Dear MMDr's:  Responding to Ingmar Krause's entry on 6/7/02~ Ocean
Shores, WA is probably not THE ideal spot for this sort of thing,
however; IT WAS SPECTACULAR!!!  Kudos to Norm and Sally Gibson for
putting it together and their tireless efforts to make everyone
welcome, and I mean everyone!  The mechanical music "hobby" will
definitely have some new members and young blood!

Ocean Shores is located in the southwestern part of Washington state
and there was quite a cold breeze blowing in from the Pacific.  I was
happily relieved to find out that this had lead to less (as obviously
opposed to more) tuning problems with each of the organs.  There were
two pianos in the main civic center that I was placed in charge of
tuning;  a Link 2E (xylophone re-it piano w/mandolin and limited
expression) and an H.C.Bay player.  The miles and the weather took
their tolls respectively on each piano but nonetheless had HEAVY use!
To my regularly exercised piano tuning ears I can happily say that
the outside organs (in the direct sun, wind, etc.) all sounded great!
(I might humbly suggest that if this is done again in the future that
each instrument is placed at least 100 yards farther apart;  the only
real complaint I had in listening was hearing another (mind you) great
instrument overrunning another during soft passages.)

Inside, Carl Kehret "pianolisted" his feet off and explained (over and
over to different groups of inquisitors) the basics and beginnings of
how music is produced from a sheet of paper with lots of holes.
(Another humble suggestion:  some placards informing the general
public that there is more to see in back of the Center.  It seemed to
me that some newcomers didn't know that there was more to look at and
listen to, too; on the back lot.)  Again, I was amazed at how well the
organs held up to the travel, weather, and use in comparison with the
two pianos that I was in charge of tuning.  The band organs surely
were designed for that to begin with and the adoring owners that
exhibited the instruments showed their dedication to keeping this
part of our past alive and well.  Many people came but many YOUNG
(I'll be 33 this year) came and pumped the Bay and wandered about;
transfixed at the sight and sound of these wonderful old instruments.
In spite of any constructive criticism I made earlier I can assure any
reader of this posting that those of us involved at the rally in Ocean
Shores made some new friends and educated a great many that might
never have known the thrills an antique automated instrument can
inspire.  One more thing;  the exhibit in the (civic) Center of music
boxes, disc/cylinder and roll playing organettes was well attended and
very educational.  In closing Dear Ingmar and Enthusiast;  don't miss
it next time!  It was well worth the drive from Tacoma WA,

Eric J. Shoemaker