I've a real stumper of a question for people to think about,
particularly the AMICA and MSBI members:

I'm starting to feel like somewhat less of a "newbie" and am giving
thought to joining one of the abovementioned organisations. Yes, I know
there are those who are members of both, but I think I'll follow a
slower pace, at least for now.

So the big question is, which of these organisations is best for me?
I've grabbed the MSBI application form from the MMD ftp site, which
tells me a little bit about the organisation. I've no other info that's
of a firsthand nature. And I don't know anything about AMICA at all,
aside from brief blurbs frome here and there.

So I guess what I'm suggesting is that spokespeople for both
organisations give a brief sales pitch, not just for the benefit of
myself but for everyone who's in a similar position. Ideally, these
blurbs could go into the "sources" FAQ that was instituted last
summer.

FOr the record, I've been interested in automatic musical instruments
since Iwas very small, although I can't foresee myself ever being a
large-scale collector or restorer of instruments. I do have reasonable
mechanical and woodworking skills, so I do see myself working on at
least a few instruments over the years. However, I am not so vaid about
my abilities that I'd want to tackle a rare or valuable instrument as a
first project; this implies (from what I've read) that this first
project may well be an 88-note pumper. Suggestions to the contrary are
welcome.

Another possibility is building a small A.M.I. from scratch. I know
that from reading various books on the subject, it is probably within
my skill level and access to tools to build some manner of small barrel
organ or similar device. I imagine that a cylinder music box is also
feasible, provided a comb could be obtained somewhere. I don't think I
have the metallurgical skills to start casting combs; besides, I don't
really have space for a baby foundry in the basement! I guess the third
alternative would be to acquire an older upright in reasonably good
condition and automate it. My perverse streak may want to turn it into
some sort of John Cage memorial monstrosity, though.  Danger is
lurking...

This is rambling for entirely too long, and I'll close by adding that
my interest in this wonderful hobby is motivated especially by an
interest in the music these machines can make. I guess this explains
why my interest in various instruments is so diffuse (some people would
say 'scattered').

Oh well...more later.

I now return you to the usual kvetching about roll-to-MIDI conversions
and the poor quality of modern pneumatic cloth :) :) :)

- Colin