I agree completely with Ken Vinen feeling ripped off by a lurker
with a microphone and Columbia Records.  If I were in his shoes I'd
be furious as well.  Nevertheless, at least for me, there is a bright
side to this story.  I still have a copy of this particular recording
in my collection of LPs.  (I looked for it this evening but my filing
system, as they say, could do with refinement.)

I purchased the LP probably in 1968 or 1969.  Up to that point,
although I had a really strong interest in mechanical music ever since
seeing a hobby-show demonstration many years previously when I was
about ten, I had no idea of where to get more information about these
instruments and have to admit that I had not really gone out of my way
to search.  I knew about musical boxes and player pianos but had
little, if any, idea of reproducing pianos and the vast world of other
self-playing instruments.

Down at the bottom of the liner notes was a link to Vestal Press (at
least their address was there, since this predates "links" as we now
know them).  I sent for their catalogue and, in return, along with
their catalogue, I received an invitation from Harvey Roehl to join
MBSI.  Who knows where I would be now with regard to collecting if it
hadn't been for that recording?

So, Ken, I don't know how you feel about this aspect of it, but for
me it led to a pretty positive outcome.  I am disappointed about the
negative history, though, of which I was totally unaware until your
note on MMD.  Thanks for letting us know and...

Thanks for the buggy ride!

Jim Heyworth,
Sechelt, British Columbia, Canada