Introduction and More
By Chuck Walker
This introduction may get a bit long winded so be forewarned. My name is Chuck Walker and I am a mechanical music enthusiast. All types of mechanical music interest me for a number of reasons. Primarily it is because of the music that they convey. Not only the melodies but how they are arranged, the tonal characteristics of the instrument and how these sometimes tell us a bit of the musical tastes of the people that purchased the instruments and music. I focus most on cylinder musical boxes and both collect and restore them. Every other year or so when they are held, I participate as an instructor with Joe Roesch at the restoration classes held at Nancy Fratti's.
I grew up in a household with a mother who was a church organist and choir director. So I have had liturgical and classical music in my ears since birth. As a youth I was more interested in vacant lot baseball and chemistry sets so forsook practice at the piano and violin in favor of more scientific pursuits. But foundations in music were planted and took root at least partially. Strong scientific interests led me to a career as an analytical chemist in chemical research, the last years of which were spent at IBM developing software and instruments for the analytical laboratory. Connections and parallels between digital devices and mechanical music are interesting topics of speculation.
An inclination to tinker and some experience with clock repair led me to the restoration of musical boxes. It is satisfying to bring back to voice a long silent music box and hear what it has to offer. It is also tedious and not a little frustrating sometimes. But primarily I find that restoration adds measurably to my appreciation of an instrument or machine and vicariously puts me in touch with the people who crafted it years ago.
I am discovering that even a rudimentary knowledge of music is a big help in quality restoration. The best restorers that I have met are people who are musicians or at least have a good ear for what is right. I suppose it is my scientific background that has led me to evaluate tuning data on musical boxes to better evaluate what is measurable with what sounds good or bad (at least to my ear). But these are subjective evaluations at best.
I have been active with the Musical Box Society International (MBSI) for 22 years and served as treasurer for several years. I am currently involved with the Museum Committee as we try to bring displays and exhibits wherever appropriate. I echo Frank Metzger's advice to become a member of MBSI if you are not already. Although I recognize many names appearing in these digests, there are a lot of new names too. There is no better way to learn more about the fascinating world of mechanical music than sharing with fellow members of similar interests. The aims and interests of the MBSI are broad and encompass virtually all forms of mechanical music. Contact Beatrice Robertson (brobrtsn@directnet.net) for more information.
OK, I'll sit down now
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Chuck Walker (cewalker@prodigy.com)
Hopewell Junction, NY |
(Message sent Wed 2 Oct 1996, 04:48:22 GMT, from time zone GMT-0500.) |
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