What does it take to become the world’s most dedicated pinball collector?
More than just owning machines—it’s a lifestyle, a legacy, and a love for the game that spans decades. In this exclusive behind-the-scenes look, we’re profiling James “J.D.” Miller, a collector with over 170 pinball machines and a passion for preserving pinball history.
His story isn’t just inspiring—it’s packed with insights for anyone looking to buy a pinball machine, whether you’re just getting started or ready to expand your game room.
🎯 Who Is J.D. Miller?
- 📍 Location: Austin, Texas
- 🎮 Collection Size: 170+ pinball machines
- 📅 First Machine: 1979 Bally “Star Trek”
- 💼 Background: Former electrical engineer turned full-time pinball restorer
- 🔧 Specialty: Restores rare EM and solid-state machines to museum quality
“Pinball isn’t just a game,” says J.D. “It’s a living piece of engineering and art. Every machine tells a story.”
🏆 What Makes His Collection So Special?
1. Genre Diversity
From 70s electro-mechanical machines to the latest Stern and Jersey Jack titles, J.D. owns machines across every major decade and genre.
Top Picks from His Collection:
- Metallica Premium (Stern) – “Unmatched energy.”
- Attack from Mars (Chicago Gaming) – “Perfect mix of fun and challenge.”
- The Beatles Gold Edition (Stern) – “Nostalgia with class.”
- Wizard of Oz (Jersey Jack) – “Beautiful, deep, immersive.”
2. Historical Preservation
J.D. doesn’t just collect—he restores machines to factory condition.
He sources original playfields, backglasses, and circuit boards to maintain authenticity. Each restoration can take over 100 hours, but his attention to detail makes them feel brand new.
🔍 What Can Buyers Learn from J.D.?
Whether you’re browsing a pinball machine for sale or building your dream collection, J.D.’s approach can help guide your next move.
✅ Tip #1: Start with a Machine You Love
“Forget hype—buy the game that makes you want to play every day.”
Beginner Favorites:
- The Addams Family – Iconic gameplay, great resale value
- Deadpool Pro (Stern) – Funny, fast, and forgiving
- The Mandalorian – Family-friendly with modern features
✅ Tip #2: Understand the Differences (EM vs. Solid-State vs. Modern)
| Type | Era | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Electro-Mechanical (EM) | Pre-1977 | Nostalgia, collectors |
| Solid-State (SS) | 1977–1990 | Reliability, moderate rulesets |
| Modern Digital | 1990s–Now | Deep gameplay, RGB lighting, LCD screens |
J.D. recommends newer machines for first-time buyers, as they’re easier to maintain and offer modern features like Bluetooth updates and high-fidelity sound.
✅ Tip #3: Prioritize Condition & Support
“You’re not just buying a machine—you’re buying service, shipping, and long-term playability.”
That’s why J.D. only buys from reputable dealers like House of Pinball that offer:
- Warranty
- Technical support
- White-glove delivery
- Refurbishing & quality checks
🧰 Looking for a trusted pinball machine for sale? View certified machines here →
🎤 Exclusive: J.D.’s Top 3 Pinball Machines to Buy in 2025
Looking to start (or grow) your collection? Here are J.D.’s current Top 3 Picks with serious long-term value:
1. 🛸 Godzilla Premium (Stern)
- Best modern game of the decade
- Amazing layout and shot variety
- Great for all skill levels
2. 🌈 Toy Story 4 (Jersey Jack)
- Family-friendly with stunning animations
- Interactive toys and sound from the original cast
- High resale demand
3. 🎸 Foo Fighters Pro (Stern)
- Fun music-themed gameplay
- Catchy soundtrack + innovative design
- Ideal for home setups
🔎 Want more recommendations? Talk to our pinball advisors →
🏠 How J.D. Displays His Collection
His 2,000 sq. ft. basement is more than just a game room—it’s a pinball museum.
- Custom-built rows with ambient lighting
- Machines grouped by decade and genre
- QR codes on each game for players to learn history
- A dedicated “restoration station” for ongoing projects
💬 “I believe every collector should showcase the machines as playable art.”
🤝 Why Collectors Like J.D. Trust House of Pinball
When asked where he buys and services his machines, J.D. was quick to respond:
“House of Pinball is my go-to—they don’t just sell you a machine, they support your passion.”
Here’s why collectors choose House of Pinball:
✅ Fully inspected, tested machines
✅ Expert technical support
✅ Transparent pricing—no surprise fees
✅ Nationwide delivery & installation
✅ Pre-owned options with warranty
✅ New-in-box machines from Stern, JJP, and more
🎯 Looking for a premium pinball machine for sale? Start your search here →
📦 Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need 170 Machines to Be a Collector
J.D. might be the world’s most dedicated collector, but he reminds us that every collection starts with just one machine.
Whether you’re building a home arcade or buying your first pinball table, the key is to choose a machine that you love—and a dealer you trust.
🔗 Explore More:
- How to Choose Your First Pinball Machine
- Top 5 Modern Pinball Machines in 2025
- Guide: New vs Used Pinball Machines
🛒 Ready to buy your first (or next) pinball machine?
🎯 Explore machines for sale at House of Pinball →