anything back on selling or trade especially in this downturn market. This isn’t a diorama. Stick to invisible glass, art or mirror blades,shaker and pin sounds / subwoofer if it’s a music pin, color dmd if necessary and you’ll be good (:
Well, I don't have a 3D printer and that's not something I'm willing to invest the time, money and space into having. So for me, it works. Thanks for watching!
@@RetroRalph things are great! You should look into the new (second) location of Leaderboard Arcade here in Jacksonville. More Japanese arcades than I've ever seen in my life!
I do not even own a pinball machine... looking at mods for one 😂
LOL... be careful out there. Thanks so much for watching!
That is the sign of a hardcore modder!
Modding a pinball machine is satisfying in so many ways. I think all of the costs are worth it when you can make your machine your own. It is definitely an art. Great video
I think so too, it's so fun making it your own.
@5:50 wow, completely admits the thumbnail is clickbait. Pretty ballsy 😅
You're absolutely right. And even at what you spent, it was still way less than what you would have paid for a Premium. Plus, the majority of mods that you chose aren't on the Premium and make it look even better. I've got a Deadpool Pro that was just ridiculously modded out by the previous owner. I'm talking almost $4k in mods! I still paid less than the price of a new, stock Pro for it. And, needless to say, it's every bit as fun to play as the Premium. Great video. Thanks for sharing!
Oh man, your deadpool sounds awesome, I wish TH-cam would let you attach pictures, I would love to see it. Deadpool is a great game too! I feel like it's similar to bond in that the pro (even stock) is a great game. Anyway, I really appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment!
Question about the pinball world… you started your channel doing arcade mods, 1Up mods, multicade stuff. Then you evolved into a more of a preservationist/purist collector on the video game side, chasing original games and parts. Now you’ve gotten into pinball modding, but pins are not $300 1Up video games, they’re big investments (using investment literally, they seem to have a lot of collector value). Is the pinball community not as concerned with preservation and keeping things original when it comes to future resale?
I’m not faulting you for personal interests or channel focus shifting, just curious for your thoughts about the move from modder to preservationist back to modder.
Oh man, this is actually an awesome question. It's been quite a ride from arcade mods to becoming a preservationist collector and now diving into pinball!
I can speak best about the arcade scene. There’s definitely a delicate dance between keeping things original for historical significance and spicing things up with mods for better gameplay or aesthetics. With pinball, though, it gets even more interesting because these machines aren't just games-they're serious investments. Especially if we’re talking about new-in-box machines, you’re looking at a $6,999.00 investment for a pro machine.
Some folks in the pinball community lean heavily towards keeping machines pristine for their collector value, while others see modding as a way to put their personal stamp on things. In general, modding is much more acceptable in the pinball world compared to OG arcade collectors who typically want to keep the games as close to original as possible.
My shift in focus from modding to preservation and back to modding isn't just about personal interests; it's about exploring different facets of arcade and pinball culture, all while contributing to the community that surrounds these awesome games the best I can. If I look back at my life so far, no matter what hobby I’m into, I’m always evolving. I don’t typically abandon things, and I don’t plan to do that with my arcade roots. I actually just picked up a new game recently. So while that won’t stop, it will probably slow down, and pinball will take up more of my time. I hope that makes sense; it’s all “arcade” at the end of the day to me.
Thanks so much for watching and for taking the time to write such a great comment.
This was a fun video, and I didn't know you could go all crazy mod with pinball.
Thanks for watching brother, you can get VERY crazy with this stuff... haha.
@RetroRalph I really enjoy your content, my friend. 😃
Mod everything!!! But I feel mods make you enjoy the game even more and gives a sence of longevity of ownership... but if you try to resell a heavily modded pin, it may be difficult on yourself and a buyer 🤣
Your Bond Pro is looking sooo good, Ralph! 😍
Thanks bud, I really appreciate you watching. I love your youtube channel but I guess I wasn't subscribed, you have a new subscriber :-) Thanks again man!
Mods! Got some for my DP and LOTR but tried not to rack up those numbers 😅 think I’m still under on what you spent but the moment I get that color DMD I’m inching closer haha.
Great video as always 😄🤘 glad to see you coming over to the pinball side 🤓
Thanks so much for watching Erika! Yeahhhhhhh, I really didn't add it up till the video and was like, OH BOY... that's a lot. I'm sure your DP and LOTR look amazing! Do you think you'll do a video on them at some point? Would love to see how they came out! Anyway, thanks again for watching and have a great rest of the weekend!
