Re Nelson- Wiggen and Seeburg values -- As true with most things, the
familiar always takes precedence.  There are simply more Seeburg
instruments around than NWs.  Seeburgs are famous for colorful art glass,
elaborate and often gilded case components and most of the cases were
quarter-sawn oak veneered, the most popular "antique" veneer.  On the
other hand, the NWs had mostly mahogany or walnut cases (actually of
higher class than quartered oak), used mostly beveled glass with curtains
behind to give them a real upscale, classy and chaste appearance.

The NWs expression, multiplexing and various other systems were more
sophisticated and generally better constructed than Seeburg counterparts,
truly earning them their title of " the better automatic".   This value
phenomena is also present with other makes as well.  I think the
Berry-Wood Auto-Orchestras are superior both in construction and musical
arrangements to any Wurlitzer Orchestra Piano or Seeburg G, H or L
orchestra.  But which has the higher value to most collectors?

As far as the general market for instruments these days, a thought or
two.  These instruments are naturally associated with a certain style of
music- mainly non-amplified and non-rock.  Most collectors are over age
50.  Those born after 1950 are members of the first generation that has
grown up with amplified guitars and electronic instruments and rock as
the musical standard.

I cannot imagine a fine Hupfeld Helios (or even a Seeburg style H, for
that matter!)  playing contemporary music,  such as Rap or Grunge (maybe
with the exception of an Arburo Jazz Orchestra! -- Just kidding ;-) ).
Even hearing Beatles songs (now over 30 years old!) on an 88n player
sounds strangely anachronistic and out of character (at least to my
ears).  Bottom line --  if a hobby or collecting field is to grow,  it
must appeal and be made accessible to a continual influx of younger
potential devotees.

As the music (at least the good stuff, I think) appeals to a very limited
number of younger people,  and as most collections are inaccessible by
the public,  the "handwriting is on the wall" for the collecting of
mechanical musical instruments.  Add to this the nearly universal
accessibility that the Internet has provided (along with sound cards and
synthesizers) to people of all ages in the way of Midi files, and the
marketing efforts of Yamaha and their Disklavier (r),  and it isn't a
pretty picture for the future.

I'm not trying to be a "gloomy Gus" here -- believe me, I have a lot at
stake both with the instruments and the "old-timey" music which I compose
and arrange.  No one wants to see the hobby grow and prosper more than I,
but I simply cannot ignore what is happening culturally.  I feel it has
less to do with the current soft tangible assets market than the general
cultural/historical apathy in our (U.S.) society.

Cheers,

S. K. Goodman