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Another Signature Series pinball restoration. Only by Action Pinball. |
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Gottlieb
Black Hole |
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- Price:
$3,995.00 - SOLD -
- Manufacturer: Gottlieb
- Date Produced: October, 1981
- # of Players: 1 to 4
- Units Produced: 8,774
- Design/Concept: John Buras, Adolf Seitz Jr.
- Art: Terry Doerzaph
Above info courtesy of Mr. Pinball Flipper Pinball List
TRIVIA: It's assumed that the theme/design of this classic game was based on (or inspired by) the film The Black Hole which was released in 1979, but Black Hole (the pinball) is not licensed on the film's actual theme or story.
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Page Contents:
- Game Description
- Game Condition Details
- Game Images
- Game Sales Information
 Game Description:
Black Hole is one of the top two most collectible Gottlieb solid-state (electronic) pinball games ever produced (the other being Haunted House). Black Hole was one of the first games to feature a second playfield level, and Gottlieb's unique design for most multi-level games was to mount a smaller playfield under the main playfield, and let it be seen through a plastic "window" in the main playfield. The lower playfield was also reversed- or backward- so the player played with the flippers on the lower playfield away from him (hitting the ball toward the player rather than away). Other games that featured the unique "lower" playfield were Haunted House, Krull, and Goin' Nuts.
Black Hole features a wide-body playfield design (wider and longer) which allows for more "stuff" to be put on the playfield. This game features no less than SIX flippers, SIX pop bumpers, lots of drop targets, a spinner, kick-out saucers, three-ball multiball play, and of course the two playfield levels. The backbox on this game also features a few "animation" mechanisms- a 2-part partially-mirrored backglass assembly that has a rotating "disc" behind the front glass that gives the appearance of a spinning black hole in space. And also "infinity" lighting that Bally pinball was famous for introducing in their "Space Invaders" game in 1980. The lights around the perimiter of the backglass (behind the main glass) are lit in a rotating manner and reflected off both mirrored glasses to give the appearance of an infinitely-deep "tunnel". Really stunning effects that contribute and compliment the rest of the design, artwork, look, and overall theme of this classic vintage game.
This particular Black Hole game also features computer-generated speech which was not available in all Black Hole games that were produced. Hear the machine taunt you with quotes like, "Do you dare enter the Black Hole?", and "No one escapes the Black Hole!"
Exciting, fast-paced play is an inherent feature in this game. Keeping the ball going and scoring all the necessary targets and shots in the lower playfield is a challenge to any player- novice or skilled- and always keeps you on your toes! All of the playfield action is backed by ominous and intimidating sound and lighting effects, speech, and gorgeous artwork throughout- of all the "space themed" pinball games that have been made, this one really makes you feel like you're out there "in the stars" being pulled into the Black Hole!
Shoot and complete the yellow target bank to light the upper playfield lock. Lock a ball here, and one on the lower playfield, and receive a 3rd ball and play 3-ball multiball play! It's not as easy as it sounds, but very rewarding (and exciting) when you can "beat the machine" in this fashion!
Shooting the "Gravity Tunnel" spinner lane shot in the upper left corner of main playfield takes the ball to the lower playfield, or the "Black Hole". The only way out of the Black Hole is to knock down all 4 of the yellow drop targets on the lower playfield, which opens the ball-save gate at the top of the ball return tube on the main playfield. After losing the ball on the lower playfield, the ball is returned through the tube to the upper playfield in the right outlane. If you've scored the 4 drop targets down below, your ball will return to the flippers on the main level, via the ball-save gate. If not, the gate remains closed and the ball goes straight to the outhole!
Even though all the fun, levels, ramps, and gadgets packed into this game will be more than enough to keep you busy, the game play is fun and straightforward enough to be entertaining and fun for any players, regardless of skill and age. These are the true signs of a well-designed pinball, and we're sure after a game or two, you'll agree! Not too much to overwhelm the novice player, but plenty to keep you challenged and always coming back for more!
Game Condition Details:
NOTE: A large amount of detail/information is given below on the condition of this game, in regard to it's higher collectible value, and often-common multiple inquiries that we usually receive regarding intricate detail on "high end" popular games such as this one. We apologize in advance for the "extra reading" but want to convey as accurate a depiction of the game's details as possible for those customers who cannot visit our shop to see/play this game in person before buying.
