# Update On Spinal Tap Pinball From Distributor **Source:** Knapp Arcade **Type:** article **Published:** 2022-02-27 **Beat:** Pinball **URL:** https://www.knapparcade.org/update-on-spinal-tap-pinball-from-distributor --- ## Analysis A Homepin distributor (Highway Games) has released production details on the upcoming This is Spinal Tap pinball machine, which is currently in production and will ship on a pre-order basis, with subsequent stock available in May 2022 on a first-come, first-serve basis. The machine features unusual dual-display architecture with both a 27-inch LCD monitor and a traditional DMD in the backbox, alongside licensed Spinal Tap content including original soundtracks, movie clips, and replica guitar models. ### Key Claims - [HIGH] Spinal Tap pinball is currently in production and will ship on pre-order basis with May 2022 availability for additional stock — _Distributor Highway Games official statement via spinaltappinball.com website_ - [HIGH] The machine features both a 27-inch LCD monitor and a traditional DMD display in the backbox — _Official feature list from Highway Games distributor website_ - [MEDIUM] Dual LCD/DMD backbox configuration is unusual and rarely seen on physical pinball machines — _Knapp Arcade editorial observation; author states unfamiliarity with this on non-virtual machines_ - [HIGH] Game includes original Spinal Tap soundtracks, cut video scenes from the movie, and replica guitar models — _Official feature list from distributor_ ### Notable Quotes > "the game is currently in production and the 'will be shipping shortly on pre-order basis.' After all of the pre-orders are fulfilled, the next available games will be in May 2022, sold on a first come, first serve basis." > — **Highway Games distributor** > _Official timeline and availability structure for Spinal Tap machine release_ > "It's interesting that the pin will have both an LCD and a DMD in the backbox. I don't recall ever seeing that on a pinball machine, other than a virtual one." > — **Knapp Arcade** > _Editorial commentary highlighting unusual technical feature of the machine_ ### Entities | Name | Type | Context | |------|------|---------| | Homepin | company | Boutique pinball manufacturer producing This is Spinal Tap pinball machine | | Highway Games | company | Distributor for Homepin's Spinal Tap pinball; operates spinaltappinball.com website | | This is Spinal Tap | game | Upcoming pinball machine based on the mockumentary film, manufactured by Homepin | | Knapp Arcade | company | Source publication providing distributor update and technical commentary | ### Topics - **Primary:** Product announcement and timeline, Technical specifications and hardware features - **Secondary:** Licensed content integration (music, video, props), Homepin production and distribution model ### Sentiment **Neutral** (0.5) — Article is informational and factual with minimal editorial tone beyond technical curiosity about the LCD/DMD dual-display feature. No expressed concern or enthusiasm, primarily reporting distributor announcements. ### Signals - **[announcement]** Official Spinal Tap pinball machine announced in production with pre-order fulfillment timeline and May 2022 general availability (confidence: high) — Distributor Highway Games released official details via spinaltappinball.com with specific production status and availability dates - **[product_strategy]** Spinal Tap machine differentiates through licensed content depth: original soundtracks, movie clips, and physical replica models (confidence: high) — Official feature list emphasizes original Spinal Tap soundtracks, cut video scenes, and replica TAP guitar models - **[technology_signal]** Unusual dual-display architecture (27-inch LCD + traditional DMD) in backbox represents novel approach to pinball display design (confidence: high) — Feature list explicitly includes both LCD monitor and DMD display; author notes unfamiliarity with this configuration on physical pinball machines --- ## Transcript A Homepin distributor recently published some additional details on its upcoming This is Spinal Tap pinball machine. The game is currently in production and the "will be shipping shortly on pre-order basis." After all of the pre-orders are fulfilled, the next available games will be in May 2022, sold on a first come, first serve basis. According to the distributor Highway Games’ game-specific website, https://www.spinaltappinball.com/, the new game will be "packed with features including: 27 Inch backglass LCD monitor Traditional DMD display Stainless steel ramps Quick-release steel metal Lockdown bar Original Spinal Tap soundtracks Cut video scenes from the original movie Replica models of famous TAP guitars Lifetime PCB support It's interesting that the pin will have both an LCD and a DMD in the backbox. I don't recall ever seeing that on a pinball machine, other than a virtual one. Below are a number of pictures of the game in production courtesy of Homepin’s Facebook page. _(Acquisition: raw_text, Enrichment: v1)_ --- *Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-04-13 | Item ID: 5c61b98f-149d-4b24-9a25-776fa1c3987d*