Re Brian Smith's query:  I'm a woman who is interested in mechanical
music, specifically reproducing pianos.  I'm not a technician, but I do
have some appreciation of technical issues.  For me the whole mechanical
thing is a means to an end, namely the reproduction of music played by
master pianists on the instrument for which it was intended.

For me, a Duo-Art piano roll, played on a Duo-Art piano, is the
pinnacle of achievement in reproducing the actual sounds and intention
of the artist involved; far more realistic than what is reproduced on
a CD, even with the best hi-fi system.  Because my focus is the music,
I listen to these pianos very critically and can detect imperfections in
the voicing of the instrument that others may not recognize as problems.
The method of fixing those problems I have to leave to those more
skilled in the technical realm than I.  I do what I can in maintaining
my roll collection, preserving these treasures for the future.

In respect of Brian's problem, I live in Melbourne, Australia, married
to someone who supports me in my hobby, but who isn't particularly
interested in it to the level that I am, just as I support him in his
interest in rocks and lapidary, without following it myself.

Jill Bear
Melbourne, Australia