I've been enjoying the articles on the terribly inflated antique store
prices.  Here in Vermont, it seems especially true with so many people
pulling items from barns, etc; because it is old (heaven forbid you
should look at the condition) the price is jacked up to top dollar.

The last note from Julian Dyer reminded me of an article I read in the
Fall '99 Reed Organ Society Quarterly from a man who had been one of
those antique store customers.  It's a wonderful article and brings to
the forefront the priceless value of experience.  I highly recommend
this article ("The Reed Hook").

Now, when I start to fret about a "bad buy" or fret about being stung
on the "price", I think back to this article and rethink what I gained
in knowledge and experience.

Ana Gerard