Hi all,  Last night I was looking through a very worn copy of "Player
Piano Treasury" and came across a section entitled "The Melodies Linger
On" (beginning on page 231) and I saw page after page of large automatic
musical instrument collections that seemed to be open to the public.
I'm aware that some larger collections have been disbanded (Roehl,
Deansboro), and some have changed owners (DeBence), but what about all
the rest of the collections that are "out there"?

San Sylmar is truly an open collection.  SanFilippo and Krugoff have
beautiful collections that are private, but the owners are wonderfully
accommodating when possible.  Then there are the collections that just
seem to grow in size, yet no one gets to see or hear them.  I'm sure
you can name a few yourself.  Where are the rest of the instruments
that were shown on these pages?

It would be nice to have available a listing of collections that are
truly open to the public (including address, times open and cost), and
also a listing of individuals who have nice collections of instruments,
and don't mind sharing these collections with fellow enthusiasts, by
appointment.  Any thoughts?

Best wishes,
Mike Walter

 [ Some collectors are quite secretive about their collections,
 [ perhaps from concern over burglars.  -- Robbie