I was in Amsterdam a short while ago and discovered a small mechanical
instrument museum at 106 Westerstraat (telephone 020-6279624).  It was
a Sunday morning and as my plane was leaving in four hours there was
very little time for me to check it out.

There isn't a great deal there -- about 15 instruments (surprisingly,
no organs of any kind).  For me the most impressive item was a gorgeous
Welte Vorsetzer hooked up to a Steinway grand -- unfortunately just as
I started talking to the curator (I stupidly forgot to get his name) a
bunch of tourists entered and that was the last I saw of him.

The museum is well worth a visit -- it is open daily by appointment
only and on Sundays without appointment from 1300 to 1700 hrs.  If you
go you will find an additional bonus -- the Dutch are wonderful,
charming, friendly people who positively welcome cigar smokers!

John Farrell
stridepiano@email.msn.com