Hi Everyone,

I was introduced to this list from Bob Conant, who shares with me
another hobby of model railroading.  Jody asked me to give a brief
introduction of myself to this group.

I was a member of AMICA (Automatic Musical Instruments Collectors
Association), for several years before my children came onto the scene,
in the early 80's.  We have been out of touch with the local group and
the Midwest Chapter ever since.

I worked with a local technician to restore my 1927 Krakauer grand
piano (5'7") which has a Welte Mignon (Licensee) action.  The piano came
from the University of Cincinnati, which at the time I attended as a
student.  Now I am employed by the institution.  The piano was in pretty
sad condition in that the finish needed to be completely removed and
some wood work done.  The piano itself had a delaminated pin block and
some minor cracks in the soundboard, evidence of years in an
institutional setting with steam heat and no A/C.  The ivory keys were
in good condition except someone had written in Ballpoint pen the
letters of the notes.  Several strings were broken.  The player mechanism
was basically there except for the tracker bar, pump, and roll
alignment system.

The piano was completely restored about 15 years ago and is about due
for some regulation and maintenance.  I have approximately 80 - 100
Welte reproducing rolls (mostly re-cuts), and about 30 88-note rolls.
At one time I was involved with a roll auction on the west coast and
was not very successful in bidding on rolls.  I enjoyed visiting
people's homes and listening to their instruments.  After attending the
AMICA convention in 1976?? in Dayton, and 1978??? in Philadelphia as
well as attending some of the area meetings, I have been fascinated
with the orchestrions, nickleodeons, and band organs.  I have seen a
Mills double violin, and a large Weber orchestrion in Dayton.

I thought I would investigate what opportunities are available to learn
more about this hobby, including events, technical info, etc., and to
perhaps check into possibilities of obtaining some additional Welte and
88-note rolls.  Unfortunately, I may only have one or two duplicates
which I would be willing to part with.  If there are any other Welte
enthusiasts please contact me.

                Thanks,

                Thomas.Cruse@uc.edu

                        Tom Cruse

                (No relation to the actor, I was here first!)