I would have to say that this conversation was inevitable.  What was it
-- ten or maybe fifteen years ago that speculators invaded our ranks.
They were buying up antiquities as the notion that they would only
increase in value was touted to their clients as a hedge against
inflation.  Many, if not most had only a passing interest at best in
the instruments.

Overnight it seemed that the going prices went up fifty percent or
more.  The nicely restored Wurlitzer 153 that sold just a few months
before for $30,000-35,000 would fetch $55,000-60,000, just as an
example.  It happened with other instruments large and small as well.
The people selling them sure didn't complain then.

But now the market has become stagnant at best.  These instruments were
maybe played once a month after the novelty wore off with their new
owners.  They have tired off them, but have discovered that they can't
sell them for anything close to what they paid for them.  Hopefully they
will re-enter the market their owners taking the loss, and not become
the victims of an "accident."

You may agree, or disagree with my observations, but that's how I see it.

Bruce R. Pier