Customers are reminded to keep in mind that this is essentially a used game- about 25 years old- fully reconditioned- but is not brand new, or flawlessly perfect by any means (no vintage used game is). If you have any questions or require any additional information or pictures, just e-mail us.
Overall:
This game is in overall outstanding shape for a vintage classic used/reconditioned game. It has seen comparitively lower-than-average use over it's lifetime, and has had very good upkeep, which has helped to preserve it's original condition as well as possible- far better than most games that have been around since the early 1980's.
This particular Black Hole game has come to our shop from previous owner Fred Swemmer- a local high-end pinball collector and Gottlieb pinball expert- who has done the majority of the restoration, modification, and custom work on it, and who has asked us to handle the sale of it for him from his collection to a new well-deserving owner and home. We've done a little bit of "finishing touch" detail work on this game ourselves, but the majority was done by Fred, and we are really pleased and honored to accomodate Fred with the sale of this unique game due to his superior quality pinball work and love for the game/hobby that much rivals the kind of work we like to do- and see- on all of the games we restore and sell ourselves.
This game is extremely clean inside and out- and does NOT have that common "cigarette smoke smell" from a bar or bowling alley, and no damage from spilled drinks or food either. With the lower-than-average use this game has had during its lifetime, and the good care it's had, it has really had it's original condition preserved well- inside and out. And should continue to serve pinball loving fans for decades to come!
The cabinet on this game is effectively in top possible condition in every way. Even the bottom of the game is spotlessly clean from the restoration process! The main cabinet and backbox artwork was all fully stripped, cabinet wood refinished, and cabinet fully repainted from top to bottom with original artwork design and matching paint colors. Really a gorgeous, professional job on this game that has really restored the original design and good looks to this machine. Even the game's serial number has been faithfully reproduced on the top of the backbox (see images below). Fred has also signed the back of the backbox on this game with his initials to author his excellent artwork.
For a custom touch, the leg mounting on this game has also been modified/customized to accomodate the standard 28-1/2" pinball legs as used on most other makes/models of games (Gottlieb originally used an odd 27" leg on this particular game which can be hard to find since they went out of business in 1993). The inside corners of the cabinet have been reinforced and a block of wood with built-in threaded nuts has been added to each corner for the leg mounting. So the game now sits at the appropriate height- in front and back- with standard 28-1/2" legs. The legs installed on this game are Williams brand- painted gloss black to match with the artwork/design/theme of this game.
We have also added a set of our Leg Protector Pads to this game to prevent wear/tear on the artwork on the corners of the game from the leg mounting. Originally these weren't installed, so a few signs of wear are present under the legs (seen only when they are removed) but with legs installed, no signs of wear/use are present. And the leg protector pads will help prevent any wear/tear in the future.
Brand new white rubber bumpers have been installed on the back of the game, just like when it was new.
Main cabinet interior sides have also been cleaned, refinished, and repainted for a brand new look. This does away with any scratches, nicks, fingerprints, or other signs of use/handling that are common to see on the inside "walls" of the main cabinet on any game, above where the playfield sits. Cabinet interior sides look great on this machine- really a nice finishing touch.
All carriage bolts on the entire game cabinet have been fully removed, and either refinished or replaced with new parts for that "day one" new look.
Front of cabinet has also been repainted like the rest of the game. Front has not been "drilled" for a security lock bar, so is in great shape. A "free play" button has been nicely added to the left upper corner of the front of the game to bypass "coin play". Coin door has been fully disassembled, parts cleaned, and fully reassembled. New coin door lock and keys installed on front coin door. Backbox also has a new lock- both use same key.
Playfields (main and lower) on this game are original and in overall excellent shape for a vintage classic game. Some very small light wear spots on the playfield here and there were touched up with matching paint colors during the restoration and are not obvious. Game has had comparitively lower use than most average games so has not had any major wear/tear on the playfields (most Black Hole games were heavily played/used and it is very common to find most with major playfield wear present after all the years.) Some light signs of age/use/wear/tear are present on the playfield, as should be expected on any original playfield in a 25-year old game, so buyers should be aware that playfield is not "perfect" but is used and in overall great shape for original parts.
