Description

1978 Gottlieb Sinbad Pinball Machine

The 1978 Gottlieb Sinbad Pinball Machine stands as one of the most iconic and enduring electro‑mechanical/early solid‑state hybrids of the late 1970s, offering unforgettable artwork, snappy gameplay, and a fantasy adventure theme inspired by the legendary sailor Sinbad. Known for its distinctive drop‑target layout, bright colors, and reliability, Sinbad continues to be a player favorite and a highly collectible machine for enthusiasts, arcade owners, and vintage game room builders.

A Timeless Gottlieb Classic from the Golden Age of Pinball

Released in 1978 during Gottlieb’s transition into solid‑state technology, Sinbad was produced in both EM (electro‑mechanical) and SS (solid‑state) versions. Both versions share the same exciting playfield design and Arabian Nights‑inspired aesthetic, making either variation a strong addition to a vintage collection.

Sinbad was also featured in the 1977 film The Golden Voyage of Sinbad, which helped elevate its visibility and cement its place in pop culture.

Collectors value Sinbad for its bright artwork, smooth flow, and the satisfaction of completing its iconic target banks—all of which make it one of Gottlieb’s most lasting successes.

Vibrant Art Package from the Legendary Gordon Morison

One of the most celebrated aspects of the Sinbad Pinball Machine is its unforgettable artwork by Gordon Morison, one of the most influential artists in Gottlieb’s history.

Backglass Features:

• Bold hand‑drawn fantasy artwork
• Dynamic battle pose of Sinbad facing mythical creatures
• Rich, saturated colors that hold up well when preserved
• Highly decorative score windows and classic Gottlieb backglass styling

Playfield Art:

• Four mythical beasts surrounding Sinbad
• Thematic inserts and lettering
• Clean geometric target placement
• Fantastic contrast between bright yellows, reds, blues, and purples

The artwork alone makes Sinbad a centerpiece in any arcade or home game room.

Gameplay: Drop‑Target Heaven for Skill Players

Sinbad is beloved for one major reason: its target layout. It features four sets of drop targets, each of which corresponds to a different scoring value.

4 Major Target Banks:

• 4‑bank worth 5,000 points
• 3‑bank worth 3,000 points
• 2‑bank worth 2,000 points
• 1‑bank worth 1,000 points

Clearing all drop targets lights specials and high‑value scoring, offering a fast and skill‑based challenge.

Additional Gameplay Features:

• Smooth top rollovers
• Classic Gottlieb slingshot action
• Crisp spinner shots
• Clean shot geometry with easy‑to‑read rules

The game rewards controlled shooting. Instead of chaotic multiball or modern gimmicks, Sinbad focuses on clean, satisfying target hits that keep players coming back.

Solid‑State and Electro‑Mechanical Versions Available

Sinbad is unique because it exists in two versions:

1. EM Version (Electro‑Mechanical)

• Score reels
• Mechanical chimes
• Classic EM logic and feel

2. SS Version (Solid‑State)

• Digital scoring
• Early electronic sound package
• More consistent rule logic and reliability

Collectors value both versions for different reasons. EM purists prefer the clack of score reels and warm chime tones, while those seeking easy maintenance often prefer the SS version.

Reliable Gottlieb Engineering from the Late 70s

Gottlieb machines from this era are famously durable and straightforward to service. Sinbad continues that legacy with:

• Easily accessible assemblies
• Hardy flipper mechs
• Readily available replacement parts
• Strong third‑party board support for SS models
• Excellent restoration compatibility

Sinbad machines—even ones stored for decades—can often be brought back to full working condition with basic mechanical cleaning, board tuning, and cosmetic restoration.

Audio Package: Classic Chimes or Early Electronic Tones

Depending on the version, Sinbad offers two distinct sound experiences:

EM Version:

• Rich, warm mechanical chimes
• Classic 1970s arcade charm
• Perfect for vintage purists

SS Version:

• Early synthesized sound cues
• Simple scoring tones
• Nostalgic late‑70s pinball atmosphere

Both versions preserve the game’s rhythm and pacing beautifully.

Collector Appeal & Market Demand

The 1978 Gottlieb Sinbad has remained one of the top sought‑after 70s machines for decades.

Why Collectors Love Sinbad:

1. Iconic Gordon Morison art — instantly recognizable and highly stylized.
2. Four drop‑target banks — rare in most games, offering deep skill‑based play.
3. Two versions (EM & SS) — appealing to multiple collector groups.
4. Reliable, long‑lasting hardware — easy to restore and maintain.
5. Strong resale value — consistently stable in the collector market.

Whether for display, restoration, long‑term investment, or daily play, Sinbad continues to deliver.

Perfect for Home Game Rooms, Arcades, and Themed Spaces

Thanks to its bright artwork, clean layout, and dependable build, Sinbad shines in many settings:

• Home arcades
• Retro game bars
• Fantasy or movie‑themed entertainment rooms
• Collector showrooms
• Pinball museum displays

Its rules are simple enough for beginners, yet mastering the target banks provides endless challenge for experienced players.

Why the 1978 Gottlieb Sinbad Stands Out

Sinbad remains one of the most beloved 1970s pinball machines for good reason:

• Drop‑target focused gameplay rarely matched by other machines
• Legendary artwork from one of the best pinball artists of all time
• Durable construction with decades of reliability behind it
• Great restoration value whether EM or SS
• Strong collector demand and lasting popularity
• Colorful fantasy theme that instantly attracts players

Sinbad isn’t just a pinball machine—it’s a classic adventure brought to life through artwork, mechanical challenge, and timeless design.

Final Thoughts

The 1978 Gottlieb Sinbad Pinball Machine stands tall as one of the most iconic fantasy‑themed machines of the late 70s, offering a perfect mix of collectible value, skill‑based gameplay, and enduring visual appeal. Whether you’re adding it to a personal collection, restoring a project machine, or showcasing it in a commercial environment, Sinbad delivers lasting charm and a true vintage pinball experience.

If you’d like, I can also create descriptions for other Gottlieb titles like Joker Poker, Dragon, Solar Ride, Countdown, or any Bally/Williams/Stern machines you need!