Hi all,  to those who haven't heard, I have recently returned to
live in the USA and have purchased a bed and breakfast inn in Sonora,
California.  Several of my instruments are proudly displayed in the
lobby as are the piano rolls for my Ampico and Duo-Arts.

Usually it starts with a question: what are those boxes?  Or, are
those piano rolls for that player piano (then they point to my still
not functioning Orchestrelle).  Once they ask a question, I explain
the instruments and demonstrate as many of them as they wish to hear.

Having a well restored instrument in display in a public (or in my
case, semi-public) place introduces the audience to what these
instruments are capable of.  People are usually amazed at how
spectacular they sound -- whether it's a reproducing piano or an
exquisite cylinder music box, a coy organette or the Mira console.
They take the tone from me and listen attentively when the instruments
are playing.

I am glad to report that most of the guests really enjoy them.  Will
someone start collecting from this?  I don't know, but perhaps someone
will.  At least they are having a better experience than the out-of-tune
players at Shakey's Pizza!

Eli Shahar
Sonora, Calif.
http://www.bradfordplaceinn.com/