Commercial Gamerooms

Welcoming 2021

Welcoming 2021 1481 2048 GAD Vending

To all our customers of vending, pinball, commercial arcade games and music – we wish you a happy and prosperous New Year!

Our offices will be open a half day on 12/31/2020 and closed on 1/1/2021 to celebrate New Year’s Day.

As always, if you have an emergency contact your sales person on their emergency cell phone number.

Thank and we look forward to working with you in 2021.

The Team at Greater America Distributing (GAD Vending)

Stern Pinball Engineering Update

Stern Pinball Engineering Update 1167 869 GAD Vending

Stern Pinball’s website has been updated with a new item on our support page.  You can download the official SPIKE™ System Manual and additional supporting documents here.  This comprehensive manual covers a SPIKE™ system overview, in-depth look at the SPIKE™ system and node guide, backbox identification, identifying connectors and parts of the CPU board, interconnect diagrams, navigating the diagnostics menu, updating software instructions, how to create a complete SD card, troubleshooting flowcharts and node board status LED table/node board and bus test.

In addition, Stern engineering staff  have added an option for updating code that utilizes the SPIKE system, enabling owners to create SD cards without assistance from dealers, distributors, or technical staff.  Learn more about this time-saving option.

If you don’t find what you are looking for, GAD Vending is here to help our customers. Whether you bought a Stern pinball for your commercial establishment or for your home, we have trained staff to help you troubleshoot your pinball – both hardware and software. And, yes, we stock parts.

LED ZEPPELIN AND STERN PINBALL ANNOUNCE NEW ROCK AND ROLL PINBALL MACHINES

LED ZEPPELIN AND STERN PINBALL ANNOUNCE NEW ROCK AND ROLL PINBALL MACHINES 1639 773 GAD Vending

Made with a Whole Lotta Love

CHICAGO, IL – December 15, 2020

Stern Pinball, Inc., a global lifestyle brand based on the iconic and outrageously fun modern American game of pinball, announced today a new line of pinball machines based on the legendary rock band, Led Zeppelin and its music.  The Led Zeppelin pinball machines will be available in Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition (LE) models.

Formed in London in 1968, Led Zeppelin consisted of vocalist Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page, bassist and keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham.  Together they became one of the best-selling bands with estimated record sales of 300 million units worldwide.  In 1995 Led Zeppelin was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for their innovative and influential impact on the entire music industry.

In this high energy rock and roll pinball concert experience, pinball and music are fused together.  Players are transported back to Led Zeppelin’s early days and tour the world from 1968-1980. As if players were members of the band playing its music, their play updates game features at the start of each verse and chorus of ten iconic Led Zeppelin songs:

  • Good Times Bad Times
  • Whole Lotta Love
  • The Song Remains the Same
  • Rock and Roll
  • Trampled Under Foot
  • Ramble On
  • Kashmir
  • Immigrant Song
  • Black Dog
  • Communication Breakdown

“There is nothing more energizing and fun than bringing pinball and music together,” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc.  “Partnering with Led Zeppelin, we created a one-of-a-kind pinball experience.  It’s our dream goal to create a pinball machine with this iconic rock band.”

The Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition models all feature a custom-molded Hindenburg Zeppelin toy, based on the iconic imagery from the Led Zeppelin I album.  When lit, the Zeppelin toy scores speed locks on the player’s musical journey to Zeppelin multiball.  A custom Swan Song Records trademark Icarus sculpted leaper toy takes flight when smashed by the chaotic pinball.   A 3-bank of drop targets, 3 custom steel ramps, and 3 flippers keep the pinball action rolling.

The Premium and Limited Edition models feature an innovative interactive Electric Magic™ toy.  This device is a unique motorized toy which rises from below the playfield to create different magical pinball experiences.  An optical spinner charges the Electric Magic magnet, capturing and making balls disappear.  The Electric Magic device also converts into a physical pinball bash toy capable of locking a ball or launching a ball aroundthe playfield.

In true rock concert fashion, the Expression Lighting System™ with 96 intelligent RGB LED’s enables full color spectrum control.  Positioned in pockets cut into the cabinet sides to provide color themed full playfield illumination, this integrated playfield lighting system is synchronized to custom light shows specifically designed for every song and dynamically responsive to game events.

