Hello Friends,  I just read Robert Moore's article on the same
subject, and I think he hit on some very valid points, especially
concerning the youth and mechanical music.  I have just begun to delve
into the mechanical music world, with the acquisition of a Reproducing
piano, and at age 20 I find the hobby very interesting.  I have found
very few (especially young) people who aren't interested to hear me
explain how it works (come on, a piano playing itself is pretty
fascinating to just about anyone), and I have a long list of people
who can't wait to hear (and see) a roll or two played when the action
is rebuilt.  Beyond that, the whole atmosphere of conversation when
discussing mechanical music seems to be very reminiscent of good times
gone by, when people had real family life, and when they weren't so
afraid to talk to people they didn't know in the public sphere, like
in a restaurant, for example.

Recently, I went to an ice cream parlor where there was a coin operated
pianola.  When I went to make change for quarters to put in the piano,
the waitress complained.  However, by the time all ten songs on the
roll had been played, the place had filled, and people were obviously
being entertained by the instrument.  Several people stayed just to
watch the piano.  My brother (15), who had never seen a pianola, was
impressed, and though the songs were nothing like today's "music", he
recognized some of the tunes from camp.  I was personally impressed by
the mandolin attachment, which I had heard of, yet never seen.  It was,
overall, a wonderful experience.

My point here was to give further credence to what Robert Moore said
about exposing people, and especially the youth, to mechanical music.
Many of my friends don't even know what a player piano is, but when
I tell them about it, are interested enough to at least want to see one
performing.  They may never restore a mechanical music instrument in
their lifetime, but the awareness and positive experiences they gain
will certainly be beneficial to the future of the mechanical music
community.

Merry Christmas,
David Schroth, Jr.