Majorettes

The 1964 Majorettes, designed by Wayne Neyens with artwork by Roy Parker, was produced by D. Gottlieb & Company as an add-a-ball machine, with a relatively limited confirmed production run of 425 units. This machine showcases Gottlieb's mid-1960s design sensibilities, built around engaging sequence-based scoring rather than an especially early or groundbreaking release for the company.

One of the standout aspects of Majorettes is its emphasis on sequence play and scoring opportunities. Players can earn an added ball by completing a sequence of A-B-C-D lanes, which then reset on a "mystery" basis tied to progress on the red and yellow numbered bumper sequences -- the closer a player is to completing those bumper sequences, the fewer of the A-B-C-D lanes are automatically spotted on reset. Hitting the numbered red or yellow bumpers in sequence from 1 to 5 also lights a corresponding rollover for an added ball. The machine's flippers, pop bumpers, passive bumpers, kickout holes, and standup target all contribute to the frenetic pace of gameplay, and both kick-out holes eject the ball upward, with the lower one guarded by metal pins that make it difficult to land a ball into from certain directions.

In terms of design and art, Majorettes boasts a classic, straightforward aesthetic typical of Gottlieb machines of this era. While the theme is not explicitly documented, the name suggests a connection to performance or marching-band entertainment. Its low confirmed production of 425 units and unusual "mystery" reset mechanic make it an intriguing, lesser-known piece of Gottlieb's electromechanical output.