This introduction may get a bit long winded so be forewarned. My name
is Chuck Walker and I am a mechanical music enthusiast. All types of
mechanical music interest me for a number of reasons.  Primarily it is
because of the music that they convey. Not only the melodies but how
they are arranged, the tonal characteristics of the instrument and how
these sometimes tell us a bit of the musical tastes of the people that
purchased the instruments and music. I focus most on cylinder musical
boxes and both collect and restore them. Every other year or so when
they are held, I participate as an instructor with Joe Roesch at the
restoration classes held at Nancy Fratti's.

I grew up in a household with a mother who was a church organist and
choir director. So I have had liturgical and classical music in my ears
since birth. As a youth I was more interested in vacant lot baseball
and chemistry sets so forsook practice at the piano and violin in favor
of more scientific pursuits. But foundations in music were planted and
took root at least partially. Strong scientific interests led me to a
career as an analytical chemist in chemical research, the last years of
which were spent at IBM developing software and instruments for the
analytical laboratory.  Connections and parallels between digital
devices and mechanical music are interesting topics of speculation.

An inclination to tinker and some experience with clock repair led me
to the restoration of musical boxes. It is satisfying to bring back to
voice a long silent music box and hear what it has to offer. It is also
tedious and not a little frustrating sometimes.  But primarily I find
that restoration adds measurably to my appreciation of an instrument or
machine and vicariously puts me in touch with the people who crafted it
years ago.

I am discovering that  even a rudimentary knowledge of music is a big
help in quality restoration. The best restorers that I have met are
people who are musicians or at least have a good ear for what is right.
I suppose it is my scientific background that has led me to evaluate
tuning data on musical boxes to better evaluate what is measurable with
what sounds good or bad (at least to my ear). But these are subjective
evaluations at best.

I have been active with the Musical Box Society International (MBSI)
for 22 years and served as treasurer for several years. I am currently
involved with the Museum Committee as we try to bring displays and
exhibits wherever appropriate. I echo Frank Metzger's advice to become
a member of MBSI if you are not already. Although I recognize many
names appearing in these digests, there are a lot of new names too.
There is no better way to learn more about the fascinating world of
mechanical music than sharing with fellow members of similar interests.
The aims and interests of the MBSI are broad and encompass virtually
all forms of mechanical music.  Contact Beatrice Robertson
(brobrtsn@directnet.net) for more information.

OK, I'll sit down now

____¶
Chuck Walker (cewalker@prodigy.com)¶
Hopewell Junction, NY