Robin Pratt wrote:

> [snip] I really
> wish to be taken off of the Automatic Music List.  There is little here
> of interest to restorers of Historic instruments since most of the
> members are interested in converting them or using a quick-shot-fix to
> git 'em goin'.  I, nor those who believe in the goals of AMICA, fit in
> here.  [clip]

Dear Robin,

I can only speak for myself when saying, first, that I value your
opinions, research and dedication very, very highly.  Indeed, you are
one of the few people to continue to encourage me in AMICA membership
in spite of the negative experiences I had encountered with various
distant chapter officers.

Thank you for your editorial expertise; it is greatly appreciated.
But, secondly, I respectfully take issue with the broad brush with
which you paint this List.  Again, I can only speak for myself (and
you've heard this from me before):

  1. I personally have no desire (nor the finances) to either collect
     OR "convert historic" AMI.  However, this does in no way diminish,
     nor negate my overwhelming passion for AMI and AMI *music*;
     indeed, I am all the more frustrated, since:

  2. I have not found *any* collections of AMI- other than the blessed
     Nethercutt Collection- within a 5-hour drive of my home in Central
     California which is Open To The Public.  Not that there aren't any
     other collections...  they are just inaccessible within a closed
     system.

Therefore:

  3. I must study the 'historic' from afar in order to Build My Own NEW
     AMI instruments, since I have dedicated myself to bringing the
     *music* to a new generation who has never seen-much less heard-
     'historic' instruments.  To them, 'Nickelodeon' is ONLY a cable
     channel.  At this time I have little faith that AMICA is going to
     be able to 'open up', except through Probate...

Jody accurately echoed my sentiments when he replied:

>  [ I don't think its evil that a person becomes interested in historic
>  [ instruments via modern ones.

Indeed, I believe this is the *only* way for the popularity of AMI to
expand and prosper.  Please remain with us here.  I still have so much to
learn from you.

Very Sincerely,¶
Pete Woodworth