It can be challenging to purchase gifts for pinball machine fans and collectors as they tend to buy everything for themselves. But here is a list of parts, accessories, cleaning supplies and other great gift ideas for the people in your life who own one or more pinball machines. From lightbulbs to shiny new pinballs to decor and clothing. These gifts will surely please.
Historically, the most common miniature incandescent lamp/light bulbs used in pinball machines are the venerable #44 and #47 bayonet-style miniature lamps. While many collectors are putting LEDs in their machines, purists still prefer miniature lamps for the classic look, color temperature, and color-rendering of miniature lamps.
– Marco
The #44 lamp is often the preferred lamp from the manufacturer – the main benefit being that it’s brighter than its #47 cousin. Never forget that a pinball machine’s first and foremost purpose is a commerical piece of equipment designed to attract casual users, so many design decisions are made pursuant to this goal. When a pinball machine enters home service, however, the goals change and the other lamps make more sense.
When a lamp is used in a situation where it is continually on in an closed area like a pop bumper cap, or very close to a playfield plastic, Marco recommends using the cooler #47 lamps. They emit 40% less heat than their #44 cousins and as such are less likely to leave discolorations on your plastics over time. For lamps that are not continually on such as feature lamps (under playfield inserts), the #44s are usually a better choice as they are brighter.
LED lightbulbs for pinball machines
Replace those burnt-out, energy-wasting, heat-producing old incandescent light bulbs with some bright, energy-efficient LED lightbulbs especially under inserts.
GE44 47 756 755 Bulb Ba9s Led Bulbs for Pinball Led Bulbs Pinball Machine Light Bulb 1893 1895 Light Bulb 6.3V 6V DC White Pack of 20
Classic Pinball Machine Replacement Lightbulbs
For that classic look, especially on the playfield, classic incandescent Type 47 pinball machine lightbulbs. (Less bright than #44 but cooler running).
Type 44 incandescent pinball machine lightbulbs (brighter than #44 but runs hotter)
Pinball Plastic Cleaner
The number one cleaner for plastic and playfields among pinball machine collectors.
NOVUS 7020 | Plastic Clean & Shine #1 | 8 Ounce Bottle
Pinball Playfield Clean and Wax
The old classic cleaner and polish in one bottle.
Mill Wax Pinball Machine Playfield Cleaner and Polish
Pinball Subwoofer
If your machine has sound, you can add an external subwoofer to make it really rock.
Microfiber pinball machine cleaning cloths
These are so handy for cleaning playfields, dusting the glass and removing the glass without leaving fingerprints.
Replacement pinballs
Replace toss old rusty balls at least once a year! A cheap way to protect your playfield from damage.
Pinball Comic Books
A great read for those who love pinball.
Pinball T-shirts
T-shirts are the official clothing style of the pinball crowd. Might as well have a good one.
Pinball Machine Artwork
Pinball machine artwork for the game room.
