Growing up in Northern Michigan, Pinball has been a love of mine since the age of 5. In the days of the arcades in the 80’s.. I liked Video Games, but I LOVED Pinball. Three decades later things haven’t changed. What started out as just single pinball game in my basement soon exploded into over 40! Having that many games it became a necessity to learn how restore, repair and maintain them. I realized I had a passion for repairing these fantastic machines and have them playing to their best. I also realized how much fun and enjoyment they brought to others… whether it be a man-cave, at a business or just great family fun! I figured I could put my knowledge and skills to work to help keep the pinball machines playing and running well and GR pinball was born. It’s my pleasure to be able to help in keeping these wonderful pieces of family fun and Americana alive and well. I’m a proud graduate of Grand Valley State University with 3 degrees, a dog and cat dad, collector of vintage gaming consoles and lover of everything outdoors – and a good laugh or chuckle is always the order of the day!
Hope to see you soon and thanks for stopping in – I look forward to serving you.
Click here to watch this fun piece a local news station did on me a few years back!
I’d also like you to meet my assistant Pinball Wizards:
Jacob is a dedicated safety engineer and has also been working on pinballs for over 9 years now – originally from the East side of Michigan but now resides on the West Side. Jacob has a passion for both the newer games and the vintage machines, and specializes in restorations and detail work (paint, metal, hardware and wood) and preservation so they can be enjoyed for many more generations of players. He’s also skilled in electronics, mechanics and the master of making pinball machines shine and play fast! In his spare time, Jacob is an avid swimmer, loves to cook and spends time with Phoebe and Ella – his two cats! Jacob’s favorite games are Addams Family and the wild Orbitor 1!
Phil is an electrical engineer with over 40 years of experience in the field of electronics and mechanical engineering – and has been repairing and servicing pinball machines since the 1970’s and brings an incredible amount of experience, knowledge and wisdom (not to mention a great stash of vintage parts) to GR pinball. He resides in West Michigan with his Wife, several children and grandchildren and truly enjoys working pinball machines and bringing them back to life. He has also worked on Jukeboxes, Bowlers, Arcade Machines and countless others. He specializes in the vintage pinball machines (1950-1990) but can handle just about anything. He’s a great asset and has yet to be defeated by a machine he can’t fix!
Deaken is our newest addition and grew up in Rockford MI and is always keeping busy with projects and is really into retro – and still uses a cassette walkman for music! Deaken specializes and “does it all” in the shop and has become a huge asset for us. Deaken most recently worked at Pinball Land in Rockford as well, so he’s been surrounded by pinball machines almost every day of the week! If come by the shop if you have on-site for a move or other things, you’ll likely to see his smiling face! His Favorite machines are Stern Stars, Williams Black Knight 2000 and the newest JJ Elton John.
Testimonials:
I take great pride in my work – here’s just a few of some nice feedback I’ve received!
Tracy – Detroit MI
Ryan – Rockford MI – Owner of Pinball Land Arcade
Judy – Rockford MI
My pinball machine was shipped from Portland, Maine to my garage in Rockford. This pinball machine was built in the 1960’s and is a family “heirloom” to me. I contacted GR Pinball and Matt came over the next day. Matt reassembled the machine, examined inner works, and found the problem which was caused the machine to tilt and stop play. The tilting stopped so I could enjoy playing games.
After I prepared space for pinball machine, Matt brought it into the house, set it up, replaced bumpers and lights and cleaned and polished the playing field. Matt then found another problem and fixed that, too.
I highly recommend that if you need a Pinball machine repaired, contact GR Pinball. Cost is reasonable and Matt’s customer service is excellent!
Dan – Jenison MI
Matt and Grand Rapids Pinball are awesome! Matt is passionate about all things related to pinball and it shows in his work and attitude. We bought an older pinball machine, that he had completely restored internally, and it has been great fun for our family, which includes 3 young grandsons. Matt is also available for service on the machines and is efficient and affordable.
Dave – East Lansing MI
Matt and Grand Rapids Pinball worked on two 1950’s era pin ball machines for my family recently, and I highly recommend his services. Matt was timely, keep us informed as to progress made, and charges were more than fair.
Steve – Battle Creek MI
Matt and GR Pinball is amazing!!!! I was fortunate that he was going to be in my area and was able to come to my house much quicker than I had anticipated. He was able to quickly get my Eight Ball Champ up and running quickly. Now we cant stop playing!!! Matt is going to be our go-to for any future upkeep we may need. Very highly recommended!!!
Shawn – Holland MI
Exceptionally thorough communication from the very first contact to the day of the work! Matt arrived on time, and his guys got the move of my machines done efficiently and without any mishaps. He even installed a mod with me that made the ol’ Metallica pin more exciting to look at than on the day I bought it. Thank you, Matt!
David – Gaylord MI
Matt at GR Pinball is awesome! Great service and very helpful. I live about 3 hours north, in a rural area and acquired a very old pinball machine. He wasn’t going to be able to get to my area right away so he took the time with me on the phone and walked me through the repairs. Never opened up a pinball machine before and through mailing parts and communication with Matt was able to fix my 1979 Future Spa pin ball machine! Thanks Matt!
Robert – South Bend IN
So glad to have found GR pinball. Matt came down and serviced my machine and brought extra parts that I was missing and even had touch up paint for the cabinet and made it look even better. Really top notch service!
Pete – Charlevoix MI
Highly recommend GR Pinball! Matt is super friendly and professional to work with. He did a great job getting our Hot doggin pinball machine flipping again. I will go to Matt for all future pinball needs. Thanks so much! We are having a blast with our pinball machine!
Josh – Kentwood MI
Matt did an excellent job fixing up my Sharpshooter pinball machine. He knew a lot about the machine, had everything he needed on-site and explained everything as he went. I appreciate his communication before, during and after the appointment. I could tell that he really loves what he does.
Manoj – Okemos MI
Excellent service , great guy! Thanks for the awesome work !
Laura – Traverse City MI
Matt was great, he got our Star Trek game up and running, checked all the lights and even checked our other machine. Great service, knowledgeable and nice guy.
Brad – Grand Rapids MI
Matt has always taken care of my games for me. I have a small collection and everything works great. If I need something, I know who to get a hold of and he’s very good about making sure everything is working well. I love my Pinbot Machine!
Grant – Grand Rapids MI
I’ve had Matt work on dozens of my pinball machines over the years and he always does a great job! He is professional, quick, and very knowledgeable. He will work hard to earn your repeat business. Don’t bother calling anyone else – Matt is the real deal!
Joe – Clare MI
Matt drove up to my home in Clare TWICE to work on my Monday Night Football game which was fried due to a power supply failure. Through his expertise was able to get the game up and running again. He is professional, friendly, and charges were very fair. I would highly recommend him if you have a pinball that needs repair.