@@RetroRalph maybe! Haven’t thought to do a mod highlight video before. But my LOTR does look nice 😎 haha so I’ll look into it!
Dude so many mods you went nuts hahaha I love it
I learned it from watching YOU!! LOL
Remember when Retro Ralph was not about the Pinball? How time has changed.
Variety is kinda rad
Well that's the thing, I'm into a lot of stuff. Just sharing all aspects of "Arcade" (Multicades, Emulation, Real Machines, Pinball, Modding)... the channel is really whatever thing I'm excited about at the time. Next video is actually going to be an arcade pickup so everyone is getting the love :-) I'm just glad you're here watching and hopefully enjoying it.
Thanks brother, I appreciate you man! I hope the variety keeps it fun & interesting, I would personally get bored if I was always covering the same thing.
Pro is all you need on Bond for sure . I upgrade all my speakers but I'm going to try a Boom Boom on your recommendation!
The Boom Boom looks insanely 'beefier' than the stock sub. It has to be better! :)
I installed it on my Led Zeppelin and for $45 it's hard to beat!
@@TiltingT For sure. I have one too along with the PBL 5.25" Lit Kenwood kit. Still considering PinWoofer system to side step the stock amplifier... Feels right for a music pin.
@slinger2112 I know the pinwoofer sounds better but juat not ready to spend that much for it at this point..
@@TiltingT Yeah. $400-500 for the whole kit is up there. I thought I saw another amplifier replacement option, but price was up there too. I'm happy with the $150 commitment for the PBL speakers. I'd consider spending the money on precision flippers first, but I'm going to try the tighter tolerance flipper bushings ($2 each) first...
lets be honest , youve had a shopping problem longggggg before pinball xD
I want to have a comeback to this but ... I really don't. LOL Thanks for watching brother!
@@RetroRalph it’s funnier if u do 😁 . The fun of ur videos is the jokes and voices
Pinball in general will drain your bank account quickly!
Ain't that the truth...
Question about the speakers: are there pre wired connections for the speaker lights inside the machine? Or should I expect to be cutting and splicing wire?
Only thing you need to do is desolder the connector from the stock speakers and solder them onto the new speakers. Other than that, no splicing of anything, all the wiring you need is included in the kit and plugs into the stick wiring. It's a pretty easy thing to do for the most part. Thanks for watching man, you thinking about getting yourself a pinball machine? If so, what one are you looking at?
@@RetroRalph oh ok, that sounds reasonably simple. We have a Star Wars Stern machine. It’s my wife’s really, she bought it for her office haha. She would like to do some mods to it, I just wasn’t sure how involved it is. I’d love to get another machine but they’re just so expensive.
I feel attacked.
Lesson Learned- 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Never add it up 💴 💴 💰
DooD pinball is a Rich mans game
That's the thing, you don't have to own one to be into the hobby. Go to www.pinballmap.com/ and you can find places to play around you. Thanks for watching man!
That's more than a paid for a lot of my old pinball machines. And probably more than I paid for my virtual pinball machine. lol
Time to hit the lottery!
Damn straight 🤣 Thanks so much for watching!
i wish i had the room & money for a brand new pinball table if so i would get the 007 table. $1770 is not bad at all & still way more value than any virtual table out there
Hi retro ralf great video I noticed on the background you got a Pac-Man pixel bash how do u like do u recommend it because I was thinking about buying the version also it would be great if you can do a review on it thanks buddy
I don't know if I can recommend it to be honest. It's OK, I mean there are certain things that bother me about it. It's got an 8-way joystick so sometimes on 4-way games it makes it more difficult to play. Also the bilinear filter is not may favorite, it give the pixels a smoother look. I hope this helps! I might do a video on it eventually.
Teasing me with that Jaws! Haha😂
I'm sure JAWS is right around the corner... LOL.
Nice set up. Some of those mods are just way overpriced, others aren't too bad.
Thanks brother , I agree , thanks so much for watching!
Great mod video 👍
Thanks 👍 I appreciate you watching! 🙏🏻
I came looking for the "for as much as you spent on the mods you couldve had a premium!" Comment and suprisingly it wasnt there yet!😂😂 but people forget then you wouldve modded the crap out of the premium too and been out 4 grand instead of $1700 😂😅...maybe that makes ya feel better??? 😅
The other angle is... how can I reasonably get my Premium to be as nice as a LE (+$3300).... For a Foo Fighters (Ralph's favorite!): +$110 Shaker, +$250 side armor, +$500 expression lighting, +$250 invisiglass, +$300-ish powder coating, +$100-150 for 5.25" Kenwood speakers/plates, +20 t-molding gets you close. You don't get the foil artwork, mirrored backglass, or Limited editition placards/signatures.
