Stern

Stern Pinball produces pinball after our favorite pop culture icons, music legends, comics and more. GAD Vending has Stern Pinball machines in stock in Kansas City, Des Moines and Omaha. GAD Vending loves Pinball.

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.

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.

 

 

 

Review: 6 Cool, Goofy Features of Stern’s New Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pinball Machine

Review: 6 Cool, Goofy Features of Stern’s New Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pinball Machine 896 502 GAD Vending

(IGN Dec 8 2020) We unbox the new Stern Premium TMNT machine (2020) and check out all of its new features. There was a turtles machine way back in 1991 by Data East made it, but other than the art, the old machine is not great. Stern’s new machine has a lot more going for it, but it still keeps that tradition of cool comic-book-y Ninja Turtles art as its best feature. At the center of the playfield is a spinning disc with a magnet in its center. In Ninja Pizza Multiball, the magnet catches the balls allowing the disc to fling them like so many pizza slices out of a pizza box. There’s also a pizza eating contest mode lit by this little target that has you mash this button on the lockbar as fast as possible to up your slice count. Ninja Turtles features three ramps, including one only accessible via the upper left flipper. Two of the ramps can be fed back to either flipper thanks to the Raphael glider diverter, which switches position based on a press of the lockbar button. You can use this feature to loop fast ramp shots — it feels great. The backglass features an HD screen with custom art and animations that are based on 3D models — while there’s no original vintage cartoon scenes here, the original theme song is used to full effect. There are of course four ninja turtles, and you can choose to play as any of them. They each have unique bonuses, and also unique skill shots. Nailing the right ramp qualifies Turtle Power Multiball. This multiball spews 4 balls onto the playfield out of a little door in the miniature van. We can’t wait to spend more time with Turtles, and we hope you get to play it, too, when it’s safe and everyone is healthy and playing pinball again. Until then, you can add this to your home arcade, this Premium model with extra features, like that glider diverter, has an MSRP of $7699.

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.

Should you buy a new Stern Pinball Machine?

Should you buy a new Stern Pinball Machine? 1172 624 GAD Vending

Stern Pinball’s EVP and Chief Creative Officer George Gomez takes us on a behind the scenes look into the SPIKE™ electronics hardware system! Complementing the immersive themes and exciting gameplay experiences of Stern Pinball machines, Stern Pinball’s powerful SPIKE™ electronics hardware system enables high-definition graphics and innovative animations. SPIKE™ reduces system complexity and energy usage, resulting in enhanced reliability and simplified servicing.

Ask questions on operations, pricing and inventory availability at GAD Vending. Sales and service in Iowa, Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska.

Stern Pinball Factory Virtual Tour

Stern Pinball Factory Virtual Tour 1073 595 GAD Vending

Take a look behind the scenes at the Stern Pinball Factory in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. Best ever filmed! Host Jack Danger of Dead Flip Pinball Streaming on Twitch shows you how we make pinball machines from scratch here in the worlds largest pinball factory! This content was originally shown LIVE on Twitch for the 2020 Chicago Pinball Expo.

LOCATE TO PLAY A STERN PINBALL GAME – https://sternpinball.com/pinball-locator/

LOCATE TO PURCHASE – https://sternpinball.com/buy-a-game/

Stern Pinball Announces Mask Sales Proceeds to Charitable Causes

Stern Pinball Announces Mask Sales Proceeds to Charitable Causes 1000 1000 GAD Vending
As Stern Army locations and other establishments worldwide ease back into reopening, it’s necessary for all employers and players to practice safe habits while working and playing.
Facilities are opening in a careful and measured way to ensure a safe environment for all guests and staff and Stern wants to support those efforts by providing these additional safety measures in the form of these masks. Stern will donate a portion of the proceeds directly to the AMOA Coin-Op Cares Education and Charitable Foundation and to the AAMA American Amusement Machine Charitable Foundation.
  •  Features 3 layers of cotton with polyester front
  •  Comfortable and easy to breathe through
  •  A portion of the proceeds will go directly to charity
  •  Artwork by Josh Clay
$9.99
FREE DOMESTIC SHIPPING on all orders over $50!

Fox News: Coronavirus leads to spike in pinball popularity

Fox News: Coronavirus leads to spike in pinball popularity 1816 1011 GAD Vending

From Fox News: 

Pinball machines have become a popular pastime as more people look for non-conventional forms of at-home entertainment in the midst of the pandemic.

And with additional pocket money to spare this year due to the reduction in traditional expenditures like travel or dining out, pinball machine sales have surged amongst first-time buyers.

As the largest manufacturing pinball makers in the world, Stern Pinball has been a direct beneficiary of the upswing. The Chicago-based company has grown five-fold over the course of the pandemic, with its current backlog orders at record levels.

“It’s a challenge to entertain everybody when your options of going out have been removed,” board member, owner and Vice Chairman and EVP of Stern Pinball, Inc. Dave Peterson told FOX Business. “People quarantined at home are looking to entertain their families, and pinball is a terrific way to do that. Now our real challenge as a company is to scale our manufacturing up in order to work off those backlogs and meet that demand.”

Read the entire article here.