This is not really mechanical music, unless you have a CD operated piano
I suppose, but I was wondering if anybody has had any experience with
deteriorating compact discs.

I purchased a CD player when they first arrived in Australia (I think
1984) and started buying CD's then too.  About six months ago I found one
of the CD's had developed little flowery cracks under the surface and
won't play the music anymore.  Now a second CD of mine has just got the
same thing.  They are only about 1mm in dia.  Both the CD's are from
Polygram made in West Germany.   My CD's are always kept in their cases
inside a cabinet and never exposed to sunlight or excess heat.

I now wonder about the life of CD's, is it really as good as we are led
to believe?

Its ironic that an old 78rpm record or paper piano roll can outlast the
modern "indestructible" CD.  I have some rolls 7-times older than the
CD's -- and probably played more, too -- that are still in perfect
condition!  I am sort of worried now as I bought CD's thinking I would
have them for a long time, I don't want to have to replace them.

Has anybody else ever seen this problem?

Peter Coggins

 [ CDs have been made which contain performances from the cassette
 [ tapes for Pianocorder and the CC3 Cassette Converter (Ampico).  The
 [ owners love the improved reliability and convenience of the remote
 [ control unit -- just the thing for Pianola Couch Potatoes!
 [ -- Robbie