If prices are declining, the major cause must be declining interest.
There are lots of other things that people can choose to collect that
can be just as enjoyable, and may be easier to find, less expensive,
or may require less specialized maintenance.

Basically, there is some degree of competition between collectibles;
interest in some is increasing as interest in others decreases.  To
increase interest, the organizations such as AMICA and MBSI need to
better promote automatic musical instruments to newcomers.

I read in this MMDigest a couple months ago that AMICA would hold
its national convention right here in Minneapolis this weekend.  That
sounded interesting -- I've got a number of old mechanical organettes,
music boxes, etc. -- but am not a member of AMICA.  According to
AMICA's web site, registration is $299.  I've emailed them two times
to ask if I can attend their mart at a reduced fee, since I've already
been to all the local main attractions they planned to tour and think
$299 is too awfully high just to attend the mart, but I never got an
answer.

I guess they only want members, don't want newcomers, or maybe they
don't want someone who won't give them $299 to get in. I guess I'm
staying home, will not buy anything from the vendors there, and my
level of interest in joining AMICA has dropped to almost zero.

Similarly, after many years of membership, I dropped out of MBSI
after being disappointed at the huge registration fee to attend their
national convention here in Minneapolis a number of years ago.  It
was right here in town and I couldn't justify the large fee!  These
big registration fees may be affordable to the guys who can afford
the large band organs, but they seem extremely high to most casual
collectors. So, for me, I can have more fun going to numerous
inexpensive vintage radio and phonograph meets, car shows, vintage
bicycle shows, model train shows, etc.. That's why my interest in
those items remains as strong as ever.

Greg Farmer

 [ The cost of convention facilities rises as the supply is depleted.
 [ AMICA and MBSI must compete against corporations who are willing
 [ to pay high prices for the huge convention rooms at a big hotel
 [ or convention center.  -- Robbie