For someone who is sincerely interested in automatic instruments,
AMICA and MBSI conventions and chapter meetings are genuine bargains!
Where else can an enthusiast see such a variety of collections,
compare beautiful instruments, visit with authorities on virtually
all mechanical music topics, and enjoy the camaraderie of so many
others with similar interests in a concentrated period of time?

I've never failed to learn something about music, rolls, instruments,
restoration, history, and current values at every convention I've
attended, to say nothing about just having a good time with old friends
and meeting new ones.

I'd like to reiterate that the local members -- who spend months of
time planning for the convention during the year or more preceding it
-- both volunteer their time and pay the full registration fee.  Please
also consider that these are non-profit educational organizations, and
that running a for-profit mart that is open to the general public can
violate government regulations for such organizations.

Last year, I had the opportunity to participate in the relatively
small band of hard-working members who spent the better part of the
year gratis preparing for the Denver AMICA convention: creating the
web site, organizing the publicity, bus tours, opening talk, meals,
entertainment, hotel facilities, workshops, pumper contest, souvenir
piano roll, piano moving, tuning the large Wurlitzer organ at Denver's
Paramount theatre, open houses, managing secretarial duties and
registration fees, and many other activities.  Those of us who have
enjoyed great conventions put on by others in the past felt fortunate
to be able to contribute to our larger group in this small way, plus
we had fun doing it.

This year's recent AMICA convention in Minneapolis was a great success.
Don Barton and all who helped deserve accolades -- not criticism for
the cost of registration!  If you like automatic instruments, try
joining a group, helping with chapter meetings, joining in activities,
and attending a convention.  You'll not only expand your knowledge of
the instruments and your friendships with other enthusiasts, you'll
also be impressed with how good a value the conventions really are!
And if you've ever had the impression that members are stuffy, get to
know them.  Any group has a few shy members, a lot of ordinary folks,
and some really entertaining "live wires."

Enter into conversations, relate your own experiences, and ask questions.
There are no stupid questions, and most people are flattered that you
asked for their opinion.  You might be surprised at how much we enjoy
talking about our favorite instruments and experiences!

Art Reblitz