I'm glad I made the trip to Wichita for the auction.  In many ways it
was like going to a family funeral.  I met Durrell Armstrong in the
1960's and had bought supplies from him for over 40 years.  We always
talked about a trip to see his operation first hand.  That trip never
happened so I felt I better take this last opportunity to see it before
it becomes apartments.

I am glad to see that the business will apparently survive.  I think
we all need it to, or repairing instruments will get a little more
complex.  It was amazing to see the catalog of parts spread out over
three floors of a warehouse.

Like a family funeral it was good to see old friends, meet new ones and
just stand around and talk about past times and old adventures.  There
are many good people in our hobby.  Durrell was a friend to many of us
and his expertise and knowledge will be missed by all.  I believe many
items were sold at the auction as more of a memento to remember Durrell
and PPCo by than for an investment.

And, speaking of investments, the auction showed the state of our hobby
in a disturbing way.  Most 88-note players went un-sold.  One was sold
for $10 to get the new vacuum box from it.  Ampico A grands sold for
$50 to $150.  Nickelodeons sold for as little as $50 with some going
un-sold.  Many of the pieces did find new homes but at prices that would
be unthinkable only a few years ago.  Sadly, I would guess that 50% of
the pianos are destined for the dumpster in the next thirty days.

The bottom line for me is, "Buy it if you want it to enjoy it, because
as an investment its value to the next generation, or even our generation
is becoming more questionable every year".

Bob Stewart