I have been trying to get things together to introduce myself for the
last couple of weeks.  I started to read the back-issue digests to
become familiar with the contents; however, I can see now it will take
me forever, everything is so interesting.  I tried to subscribe to the
group last May when several people from a message I posted in "Free
Agent" told me of your address.

I am now rather amazed, Jody, that your reply said you manage a "small
mailing list"!  It was only recently when Michael Waters set me right
about the correct way to subscribe that I actually arrived.

 [ Ed. Note: I think our "small" mailing list has grown to over 300
 [ subscribers! And when Jody returns from the MBSI convention there
 [ are already ten new people to be added! -- Robbie

After reading some back issues I think I must have a "pumper". It is an
upright Autotone Player that you pedal, with lots of levers and buttons,
but now I think I probably wanted a reproducing player. However, I was
one of those people who called all players Pianolas.

I was also given the impression that you could not get rolls anymore,
so I bought hundreds from second hand shops; probably the majority are
the type one of the members uses for kindling. Since being on the Web,
I discovered Q.R.S & Bam Bam & Playright so, as we had a small tourist
outlet, I have been able to import some, and save others from the same
fate of believing there are no new rolls being made. The rumours keep
flying around Australia that Mastertouch are closing down, however,
I don't think that is correct either.

I really enjoy my player, and belong to a small group of people who get
together about once a month mainly for a sing-along.  I mostly like
classical music, tunes from musicals, and of course some of the old
favourites that one always associates with a player.

I don't think some of the newer rolls sound as good; probably I'm used
to hearing orchestras playing them on C.D's. Also, I am still learning
to be more discerning re the arrangements and who is actually playing.
One of our (my husband and I) other interests is collecting Antique Oil
Lamps and Genealogy. I can see I could develop an interest in music
boxes as I have just seen one that looks like a grandfather clock.
Better leave that one for next time I make contact.

If anyone can give me any information re my "Autotone Player" I would be
grateful, as I don't know anyone else with the same brand.

Jill Miller

 [ Ed. Note: Welcome aboard, Jill & Des.  Although the current dis-
 [ cussion thread is "Too-Loud Pianos", I'm sure there will be further
 [ mention of the pleasures of pumper pianos like yours.  Dan Wilson and
 [ the folks in Great Britain are veritable Champions of the Sport!
 [ -- Robbie