Introduction
By Mike Carey
After finally obtaining access to the Internet, I can now talk to others out here that are into mechanical music. Who am I? Funny you should ask.
My name is Mike Carey. I have been involved in mechanical music machines all my life (33 years). I think I grew up cutting my teeth on T-bar tubing!
My leanings are towards piano-based machines. I currently have several 88-note players, a 1919 Stoddard-Ampico Knabe (6' 1") grand, a Welte Licensee Krakauer upright, a home-building (still not finished, so I can't say home-built) "O" roll orchestrion, plus an original 1920's Coinola A-roll nickelodeon (needs to be completely restored).
I am continually looking for recordings of machines. Whenever I am on the road traveling, I stop in antique stores and flea markets. Occasionally I run across records of band organs, player pianos, etc. I did find an unopened copy of the record "De Cementolen" band organ in a heavy shop music shop in a flea market! So it does pay to look in flea markets.
I must agree somewhat with Craig Brougher concerning the current rage in music. I have a varied taste in music I like to listen to. I like classical, ragtime, nickelodeon/band organ, as well as some rock (like ZZTop and Jethro Tull). I can not stand heavy metal! (But I do have one CD of "The London Symphony Orchestra Plays Jethro Tull" -- definitely different!)
I do have some extra parts from players long past, that I am interested in maybe doing some trading, etc. Example: I have a complete set of Ampico expression and crescendo assemblies (rescued from a stripped upright), and a set of 21 Wurlitzer 4-in-1 pot metal valve castings from a Recordo grand piano (also stripped, only to put a Marantz PianoCorder in it's place) that appear to be in great condition.
I plan on enjoying this group a lot! and Hello to all!
Age : 33
Guess for average age : 53
Mike Carey
mcarey@usit.net
[ Hi, Mike, and welcome aboard. You have a nice variety of interests.
[ Do tell us about good recordings of mechanical music which you
[ find in your travels. -- Robbie |
(Message sent Mon 24 Feb 1997, 04:01:10 GMT, from time zone GMT-0500.) |
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