As an encore, these models have an additional reversing scoop and metal combo ramp, allowing players to keep the hits coming with constant adrenalized pinball action.  A back panel mounted illuminated song status board indicates which Led Zeppelin song is in play.

Only 500 Limited Edition games will be made for sale throughout the world.  This limited version includes an exclusive Icarus themed full color mirrored backglass, exclusive custom themed cabinet artwork, custom high gloss Paradise Shimmer Blue powder-coated armor, a custom autographed bottom arch, exclusive custom art blades, upgraded audio system, anti-reflection pinball glass, a shaker motor, and a sequentially numbered plaque.

Pricing and Availability:

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price:

MSRP for sales to USA end-users, before any VAT, GST, Sales Tax, Duties, or other taxes.                                   

Pro Model:                                                       $US 6,199

Premium Model:                                              $US 7,799

Limited Edition Model:                                     $US 9,199

Led Zeppelin pinball machines and accessories are available through authorized Stern Pinball distributors and dealers around the world.

About Stern Pinball, Inc.

Stern Pinball, Inc. is a global lifestyle brand based on the iconic and outrageously fun modern American game of pinball.  Headquartered minutes from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport in the heart of North America, the company creates, designs, engineers, manufactures, markets, and distributes a full line of technologically advanced terrestrial and digital pinball games, parts, accessories, and merchandise.  Stern Pinball serves digital, consumer, commercial, and corporate markets around the globe.

Recent Stern Pinball titles include Avengers: Infinity Quest, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Stranger Things, Elvira’s House of Horrors, Jurassic Park, Black Knight: Sword of Rage, The Munsters, The Beatles, Deadpool, Iron Maiden, Guardians of the Galaxy, Star Wars, Aerosmith, Ghostbusters, KISS, Metallica, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Star Trek, AC/DC, Batman, and Spider-Man.  A broad range of players enjoy Stern Pinball’s games from professional pinball players who compete in high-stakes competitions around the globe to novice players who are discovering the allure of the silver ball for the first time.  To join the fun and learn more, please visit www.sternpinball.com.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… Where do I put a new Pinball Machine?

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… Where do I put a new Pinball Machine? 663 727 GAD Vending

Sometimes it is hard to reimagine your space. Living in your home you get used to rooms that are underutilized or a space that just stacks with junk.

Here are a few ideas of where to put a pinball game, Golden Tee, Classic Arcade games….

  1. Basement Has so many places that can be quardent off for gaming. Take your darkest corner, clean it out, add a pinball machine. What a difference!
  2. Garage The garage can be turned into a game room with ease. Add a few games, old signs, a classic muscle car and you are in for fun.
  3. Stairwell See the photos for how easily an awkward corner can be changed into a game area.
  4. Extra bedroom Why not? Add a pinball machine to utilize this space.
  5. Home Office What a better break from your desk?

See photos for inspiration!

Elvira’s “Hooray for Santy Claus”

Elvira’s “Hooray for Santy Claus” 255 217 GAD Vending

Owners of Elvira are in for 25 days of special treats from Santa just in time for the holidays!  Make sure your system clock is set to the right date and keep a close ear (or eye!) while playing the Santa Claus Conquers the Martians haunt mode from December 1st to the 25th!

Making of Stern’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Making of Stern’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1042 1042 GAD Vending

Stern Pinball presents a behind the scenes look at the making of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles pinball.  Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo are the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, trained in the art of ninjutsu by their wise rat sensei, Master Splinter. Is New York City ready for these radical reptile brothers? With a sick sewer lair and tough friends like April O’Neil and Casey Jones, the Turtles are about to face evils more dangerous and pizza more delicious than anything they could have ever imagined. In this pinball adventure players will go to battle as the Turtles fight villains like Shredder, the Krang and loads of super-powerful mutants, to become the heroes they were destined to be, and have loads of fun along the way!

GAD stocks Stern pinball games. COVID has created high demand for pinball, so our stock is first come, first serve! Warehouses in Omaha, Kansas City and Des Moines.

