1976 Bally Freedom
Manufacturer : Bally
Year : 1976
Players : 4
Type : Electro-mechanical
Theme : American - Bicentennial
Production : 5,080 units
Status : Sold
Freedom (1976) is a 4-player electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine by Bally, released during the U.S. Bicentennial celebration. Designed by George Christian with artwork by Christian Marche, it stands out for its patriotic red, white, and blue theme and its blend of classic EM gameplay with features that hint at the coming solid-state era.
Game Features
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4-player EM (also produced in early solid-state version)
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Released July 1976
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Designed by George Christian
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Artwork by Christian Marche
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~5,080 EM units produced (+ ~1,500 SS versions)
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Two flippers
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Three pop bumpers (red, white, and blue)
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One 5-bank drop target (primary scoring focus)
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Two spinners (often marked “1776” / “1976”)
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Two saucers / kickout holes
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Bonus “wheel” system with multiplier progression
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Extra ball and special awards via drop targets
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Bicentennial patriotic theme
Overview
Freedom is one of Bally’s most recognizable EM-era machines thanks to its Bicentennial theme and transitional design. It combines traditional EM mechanics with more advanced rule ideas that would soon become standard in solid-state games.
The core gameplay revolves around the 5-bank drop targets, which drive scoring, extra balls, and specials. Completing the bank once typically lights an extra ball, while subsequent completions increase rewards—giving the game a satisfying progression loop.
The bonus wheel system adds another layer, advancing bonuses, multipliers, and spinner value as you play. The dual spinners provide steady scoring opportunities, especially when lit, while the saucers help control the ball and collect bonuses.
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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)