Which Organization Should I Join ?
By Colin Hinz
I've a real stumper of a question for people to think about, particularly the AMICA and MSBI members:
I'm starting to feel like somewhat less of a "newbie" and am giving thought to joining one of the abovementioned organisations. Yes, I know there are those who are members of both, but I think I'll follow a slower pace, at least for now.
So the big question is, which of these organisations is best for me? I've grabbed the MSBI application form from the MMD ftp site, which tells me a little bit about the organisation. I've no other info that's of a firsthand nature. And I don't know anything about AMICA at all, aside from brief blurbs frome here and there.
So I guess what I'm suggesting is that spokespeople for both organisations give a brief sales pitch, not just for the benefit of myself but for everyone who's in a similar position. Ideally, these blurbs could go into the "sources" FAQ that was instituted last summer.
FOr the record, I've been interested in automatic musical instruments since Iwas very small, although I can't foresee myself ever being a large-scale collector or restorer of instruments. I do have reasonable mechanical and woodworking skills, so I do see myself working on at least a few instruments over the years. However, I am not so vaid about my abilities that I'd want to tackle a rare or valuable instrument as a first project; this implies (from what I've read) that this first project may well be an 88-note pumper. Suggestions to the contrary are welcome.
Another possibility is building a small A.M.I. from scratch. I know that from reading various books on the subject, it is probably within my skill level and access to tools to build some manner of small barrel organ or similar device. I imagine that a cylinder music box is also feasible, provided a comb could be obtained somewhere. I don't think I have the metallurgical skills to start casting combs; besides, I don't really have space for a baby foundry in the basement! I guess the third alternative would be to acquire an older upright in reasonably good condition and automate it. My perverse streak may want to turn it into some sort of John Cage memorial monstrosity, though. Danger is lurking...
This is rambling for entirely too long, and I'll close by adding that my interest in this wonderful hobby is motivated especially by an interest in the music these machines can make. I guess this explains why my interest in various instruments is so diffuse (some people would say 'scattered').
Oh well...more later.
I now return you to the usual kvetching about roll-to-MIDI conversions and the poor quality of modern pneumatic cloth :) :) :)
- Colin
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(Message sent Thu 31 Oct 1996, 00:51:36 GMT, from time zone GMT+1900.) |
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