As the person who started the current discussion of the Hofbauer
micro-box system, I have another thought to put forward. Im fairly
confident that when all the replies are in we will decide that the
system is obsolete, but I was hoping that someone along the way had
cracked the black box and figured out how to maintain it and produce
music.

This being unlikely what about this approach? When Hofbauer first
introduced the system I was living in Germany. Most of the first
micro-box models were simply electronic versions of his roll playing
organs, and were available both ways.  This included the 20 (kit and
factory built), 26, 33, and 45 note organs (there may have been
others). All these rolls are still readily available (except 26)
although very expensive. Does anyone think it would be possible to
convert an electronic model to phonemic. I dont know of any Hofbauer
roll players in this country except the numerous 20 note kits to get
design ideas. I know this doesnt sound practical, but how about
possible??