A while ago I reported that my friend, Nisan Cohen, opened a mechanical
music museum in Israel.  He's been at it for roughly two years now and
through word-of-mouth advertising has been promoted throughout the
country.

Nisan provides a brief history of the pieces in his collection, the
development of the music box -> player pianos -> reproducing pianos and
orchestrions.  He conducts guided tours to all that come, and for groups
gives a full concert including his larger pieces (not included in the
general tour).

The collection is impressive: a wide range of interests from simple
manivelles to a Mason & Hamlin Red Welte upright and a Solo Orchestrelle
model XY.  The nicest part of the tour is that he demonstrates the
instruments -- he doesn't rely on a recording or video of a piece
but he actually plays them for his guests.  You can see his museum's
web site at http://ein-hod.israel.net/nisco/index.html  with a
description of the Ein-Hod artist colony at http://ein-hod.israel.net/

If anyone is planning a visit, tell him that you subscribe to MMD or to
which society you are a member (MBSI, MBSGB, Pianola Group, AMICA, etc.)
for a discount.

Best regards,
Eliyahu Shahar