I wish I had the time to really write out my thoughts on the future of
the hobby, but my restoration and MIDI clients come first and thus must
limit what I can say.  The bottom line is what I attempted to
demonstrate with my museum and art gallery shows of the 1970's and
early 80's: the individuality and power of acoustically generated
music.

Those of you who were fortunate enough to see my automated musical
sculpture exhibitions at the California Museum of Science & Industry
in 1978-79 know I was among the very first to demonstrate to the
average person the actual difference between acoustically generated
sound and sound that comes over the speakers.  Herein lies the promise
for the future:  if enough people see the value and possibilities of
acoustically generated sound, then automatic musical instruments have
a special place in the development of music played without the musician
present.

There is NO comparison between what is heard via speakers and what is
heard played by an acoustical generator.  An amusing example is my pet
rat, Zachary, who shows no interest when he hears any music played
over speakers, no matter how realistic or accurate the speakers are.
The moment I turn on an orchestrion, or even simply pump a player
piano, he stands on his hind legs and frantically sniffs the air to
"read" what is happening -- he detects a "living" sound!

The removal of old instruments from traditional tourist traps and
parks is really a blessing in disguise.  I remember the days when
any half-baked plumber's assistant would "fix up" an old instrument,
sometimes with garden hose or aquarium hose and silicon goo.  Oh, the
horrors I have had to undo in the course of restoring the instruments!

This places them today as they should be: valuable antique treasures,
and the restoration should be done with a leaning towards museum-quality
conservancy, for they deserve nothing else.  Yes, there are fewer
"collectors" out there willing to pay what they are truly worth, but
only temporarily.  When a market goes through extreme highs and lows,
the "fair weather friends" are shaken off and only those who truly love
and appreciate the items remain.  This is true in any aspect of
collecting or owning any type of so-called "collectable".

I personally see the current market slump as a fantastic opportunity
to acquire bargains that future generations will only be in awe over.
So in a way, it is a good thing that amusement parks are selling off
their instruments, at least giving us a chance to finally give them an
appreciative and weather-protected home, as well as seeing to their
_proper_ restoration and conservancy.

There are a few turning out some impressive new constructions for
modern public places; hopefully, these will serve as an entry point
into the hobby for the person with an interest.

Cheers,

Stephen Kent Goodman