•Just a last minute reminder that I'll have a limited number of copies of Kevin McElhone's "The Organette Book" at the mart at MBSI's Annual Meeting this week. Once again I stress the excellent content of this book (published through MBSGB), and its thorough treatment of the subject. Or place an ord...

•Those of you who are interested in player piano history and John McTammany might be interested in a letter which the seller describes as follows: Daniel E. Sickles (1825-1914) Union Major General. Sickles lost a leg at Gettysburg in an unauthorized advance from Little Round Top and was awarded the ...

•You can purchase new 16-Note Tanzbar Rolls from Ed Schmidt. He carries several titles, as well as test rolls, spools, rewind handle. See his web site, complete with catalog, at http://www.actionwebcreations.com/smr/ Todd Augsburger - Roller Organs http://www.rollerorgans.com/

•Harald and Christofer, I have thoroughly enjoyed the discussion on small-scale arrangement techniques -- fascinating! I never knew there were so many approaches to "missing" notes. Thanks for sharing, and I hope you continue to contribute your insight via MMD. Todd Augsburger - Roller Organs http:/...

•I remind readers that "The Organette Book", by Kevin McElhone and published through MBSGB, would make a perfect Christmas gift. I have them available for immediate shipping here in the US, for $80 plus $6 shipping/packaging, and I can accept personal checks, money orders, credit card payment via Pa...

•The Autophone and its music strips were also easily played backwards. Many of you have read the humorous story of "Aunt Maria and the Autophone", as found in Harper's New Monthly Magazine, July 1883. See http://www.rollerorgans.com/adverts/1883_Aunt_Maria_and_the_Autophone.txt or http://www.rollero...

•Henry B. Horton, famous for his invention and manufacture of mechanical musical instruments of The Autophone Company, must have had earlier ideas with which I am not familiar: "The local press was filled with a description of three such novel inventions which Mr. Horton was planning to exhibit. The...

•Those of you who were interested in the mechanical music items recently sold at Burchard Galleries, Florida, may be interested in knowing the actual selling prices. I see that they are posted at: http://www.burchardgalleries.com/auctions/2003/jan1903/jan19cr.htm Remember that there was also a 13% b...

•There is an _excellent_ 8-page article by Ron Bopp on the Testophone in the Spring 1997 issue of the MBSI publication "Mechanical Music". It includes patent diagrams, many photos of the mechanisms and different models, and a very good illustrated description of how they operate. They came in 3, 4, ...

•I recently obtained one of the early Concert Roller Organs which have the reservoir on the bottom (recognizable by the single large flat board underneath). This particular model had the relief valve in the very center of the bottom board, unlike the ones with which I'm familiar. But it is now gone...

•-- non-subscriber, please reply to sender and MMD -- Anyone know of someone who might be willing to arrange the song "Happy Birthday" for a 20-note Celestina organette? If so, please contact: Christian Merz (Switzerland) archi.merz@bluewin.ch.geentroep [remove ".geentroep" to reply] Thanks, Todd Au...

•A better solution might be found in the "smoke" generators found in the toy guns which blow smoke rings, made by Zero Toys. See http://www.zerotoys.com/products/index.html They produce a "non-toxic fog" by using a "water based non-toxic liquid that is used in special effects fog machines." Three ou...

•I just wish to remind the fine folks on MMD that they are welcome to place advertisements for any type of mechanical music items at http://www.rollerorgans.com/Roller_Organ_Buying.htm The page now receives over 1,000 hits per month, a "subscriber list" or nearly 100, and the price is right (free), ...

•I was quite interested to see that a single original letter from The Autophone Co., well known for manufacturing Roller Organs, just sold on eBay for over $100.00 (eBay item #2520706381). Although the letter does have nice instrument illustrations, it is not unusual -- it's simply an order for reed...

•Why all the "negative" discussion about ROMFI? It would seem to me that we (MMD participants) would applaud any effort to collect information for public display. Sure, their goal may be overly ambitious, but is that so bad? After all, ROMFI has a stated purpose, they have responded openly to our qu...

•Alvin Moersfelder, long term MBSI member and expert mechanical instrument restorer, died May 18 at his home of 50 years in Franklin, Wisconsin. Although now 81, Alvin was regularly seen at the Union, Illinois, Music Box & Phonograph show with his wife Gladie, where he was always willing to strike u...

•Michael, You may get high-quality recut rolls (for dozens of organette brands!) from Ed Schmidt (Schmidt's Music Rolls). Contact him at or see http://www.actionwebcreations.com/smr/ For Melodia and similar machines, there are nearly 50 rolls to choose from, an amazing resource for those who need mu...

•Having been out of town during the past week, it was quite interesting to find the conversation on the fantastic price paid for a Concert Roller Organ. Of course, since I am very interested in collecting and documenting these instruments, I've paid $1000.00 for very unique instruments. But this hig...

•The sale prices for the Mickleburgh Auction have now been posted, for anyone who is interested. Do remember that there was a 15% premium in addition to the listed results, and multiply by approximately 1.65 to convert to US$. See http://www.bristolauctionrooms.com/ , or you may go directly to the r...

•Bob Taylor asked about those who cranked up their organs for celebrating Independence Day. Kenton, Ohio, had a reasonably large parade scheduled on July 4th. I own a 41-key (95 pipe) Bacigalupo street organ but I didn't want to haul it in the parade, and it wouldn't work to push it. So I picked a s...