The lower playfield in this game is also in outstanding shape, but appears to have had some of it's protective surface (clearcoat?) flake off over time, but the original artwork and finish are still present and unharmed- still in great shape. An ambitious new owner might consider having the lower playfield removed and clearcoated for added protection, but simple periodic playfield cleaning and waxing will definitely be enough to continue protecting both main and lower playfields in this game- especially in home (non-commmercial) use.
Clear plastic ball tube that takes balls from lower playfield to upper is present- original and in good condition. No damage is present (cracks, breaks, etc., which are common on most Black Hole games). Ball kicker mechanism for tube has been rebuilt and upgraded and works great.
A very rare NOS (original new) plastics set has been located and installed on the main playfield, replacing all original plastic pieces- many of which showed some wear/tear from use over the years. Really a nice touch that has brought back the original "day one" look to the plastics on the playfield. New metal acorn nuts have also been installed on the posts on both playfields to hold down the plastics. Plastics on lower playfield are original and all in good shape. The plastic over the right drop target bank has one small chip missing from the corner (see images below) but is not unsightly and does not detract from operation or looks of the game. We've been searching for a replacement plastic for this part just to replace so everything is 100%, but have not been able to locate one as yet.
And of course all standard items like rubber rings, light bulbs, balls, etc. have been replaced with brand new parts along the way. An overall gorgeous Black Hole game!
Backglass on this game is in great shape. Black Hole uses a unique 2-piece backglass assembly- an inner, and an outer glass. Both are in great shape on this game- only a very few minor, superficial signs of use may be found but nothing common like unsightly scratches, rub marks, or areas where artwork has been scratched away and allows light to penetrate the backglass artwork- both are really in fantastic shape, with no fading of artwork or colors. Both glasses have been coated on the back (artwork) sides with Kryon "Triple Thick" clearcoat to help preserve and protect the original artwork against any future wear/tear.
The "infinity lighting" feature of animated light bulbs around the inner perimeter of the backglass works 100% and looks fantastic on this game. The famous "spinning disc" in the center of the backglass is present and fully working on this game (commonly broken or missing on many Black Hole games). A brand new replacement motor was located and installed in this game for the spinning disc feature in order to restore it to it's original condition and functionality.
Here is a detailed list of work that has been done on this game, followed by more details on parts and game modifications:
- Approximately 150 hours of work has been logged in the restoration of this game.
- Game cabinet and backbox fully repainted with original design in original colors.
- Playfield top and bottom surfaces stripped of parts and assemblies for proper cleaning- right down to the bare wood and paint. Playfield surface hand cleaned, hand polished, and hand waxed with top-quality Carnauba wax.
- All playfield parts have been removed and hand cleaned, or replaced with brand new parts where necessary or available. This includes light bulbs, posts, ramps, wireform ball guides, flipper assemblies, under-playfield ramps, target banks, bumper assemblies, ball trough and associated parts, and any other parts that are installed on the playfield.
- All metal parts removed from playfield have been hand cleaned and polished for original bright shiny finish.
- All playfield plastic posts removed and cleaned by hand with detergent and brush to remove any wax, dirt, grime, or leftover cleaner. They once again look like new!
- All pop bumper assemblies on this game were removed, 100% disassembled, rebuilt, and reassembled. Any worn or broken parts replaced with brand new parts where needed. Pop bumper driver boards have been overhauled and improved/repaired where needed for 100% operation.
- All flipper assemblies were recently overhauled and tuned/adjusted for optimum performance and reliability.
- Brand new rubber ring kit installed on both playfields.
- All light bulbs on top and bottom of playfield, and elsewhere in game, removed, cleaned, and replaced. Brand new light bulbs used as replacements for old worn, discolored, or burned out bulbs.
- All light bulb inserts (or "lenses") in playfield surface cleaned for maximum shine and light penetration.
- Brand new chrome steel pinballs installed in game (game uses three total).
- Brand new rare NOS playfield plastics set installed on this game (main playfield).
- Brand new metal acorn nuts have been installed on all playfield posts to secure plastics.
- Brand new drop targets have been installed on main playfield (spell out "BLACK HOLE"). Commonly worn or broken in most Black Hole games.
- Inside and outside of main cabinet and backbox completely stripped of parts, cleaned, parts individually hand cleaned, and reassembled.
