1978 Gottlieb Blue Note
Manufacturer : Gottlieb
Year : 1978
Players : 1
Type : Electro-mechanical
Theme : Music - Singing
Production : 229 units
Status : Sold
Gottlieb’s Blue Note (1978) is a rare single-player electro-mechanical pinball machine with a music-themed design and unique scoring features. With only 229 units produced, it stands as one of the final EM games from Gottlieb. Known for its “note scale” drop targets and skill-based gameplay, Blue Note is a highly collectible late-era EM title.
Game Features
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Single-player electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine
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Extremely rare – only 229 units produced
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Two flippers with fast, responsive gameplay
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Five pop bumpers for high-action playfield movement
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Plunger skill shot to lit top rollover (up to 10,000 points)
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A-B-C rollover sequence lights kickout hole for extra ball
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8 “note” drop targets forming a musical scale (do-re-mi system)
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Unique scoring: higher points when targets are unlit vs lit
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Spinner scoring (adjustable, commonly 1,000 points per spin)
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Lights “Special” for replay opportunities
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Convertible to add-a-ball (export version: Rock Star)
Overview
Blue Note delivers fast, skill-driven gameplay built around its distinctive musical theme. The standout feature is the left-side “note scale” drop targets, which introduce a unique scoring system—targets are worth more when unlit, adding a strategic twist to shot selection.
Players can take advantage of a rewarding skill shot from the plunger, lighting top rollovers for high-value scoring. Completing sequences like A-B-C activates additional features, including extra ball opportunities through the kickout hole.
As one of Gottlieb’s final electro-mechanical releases, Blue Note combines classic EM gameplay with more refined and creative scoring mechanics. Its low production numbers and late-era status make it especially desirable among collectors looking for rare and unique machines.
Have questions or interested in this game? Or have a particular pinball machine you are looking for? I can locate and restore one for you.
View Restoration Details Playfield (Top Side) • Fully disassembled, cleaned, waxed, and conditioned • New rubbers, lane guides, posts, bulbs, and pinball • New flipper bats • Standup switches and rollover switches polished and adjusted • Plastics cleaned and conditioned Playfield (Underside) • Complete flipper rebuilds (coils, stops, switches, links, springs) • Pop bumper assemblies rebuilt • All relays cleaned, filed, and properly adjusted • Stepper units fully disassembled, cleaned, and calibrated Cabinet & Bottom Board • New power cord and fuse holders • Bottom board fully disassembled and cleaned • Relays, step units, and score motor serviced and adjusted • Jones plugs cleaned for solid connections • Cabinet cleaned inside and out Backbox / Head • Scoring reels disassembled, cleaned, and properly adjusted • Stepper units and relays serviced • New bulbs installed Additional Work • Weak or burned coils replaced as needed • Coin door fully disassembled, cleaned, and polished with new coin entry plates • Chime box cleaned, polished, and rebuilt • Shooter assembly polished with new springs installed • Metal trim, side rails, and legs polished • New locks, bolts, and leg levelers/castors installed • New sheet of playfield glass installed • New bulbs installed throughout entire game Warranty ✔ 1-Year Warranty (local sales) ✔ One service visit included within first year (includes playfield waxing, rubber replacement if needed, and full function check)