I get all non-direct enquiries (general info requests and all that
stuff) from the Pianola Shop, Brighton, channeled through to me for
dealing with, plus my own web sites enquiries.  Yes, it's all free
advice, and it's all FAQs.

Some folk just want to know how much gold their clapped out old banger
is worth, but for the majority their initial inquiry, however mundane
to the knowledgeable, represents the beginning of an active interest in
mechanical music which all who read this enjoy.

To solve the problem of individually replying, I have several framework
answers for the several standard questions, and I jig each a bit to
suit the individual.  And you'll be pleased to learn that, instead of
directing all folk to the MMD, I always direct them to the MMD Archives
and explain briefly how they should search it too.

I have had a few thankful responses back also saying that they found
what they were searching for in the Archive so, although the MMD
contributors never hear of some of these folk, there are people, and
instruments, benefiting from the archives daily -- which is very
positive and a credit to Jody and Robbie and all who contribute however
small and mundane.

Keep up the good work, all -- without the MMD or its archives we all
would know that bit less I'm sure!  Just stop and think what you have
picked up from the MMD; think how many have benefited from your
contributions.  I know people, grateful of the info they have found,
from eastern Europe to the US, Australia, the Middle East, the Far
East, the Baltic States -- not all places where mechanical instrument
technicians are easy to find and if it wasn't for the MMD their
instruments would be forever silent.

Best regards

Adam G Ramet
agr@lineone.net