- Coin door completely removed and 100% disassembled. All parts (including wiring harness and switches) individually cleaned and detailed by hand and reassembled. Coin door metal parts professionally repainted and refinished for that brand new "day one" look! Fully working quarter and dollar coin mechanisms installed in coin door and tested for proper operation/adjustment.
- Playfield glass lockdown bar has had a brand new strip of insulating foam rubber applied to underside.
- Game legs replaced with late-model standard Bally/Williams legs and main cabinet customized for proper leg mounting. Legs have been custom painted in gloss black paint to compliment the game's look and artwork. New leg levelers w/lock nuts and new leg bolts have also been added.
- All electronics (PC boards) in backbox have been overhauled, upgraded, and verified for proper/reliable operation and good looks (no burned connectors, etc.)
- Gottlieb "ground" modifications made to improve operation and add reliability (a "must-do" on Gottlieb System 80 games for reliability.)
- Remote-mount battery holder installed for MPU board in backbox (See image below). This prevents damage to the valuable MPU board from accidental battery discharge or leakage, which can destroy the board. Batteries are now mounted off-board and risk of damage is eliminated. Brand new fresh batteries installed.
- Playfield glass replaced with brand new scratch-free sheet of tempered safety glass.
- Backglasses (both) removed and artwork sealed/protected with Krylon "Triple Thick" clearcoat for added protection and preservation of original artwork.
- Score displays refurbished and "recharged" so they now appear bright and crisp- all very nice looking with no burned out segments or any other problems.
- New white plastic Gottlieb flipper bats installed on flippers.
- New leg protector pads included with game to help prevent wear/tear on cabinet edges where legs mount.
- Game ROM chip upgraded/replaced with latest 668-4 software version.
- New rubber cabinet bumpers installed on back of game to restore brand new look.
- New spinning disc motor installed in backglass to restore proper operation of the plastic spinning disc behind backglass (commonly broken or missing on most Black Hole games).
- NOS pop bumper caps installed on bumpers on both playfields.
- New tilt plumb bob with thumbscrew installed to restore proper tilt mechanism operation.
- New surge protector (varistor) added to main line filter box for added game electronic protection.
- Two new quiet ventilation fans custom-added in main cabinet to help draw cool air through the game to vent electronics and heat from lamps (helps preserve circuit boards and components and adds reliability).
List of New Parts on This Game:
Here is a list of most, if not all, new parts that have been installed on this game during the restoration process.
NOTE: ("NOS" means "New Old Stock", and indicates a part that is of original manufacture, new (never used), and authentic (not a reproduction, look-alike, or "aftermarket" part). Most "NOS" parts are discontinued and no longer available from the manufacturer, and can consequently be very hard to find, or expensive if they can even be found.)
- $30.00 value: Brand new white plastic flipper bats/caps installed on all flippers (original Gottlieb type).
- $19.79 value: New complete rubber ring kit installed, including flipper rings, post bumpers, and plunger tip.
- $35.00 value: New light bulbs installed throughout game.
- $7.50 value: New chrome steel pin balls (game uses 3 balls total).
- $130.00 value: Brand new NOS playfield plastics set installed on main playfield (original Gottlieb parts- RARE).
- $6.00 value: New metal acorn nuts installed on playfield posts to secure plastics.
- $8.90 value: 2 brand new game locks with keys installed on front door and backbox.
- $3.00 value: Brand new black lockdown bar foam insulation strip installed.
- $82.00 value: New repainted legs, leg bolts, and leg levelers with nut installed on game.
- $45.00 value: Two new quiet ventilation fans custom-added in main cabinet to help draw cool air through game and ventilate electronics.
- $10.00 value: New remote-mount battery holder with fresh Energizer batteries installed on MPU board in backbox to prevent potential damage from batteries, should they ever go neglected and leak.
- $45.00 value: New sheet of tempered safety glass over playfield.
- $11.95 value: Brand new leg protector pads included with game to protect cabinet finish against wear/tear from metal legs.
- $20.00 value: Game ROM chip upgraded with latest available software revision 668-4.
- $3.00 value: New rubber cabinet bumpers installed on back of game to restore brand new look.
- $45.00 value: New drop targets installed on main playfield.
- $25.00 value: NOS pop bumper caps installed on bumpers on both playfields.
- $65.00 value: New motor installed for spinning disc feature in backbox to restore operation.
- $6.00 value: New tilt plumb bob with thumb screw installed to restore tilt feature.