... and Godzilla taught us that Ralph (like myself) will mod a Premium, too. :)
@slinger2112 Yeah I think that is the nature of the beast for guys like us and Ralph.. no matter what edition we have of a game be it Pro or Premium we want to make it the nicest we can possibly make it in good taste.. some guys go overboard and clutter up a game or ziptie action figures to it and it just doesn't look good ..but I like every one of the mods that I have seen Ralph use.. just FYI I have a sneaking suspicion I will be receiving a new mod for my Led Zeppelin tomorrow for Fathers Day (the wife does a good job of listening and thinking she got me the Big Ben mod! ) so be on the lookout for that installation video coming up on my channel if it hapoens..although she could surprise me with the topper or armor!
@@TiltingT I haven't seen the Big Ben mod yet. The expression lights we were talking about are nice too, but likely double the price of a quality sculpt mod. I need to look up again what the LZ armor accessory looks like. If you don't get that, look into the triangular or rounded side rails. Same shape that comes on 'Zilla pro, just in black and they're $60-70 at PBL. I did the rounded ones just because they didn't have a screw hole. Looks classy :)
@slinger2112 Yeah the expression lights are like $459 ..now if I thought Zep was staying and never leaving I would consider them but I am sure it will leave at some point .. especially if the rumored Masters of the Universe machine comes to be ... but kinda sad that American Pinball apparently has the license. They haven't impressed me with anything in quite a while. Wish Stern had that one
I "think" it does... LOL. Thanks for watching bud! I hope you're having a great weekend man!
I love it.. Cool Stuff… One day I will own a Pinball Machine once I get a 2nd mortgage on my house 😮😅
Damn Mortgage rates are crazy right now too :-/
So... what is the cost difference between the pro and premium and how does the pro with the added mods stack up against a premium as shipped... two questions that you did not answer.
MSRP on a Bond Pro is $6999.00 / MSRP on Bond Premium is $9499.00. So there's a $2500 difference but keep in mind there's a lot of things I would also upgrade that would not be stock on a premium like the shaker motor and speaker upgrades. Does that answer your question?
@@RetroRalph Thanks for that. I think you've answered it mostly.
$1800 in mods vs. $2500 more for the stock Premium, but how does the modded Pro stack up against the stock premium features and playability-wise?
Also, given that you've stated there would be mods to the Premium, were those covered in the mods you made to the Pro and if, not, you would have to make them to both units...
So, I guess the best way to say it is: Pro + (insert list of mods) vs. Premium + (insert list of mods) = Retro Ralph approved versions of this cab.
Not trying to give you homework, just thought this was the natural outcome of the comparison between the modded Pro and the Premium. Also, inquiring minds want to know...
Thank god I’m not I’m pinball. Yet…
You will be.... ;-)
Great video Ralph
So does current pricing combined with Bidenomics make you financially pine for your A1U modding days? 😂
We all know I'm not good at Math... LOL.
Buying every Stern gonna make you. broke buddy 😂
So, Pro price + Mods price compared to Premium upgrade Price - Difference? You left that part out... LoL
I always leave something out... LOL. Well, it might be close but I had fun customizing the machine and making it my own. It would probably be a bit more since a lot of these things I would have done to the premium too. Thanks for watching brother!
@@RetroRalph always look forward to your videos, and what you're doing makes for good entertainment! Thank You!
I’m sorry bud but you’re spending a good chunk of your hard earned money on a lot of frivolous upgrades that won’t give you anything back on selling or trade especially in this downturn market. This isn’t a diorama. Stick to invisible glass, art or mirror blades,shaker and pin sounds / subwoofer if it’s a music pin, color dmd if necessary and you’ll be good (:
Rather expensive for 3D printed parts...
Well, I don't have a 3D printer and that's not something I'm willing to invest the time, money and space into having. So for me, it works. Thanks for watching!
lol
Haha, nice lyric drop from Vanilla Ice. I live near A1A now, so I always say "A1A, beachfront avenue!" whenever we turn on to it 😂
OMG that's awesome!!! I was waiting for a Vanilla Ice comment and you delivered!!! I hope all is well man!
@@RetroRalph things are great! You should look into the new (second) location of Leaderboard Arcade here in Jacksonville. More Japanese arcades than I've ever seen in my life!
Awesome