Hi,  After a long time of not writing, I have something to say once
again.

I'm forth and have been interested in players since I was around ten.
The fascination started with my grandparent's old pumper in the garage,
at Farrell's Ice Cream Parlors and Shakey's Pizza Parlors, and friends
that had players.  In high school I joined AMICA and learned about the
wonders of reproducing pianos and decided that it was the thing I had
to have in my life.  Only the last few years I've also expanded to
music boxes.

Players are now in a stage where the restoration costs much more than
the value of the finished machine; this is also true for reproducing
pianos unfortunately.  If I were to try to introduce someone as an
investment, it may eventually pay off, but the chances are that it will
take a long time for the public opinion to spin once again to desiring
these wonderful old machines as they have in the past.  Don't forget,
however that the public is fickle and tastes change quickly: a fad may
be quickly born and it may take several years for it to come around.

Just yesterday I brought a friend over to my home for the first time
to show to him my Ampico.  Before seeing it, his reaction was that he
didn't think it was more than interesting, but was willing to see one.
As soon as he heard it start to play, he was intrigued and wanted to
know more: how does it work, how does it control the volume, why does
this roll sound better than that one, etc.

I also played for him a few of my musical boxes -- he couldn't believe
the amount of work in producing one.  He probably will never be a
collector, but he has the understanding and respect for these
magnificent music machines.

Another common question that I have is with the quality of a CD player
on a good stereo: why would someone want the trouble?  I start to
answer this question by choosing a good CD that I have a piano solo
(and the corresponding Ampico roll to counter it).  After playing the
CD, I ask the opinion of the quality of the music -- usually they're
satisfied.  Then I immediately start the Ampico and they're aghast.
They need to see the black and white music before the color in order
to know what they're missing.

Unfortunately, these demonstrations do not reach the masses of people.
I applaud the band organ rallies and street performers that take it to
the streets.  If you want to attract interest with children, they need
to see moving parts -- not just the piano rolls, but the motor, the pump
and so forth.  Explain to them that it's all done before there was
electricity everywhere (exaggerate!) and get them to pump.  Have
contests to see who can make it sound the best, but don't electrify an
old player and make it background and expect people to fall in love.

Remember also that just because you love it, doesn't mean that everyone
will; give them the chance to experience it, but don't push.  Demonstrate
and explain but don't lecture; this is an expensive hobby without a
doubt.  Save your pennies for the next toy that you can fit in your
house, enjoy that the prices are down now because it allows you to
build a collection.

Eli Shahar