Cyrus Kliewer, in 140810 MMDigest, makes some good points about
possible reasons for the declining interest in mechanical music.
Knowing what I know today (at age 56), I would not recommend owning
a player piano to anyone of a younger age, unless he or she enjoys
substantial earnings and remunerated relocation costs or, as Mr.
Kliewer points out, intends to remain in one place.  Owning a player
piano substantially complicates relocation and housing considerations
(space requirements, etc.).

Finally, judging from what I read in the papers, young Americans
in the States who have attended college are generally burdened with
substantial debt, leaving little room for fanciful acquisitions such
as mechanical music instruments.

Kevin Pfeiffer
mmdigest@tiros.net.geentroep [delete ".geentroep" to reply]