Karl Petersen asks:

> What mechanical musical instrument is well suited for playing in the
> background in the same room as the listeners without distracting?

The answer:  None!  Believe me, I have tried them all!

It has to be one or the other: conversation, or listening to a musical
instrument.  Even if your guests say they enjoy listening to your
mechanical instrument, you will find most of them will start competitive
chattering over the music

Simply turn off the piano (they will not notice!).

Bruce Clark