Sharon Marie's letter in 040413 MMDigest reminded me of my own
experiences at Knott's Berry Farm back in the late 1970's.   I am
_glad_ to know they have not completely abandoned automatic music,
although it is very sad that the instruments are decaying.  It
would be very interesting to know, however, just how long they
_have_ been playing there.

When I was there in the '70's, people were putting money in them
faster than you could imagine -- no rest for the machines!  In fact,
in one building where there were several machines, people were
idiotically putting money in two, three, five machines at once --
totally impossible to enjoy the music, but it was active!

I had taken some cassette taping equipment with me and was allowed
to record the machines I wished.   Now, these were never professional
by any means, nor were they intended to be; they were just for my
personal amusement only.   I still have them and they bring back
great memories, background noise and all.

Thanks Sharon, for updating us (me!) on the current conditions at
Knott's!

Christopher Vermillion