 

 

 

Stern Code Updates

Stern Code Updates 632 790 GAD Vending

Stern is continuously working to update and improve software for our machines.  There are always code updates and bug fixes in various stages of development; we will release them upon update completion.  Here are some of the latest updates and the status of things in the works.  If you would like to join our mailing list for code updates, please send an e-mail to [email protected].  If you do encounter any bugs please feel free to provide information to [email protected]

  • Avengers: Infinity Quest – For all Avengers owners, please make sure you are up to date with the most current code version (v0.94.0) released last week. Be on the lookout for a new code update later this month.
  • Stranger Things – For all Stranger Things owners, please make sure you have updated your game to the most current code version (v1.00.0) released last week. This code contains numerous game enhancements, additional polish, adjustments, system updates and bug fixes.
  • Black Knight: Sword of Rage – For all Black Knight owners, please make sure you are up to date with the most current code version (v1.02.0) released last week. This code update includes game enhancements, additional polish, game adjustments, bug fixes, system updates and the DJ Mixer feature!
  • Elvira – For all Elvira owners, please make sure you are up to date with the most current code version (v1.01.0) released last month.
  • Deadpool – For all Deadpool owners, please make sure you are up to date with the most current code version (v1.05.0) released last month. This code update includes numerous game enhancements, additional polish, game adjustments, bug fixes, system updates and the DJ Mixer feature

If you have other questions or bug issues, contact your GAD representative.

Happy Holidays! Fill Your Stocking with Pinball and Arcade Games

Happy Holidays! Fill Your Stocking with Pinball and Arcade Games 1042 1042 GAD Vending

GAD Stocks Pinball and Games!

Home game rooms are all the rage with COVID. And, the most demanded holiday gift looks to be pinball in the stocking.

Don’t wait. Availability will be limited on many titles.

Warehouses for pick-up are located in Omaha; Kansas City; and Des Moines.

COVID has changed the Pinball industry

COVID has changed the Pinball industry 2083 2083 GAD Vending

GAD adapts and expands across the Midwest

(Omaha, NE  November 17, 2020) With the continuing isolation and work from home imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic more and more people are repurposing space into home game rooms and arcades. This has caused a shortage of arcade games across the country. Greater America Distributing (GAD) is uniquely positioned to answer the demand.

Mike Dobel and Larry Bailey, owners of Greater America Distributing (GAD), are expanding personnel to meet the new demands.  With a number of recent retirements, Andy Dobel is welcomed as a new partner.  Armed with an outside perspective, Andy sees expanding opportunities in the markets they serve as the pandemic continues to heavily impact people’s lives, especially in the sales and service of arcade and pinball games for the home.

After a 16-year career in the railroad industry, Andy brings a new outlook to the distributor side of vending and games.  “Our role in our customer’s success has never been more important.  We strive to ensure we provide all the resources and expertise necessary to keep our line of products performing their best,” says Andy Dobel.  A strong background in logistics and customer service gives the younger Dobel a uniquely positioned skill set to slide into his new role quickly.

Homebound families are constantly looking for a fun break. This includes quick competition between people either in the same household or anywhere in the world.  “One of my goals is to provide unique remote gameplay to engage everyone in the family,” says Mike Dobel. “Many of our games come configured to connect via the internet to allow remote head-to-head or team competitions. With competition play in mind, we stock games for all ages.”

With the increase in demand, the industry is experiencing a strain on supply. “Thanks to our long standing relationship with the pinball manufacturers we are able to keep a large number of game titles in stock in the face of increased demand,” according to Bailey.  “GAD is also able to outfit any home with a complete game room from online darts and Golden Tee to pinball and even the nostalgic Multicade consoles featuring Pacman, Galaga, Space Invaders and dozens more.”

With offices and warehouses in Omaha, Des Moines and Kansas City, GAD is able to stock new and used equipment and parts. Our sales and service departments are working at full staff to keep our essential commercial operating at peak efficiencies while taking on the new residential demands. Curbside pickup is available for all our equipment and parts.

Hands Free Pinball: Creative Thinking…

Hands Free Pinball: Creative Thinking… 1078 602 GAD Vending

May not be for every player but a bit of creative thinking makes this vintage pinball game hands free.