Mechanical Music Digest  Archives
You Are Not Logged In Login/Get New Account
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles.
Home Archives Calendar Gallery Store Links Info
MMD > Archives > June 1998 > 1998.06.21 > 01Prev  Next


Introduction & Restoration Materials in UK
By Jonathan Holmes

Can anyone help?  I live in somewhat sunny Cornwall UK, near to
Lands End, and have a small collection of instruments which is steadily
growing.

I am doing a somewhat rush job on an Aeolian 88-note Pianola which has
to be finished in two weeks time (a lot of burning the midnight oil)
and, although I normally get materials from the Player Piano Company
(in the USA), does anyone know of a supplier here in the UK that can
supply tubing and trunking?

If you can help please email me on <Jonathan.Holmes@pendeen.demon.co.uk>.
It will be most appreciated.

To introduce myself, I am the professional museum director of a large
art gallery and museum (not musical), and have been interested in all
the comments on the Digest about restoration and converting of
instruments to play other types of rolls --  some most disturbing
comments, such as the Mortier converted to play Wurlitzer rolls.  In my
view historic instruments should _not_ be tampered with at any cost.
It happens in the UK as well, especially with fair organs.  One notable
example being a rare barrel organ converted to play book music, and all
the original parts being discarded.

My CV is interesting for someone working in museums; I trained in
musical instrument repair and conservation and organ building, before
moving into the museum world doing a postgraduate qualification.
I even ran a restoration business for a while, but here in the UK
people are not normally prepared to pay for a full restoration to a
high standard, so I would rather not do a cosmetic job that probably
would break down in just a short while.

If anyone lives in the West of England why not get in contact, or,
in fact, anywhere.  I am also a friend of Dorothy.  !!

Jonathan Holmes

 [ Welcome aboard the Good Ship MMD, Jonathan.  I hope our UK friends
 [ can help you through your current distress!  Is your friend the
 [ famous Dorothy who said, "Look, Toto!  I'm afraid we're not in Kansas
 [ anymore!"  ;)  Best wishes for a happy Pianola customer!   -- Robbie


(Message sent Sun 21 Jun 1998, 15:06:50 GMT, from time zone GMT+0100.)

Key Words in Subject:  Introduction, Materials, Restoration, UK

Home    Archives    Calendar    Gallery    Store    Links    Info   


Enter text below to search the MMD Website with Google



CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD

Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz.

Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site.

Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website.

Please support publication of the MMD by donating online

Please Support Publication of the MMD with your Generous Donation

Pay via PayPal

No PayPal account required

                                     
Translate This Page