Machine Description

Long Beach, released by Stern Electronics in the mid-1970s, represents a classic example of the beach/coastal themed pinball machines that were popular during this era. The machine captured the essence of Southern California beach culture during a time when surfing, beach life, and coastal recreation were becoming increasingly prominent in American popular culture.

The game's design likely featured classic EM gameplay elements including pop bumpers, drop targets, and roll-over switches, all themed around beach motifs such as waves, surfboards, and palm trees. As was common for machines of this period, it would have utilized electro-mechanical score reels and chimes rather than electronic displays and sounds.

Produced during the twilight years of the electro-mechanical era, Long Beach arrived just before the industry's transition to solid-state electronics. While production numbers are not definitively known, machines from this period typically saw manufacturing runs of 2,000 to 4,000 units. The game represents an important piece of pinball history, bridging the gap between classic mechanical games and the solid-state revolution that would follow.