-- forwarded message, please reply to sender and MMD --

I've recently transcribed a bunch of LPs featuring mechanical musical
instruments, using a great analog rig and associated equipment.  These
LPs have not, to my knowledge, ever been released on CDs, and so have
been out of print for a generation.  I've been struck by how few high
quality (rather than MP3) recordings of mechanical musical instruments
are available on the Internet for free download, so I figured I'd do
my best to address the problem.  Here's a link to the page from which
these files can be accessed:

  http://www.avantgardeproject.org/mechanical/index.htm

All told, there are six CDs of recordings available for download.  The
recordings are stunning, and the LPs are in excellent condition with
very little pressing or surface noise (basically none in the European
pressings).  I used a Lyra Helikon phono cartridge, which reveals more
detail than you may be used to in LP transcriptions, with practically
no tracking distortion.

I've done this to make these great sounds available to the community of
mechanical musical instrument enthusiasts. I really don't want to step
on any toes here, so if you are affiliated with any of the people or
organizations who were behind the initial release of the LPs and would
like them removed from the web site, please let me know and I will take
care of it ASAP.  My email address and more information on my copyright
policy can be found on the web site.  Enjoy!

Lou Davenport
lou@avantgardeproject.org
http://www.avantgardeproject.org/