It was comforting to read Bruce Clark's story about the guest who asked
to hear his piano, then starting talking over it.  I feel much better
now -- here I thought it was only MY friends and family who acted this
way!

I've had people notice my Celestina organette and ask what it is.  When
I explain that it is roll playing reed organ, they usually ask to hear
it, but after about 15 seconds of playing they usually just say, "ooooh
isn't that interesting," and start talking about something else.

Likewise when I play old cylinder records, Diamond disks or 78s on one
of my restored phonographs.  I think the reaction that bothers me the
most is the folks who just sort of start giggling.  I have noticed this
same reaction from many people when they watch a silent film, even a
properly restored one.  It's almost like it is a built-in reaction to
anything "old-fashioned."

On the other hand, there are the rare visitors that sit in rapt
attention, and when the music ends, ask, "Wow!  Can you play some
more?"  One of these is my 8-year-old nephew -- maybe there's a future
for mechanical music after all!

Jim Canavan
Alexandria, VA
http://members.aol.com/vapianola