Sega "Bonanza Star" double jackpot

[roller]

I am new to the slot machines and a novice.
I have found one that I like from Henry Powell Automatics.
It's for a Sega "Bonanza Star" double jackpot fully refurbished. It's £890. This will be a very big investment for me. Would I be OK with this one and is it a good machine?

Many thanks for your reply in advance.

[widget2k4]

Welcome to the forum.

If I was you I would hold back and have a think about it. There are much nicer machines available than a Sega and that's a lot of money.

[mervyngoodhew]

For my 2 penny worth, if you like it - buy it, you know it's going to work from Henry Powell.

[pennymachines]

roller,
And my worth - it depends what you want. If you're after something that looks good and works well from the start and don't mind paying for that - go ahead. On the other hand, if you're keen to learn something about the working of these things and don't mind getting grease up your fingernails, I'd echo widget's advice. Have a browse around this forum, if you haven't already, and learn about the various available machines. Also check out this site and others and maybe attend at least one auction, to get a handle on relative values.

[roller]

Thank you for your responses.
It's nice to know it's been fully refurbished and re chromed and to know I won't have any issues with it is a bonus.
I have seen them on auction sites that have already been sold for £450 but don't look anywhere as good as this one.
Does the jackpot automatically refill itself or refill as you play or does it have to be manually refilled after winning the bonus?

[coppinpr]

The jp will refill as you play.

All slot machines are worth what you are willing to pay, nothing else. For me, the machine you're looking at is in great condition but ordinary considering the very high price and not for me, but this is my view only.

Justifying the cost really depends on why you want it. If you want a one off, only needs dusting, machine that looks good in a prime position then it's not overly expensive. If you're thinking of starting a collection and this is the start you will soon be disappointed that you bought it. If you're intrigued by the history and workings of slots then it's definitely not for you.
So, bottom line is, it MIGHT be just the thing for you or it might not - only you will know. You have done the right thing in asking advice but our advice should only be general guide.

[widget2k4]

Another thing to consider is if you do buy it and find it's not for you, expect to take a loss on it.
I think there is nothing more satisfying than restoring a machine yourself - it makes it so much more personal, and if you do decide to sell it you will probably only lose the time you spent on it and not any money.

[coppinpr]

Just so you're aware, this machine doesn't have two jackpots (some machines do). The term "double jackpot" is actually a ruse to make punters think they're going to get paid twice. It means there are two winning combinations that pay the jackpot. Sega did make a "Double Pay" version of this series, but this is not it.

What it should have is a working reserve jackpot (if you decide to buy, check the reserve is working). This is part of the jackpot unit which, once the visual jackpot coin holder is full, begins to trap coins in the reserve coin area above the main chute. This means when the jackpot pays the reserve coins fall into the main chute ready for the next big win, so it's actually never empty and encourages the punters to play. These were often removed by operators as they were problematic, but at this price I would expect it to be there and working.

[widget2k4]

Another point, have you actually been and seen the machine? Normally Henry doesn't have them ready to go and does them after he gets the order I'm sure.

[roller]

The jp will refill as you play.

All slot machines are worth what you are willing to pay, nothing else. For me, the machine you're looking at is in great condition but ordinary considering the very high price and not for me, but this is my view only.

Justifying the cost really depends on why you want it. If you want a one off, only needs dusting, machine that looks good in a prime position then it's not overly expensive. If you're thinking of starting a collection and this is the start you will soon be disappointed that you bought it. If you're intrigued by the history and workings of slots then it's definitely not for you.
So, bottom line is, it MIGHT be just the thing for you or it might not - only you will know. You have done the right thing in asking advice but our advice should only be general guide.

For the minute this is a one off purchase ...unless I get the bug. But with a stand this is going to be a very considerable purchase if I go ahead!
I do like the workings of the machines this is what drawn me to them.
I don't have the time to get a do upper and haven't got a clue what to do. Just worried if I go to an auction I won't know what I'm looking for and as I don't drive will be hard to sort it or get delivered.
I've seen lots of machines on Elephant Auctions but I'd only have a picture and description to go on.

Does any one have any suggestions for a better machine? Mmmmmmmmmm Not sure what to do now.