1970 Gottlieb Crescendo
Manufacturer : Gottlieb
Year : 1970
Players : 2
Type : Electro-mechanical
Theme : Music - Singing - Dancing
Production : 1,175 units
Status : Sold
Gottlieb’s Crescendo (1970) is a two-player electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine notable for introducing modern-style drop targets to Gottlieb games. Designed during the early evolution of EM gameplay, it combines simple rules with fast, demanding play. With its psychedelic “flower power” artwork and innovative target design, Crescendo stands as an important milestone in pinball history.
Game Features
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2-player electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine
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One of the first Gottlieb games to feature modern drop targets
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Central “flower-style” drop targets with values from 10 to 500 points
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Two 2-inch flippers for a tighter, more challenging control feel
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Two pop bumpers and two slingshots
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Curved wireforms on both sides of the playfield
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Fast, steep gameplay often set around a 6-degree pitch
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Psychedelic “flower power” artwork with a coffee house / band theme
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Traditional chime sound package
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Approx. 1,175 units produced (relatively rare)
Overview
Crescendo is all about its pioneering drop target system. The central “flower” targets vary in value and require accurate shooting, making them the core of scoring strategy. This innovation helped pave the way for the drop target-heavy gameplay seen in later solid-state machines.
The game plays fast and unforgiving, especially with its smaller 2-inch flippers and steeper pitch. Control is critical, and strong flipper performance is key to keeping the ball in play. Missed shots can quickly lead to drains, giving the machine a reputation for being both simple and challenging.
Visually, Crescendo leans into late-60s / early-70s counterculture with vibrant, music-inspired artwork featuring a coffee house scene and band imagery. Combined with its historical importance and relatively low production numbers, it remains a desirable piece for collectors interested in early innovations in pinball design.
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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)