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 > April 2004 > 2004.04.14 > 02Prev  Next


The Future of Mechanical Music - Fun!
By John A. Tuttle

Hi All,  For the past couple of weeks I've been trying to come up with
one word that really explains the present and the future of mechanical
musical instruments.  I now believe that word is "novelty".

One of Webster's definitions of the word novelty is "a small, often
cheap, cleverly made article, usually for play or adornment".  I think
this definition is appropriate for three reasons.

One, mechanical musical instruments are clever.  Or at least they were
when they were first invented.  They fascinated people then, they still
fascinate some people today, and they will certainly fascinate some
people in the future.

Two, they are made for "play", or to be 'played'.  They were made for
enjoyment and some people will continue to enjoy them for as long as
they exist.

Three, the finer mechanical musical instruments 'adorn' some of the
finest homes in the World.  They are in some of the finest collections
in the World.  Some of them are, in fact, works of art.

Regarding the future of these mechanical musical devices, I think it
is wise to keep in mind that they are 'novelties', or as I often put
it "grown men's (and women's) toys".  The people who have kept me in
business for the last 30+ years, and the type of people who will keep
me in business until I retire (like that's ever going to happen) have
one trait in common; they love toys.  And as long as I can continue to
appeal to that part of their character, I will have loyal customers.
In other words, part of my job as a technician is to make these
instruments "fun".

If I carry a serious business attitude with me when I walk in the door
of their home, I'm certain to leave with less work than if I walk in
with a pleasant, fun-loving demeanor.  My point is that a major part
of the future of these instruments lies in the hands of those of us who
do the work.  Not only as it relates to the longevity of the devices,
but also as it relates to how long our customers will continue to
'show off' their 'toys' to other people.  For in reality, they will
never be anything more than "novelties".  And if a novelty isn't fun
or entertaining, it sits in the corner and collects dust!

(Maybe I should change my slogan from "Keep the Music Rolling" to
"Keep the Fun Rolling"... hmmm)

Musically Opinionated,

John A. Tuttle
Player-Care.com
Brick, NJ, USA


(Message sent Wed 14 Apr 2004, 12:06:43 GMT, from time zone GMT-0400.)

Key Words in Subject:  Fun, Future, Mechanical, Music

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