Bonanza

The Bonanza pinball machine is a collectible example of D. Gottlieb & Company's golden age of electro-mechanical (EM) design. Released in June 1964, this Western-themed two-player game tied into 'Bonanza', the popular American television western that ran from 1959 to 1973, following a widower and his three sons on their Nevada ranch. All four men are depicted on the backglass, which features artwork by Roy Parker.

Bonanza features a range of classic gameplay elements, including two flippers, three pop bumpers, three passive bumpers, two slingshots, and four standup targets. A rollover button adds an extra scoring opportunity as players navigate the ball through the playfield. Notably, Bonanza can be configured for either 3 or 5 ball play, catering to different operators and locations. A confirmed 2,640 units were produced.

Historically, the game is significant as Ed Krynski's first design for Gottlieb, the start of one of the most prolific design careers in pinball. Interestingly, pinball author Michael Shalhoub reported that Krynski kept this game at his home but admitted he did not like the design. The machine's artwork is characteristic of Gottlieb's distinctive style during this period, with a bold color scheme and stylized Western motifs.