Step Up
About This Machine
Meet the Step Up, a rare and intriguing mechanical pinball machine from Genco Manufacturing Company, crafted in 1934. This pure mechanical pinball is significant not just for its age but also as one of the earliest examples of the genre. With only a handful of machines remaining, the Step Up offers a glimpse into the evolution of pinball design and gameplay.
The Step Up's unique features make it an exciting find for enthusiasts. Players can shoot only one ball at a time into play, creating a more strategic experience than modern games. The machine boasts eight snap traps, which add an extra level of challenge to navigating the playfield. But what truly sets this game apart is its innovative use of sound and music. A ball landing in the top hole triggers a delightful 4-note musical chime, created by internal bells that are struck as balls move through the machine.
The Step Up's design and art are also noteworthy, showcasing a blend of functionality and minimal aesthetic appeal characteristic of early mechanical pinball machines. The pricing advertised during its time – 10 balls for 5 cents in the USA or 1d (one old English penny) in the UK – highlights the game's accessibility to the masses, making it an important piece of pinball history.
Images (21)
Technical Details
- Notable Features:
- Snap traps (8). A ball landing in the top Step Up hole plays a 4-note musical chime, advances playfield balls along the three tracks, and releases all of the outhole balls to be played again. Player can shoot only one ball at a time into play. The musical notes are created by the balls hitting internal bells. Ball advancement is achieved by the clever shape of each track's wireforms. A ball entering the wireform from the top, by virtue of its momentum, will lift the wireform just long enough to free the ball it was holding, then the wireform drops just in time to hold the ball that first raised it. Advertised in the USA as 10 balls for 5 cents. The game pictured here is located in the United Kingdom and its pricing is 10 balls for 1d (one old English penny).