- $4.95 value: New surge-protector (varistor) installed on power line filter box for added electronics protection.
(Above values shown are for parts (materials) only- estimated labor cost values that would normally be charged by a repairman or shop are not included in the above prices.)
Custom Modifications:
- Recommended "ground modifications" for Gottlieb System 80 pinballs has been done on this game to increase reliability and operation.
- Original 27-inch legs have been replaced with standard/common 28-1/2 inch tall legs for ease of replacement (original short legs are discontinued). Main cabinet leg mounting has been custom modified to accomodate proper mounting of new stanard height legs.
- Ventilation fans added in bottom of main cabinet to help cool mechanisms and electronics and increase reliability.
- Score displays recharged for bright crisp look and added reliability.
- Remote-mount battery kit added to MPU board in backbox to relocate batteries and prevent against damage to the valuable MPU board, should batteries go neglected and leak in the future. (See images below.)
Game Images:
Playfield:
Images of finished game listed first.
Scroll down the page for images of game during restoration process.
Thumbnail
(Click for larger view) | Description |
 | Playfield- overall, finished view. |
 | Upper playfield- detail- lower flippers area and view down into lower playfield through "window" on main playfield. |
 | Upper playfield- detail- right outlane area. Note ball return tube from lower playfield. |
 | Upper playfield- detail- top playfield area- pop bumpers and drop target banks. Note brand new replacment "BLACK HOLE" drop targets and pop bumper caps. Note also the brand new NOS plastics installed on this playfield (factory originals- rare). A very nice finishing touch that really looks great! Bright vibrant colors and printing, and clear areas on the larger plastics are crystal-clear- not yellowed like old used plastics usually are. |
 | Upper playfield- detail- top pop bumper and drop target area. |
 | Upper playfield- detail- upper left flipper and ball lock saucer. |
 | View through "window" to lower playfield. |
 | Upper playfield- detail- top left corner. Note "Gravity Tunnel" shot through the spinner and down to the lower playfield. |
 | Upper playfield- detail- top right corner. Top rollover lanes and pop bumpers. |
 | Upper playfield- detail- right standup target bank area. Completing 4-bank targets lights top saucer for ball lock. Lock 3 balls and play 3-ball multiball! |
 | Upper playfield- underside (raised) view. |
 | Lower playfield- overall view. Complete lower playfield is visible like this when upper (main) playfield is raised. |
 | Lower playfield- overall view- from another angle. |
 | Lower playfield- overall view- as seen from front right corner of game. |
Cabinet/Backbox:
Thumbnail
(Click for larger view) | Description |
 | Game overall view. |
 | Main cabinet- left side- overall view. |
 | Main cabinet- left side- closeup view. |
 | Main cabinet- right side- overall view. |
 | Main cabinet- right side- closeup view. |
 | Front of game, coin door. |
 | Back of game. |
 | Front interior of main cabinet. Note front (top) end of lower playfield visible here. No coin box is included with this game- we have been unable to locate a good condition original metal Gottlieb coin box and lid thus far- but not required if used as setup on "free play". Game manual is included (not shown here). |
 | Bottom of main cabinet- how often do you see this? Very clean and in outstanding condition- even underneath. Note the two grilles for the ventilation fans that were custom-added to help ventilate the cabinet and backbox and keep circuit boards and other mechanisms cool. |
 | Backbox- front view. |
 | Backbox- left side. |
 | Backbox- right side. |
 | Rear backglass- back side. Original glass still in excellent condition. Both inner (rear) and outer (front) backglasses in this game are original and in great shape. Both have had their artwork sealed/protected with Krylon "Triple Thick" clearcoat to protect and preserve the artwork.
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 | Backbox- interior. Circuit boards. Note remote-mount battery kit that has been installed for MPU board- replaces original on-board battery and protects MPU board as well as eases in future battery replacement. |
 | Backbox- top side. Note how original game serial number has been faithfully reproduced in black paint on top of the backbox- now that's detail! |
Like all pinballs we sell, this machine also comes complete with instruction/operation manual and schematics, and fully functional coin door with all parts present and working. For our local customers, this game also includes delivery, setup, and a full warranty on parts and labor, at no additional charge. For out-of-town customers, we offer our Limited Warranty.
For more details on our work on this particular game, see our restoration information page.
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