Melody

Melody holds a special place in pinball history as the first flipper machine ever manufactured by Bally Manufacturing Corporation. Released in February 1948 as part of the post-war boom in pinball's popularity, Melody represented a pivotal moment for the company. Cash Box reported on February 21, 1948 that Bally had begun shipments that week. A rolldown version, 'Melody Roll,' was released the prior year, and Melody's playfield layout was reused on Bally's 1948 'Ballerina.'

Key to Melody's gameplay is its feature set: five balls could be played for just five cents. The machine has two flippers and twelve scoring bumpers, while five kick-out holes are placed throughout the playfield. One such hole is positioned below the out-hole, providing a bonus opportunity.

The game's music and dancing theme reflects the entertainment culture of 1940s America, offering a glimpse into a bygone era when pinball, and the flipper itself, were just finding their footing as an entertainment staple.