I've been following the Digest for quite a while now, and have been
able to complete a couple transactions as a result!  I was able to
supply a carillon system to a friend in Ontario, buy a chime system
from another friend in Georgia, plus learning a lot on numerous items
of interest along the way.  I will be forwarding my contribution
shortly!  [Thank you!  :-)  -- Robbie]

In 021226 MMDigest I noticed the question from Avery Kravitz on the
musical saw.  And I will ramble a bit, as I've been playing for some
45 years now, in cathedrals, auditoriums, and even airports, in U.S.A.,
many European countries, the Mid-East, East Africa, and on and on.

I actually used a short 'cello bow, however there's one that I've been
using for the last three years that has the 1.5 hank, made for a Swiss
instrument that I don't recall the name.  I purchased this bow in Zurich
at the 'Music Hug', and I've been delighted with it's quality.

This brings me to ponder how it would be possible to mechanically play
the saw.  It has no Middle C, and the pitch is manipulated by the
'raking' of the bow to start the vibrations at an area between the 'S'
curves of the saw, of course on it's back side.  My thought runs in
that a rosin wheel would not work satisfactory, but that a revolving
band, such as on a band saw or belt sander, could be applied.  The
amount of 'raking in', then backing away then could be 'tweaked in',
and then a device, such as a felt lined clamp unit, could be attached
to dampen the saw.  This is just my theory, and not worked out, but I'm
suggesting that it is worth trying.  Good luck in your research!

Incidentally, I've done a lot of solo, 'a cappella', by single piano or
organ accompaniment, with a brass band, blue grass, etc., doing gospel,
classical, popular old ragtime, etc., but I haven't done any of this
new stuff that's been so-called music, and guarantee I won't.  Rap!?

Happy New Year!

Jim Bryant
From up in Maine, ayuh!