Perhaps some of you would be interested to see this (rather pricey)
children's educational toy, a barrel-operated xylophone:
http://www.swissmade.ch/naefusa/produkt_detail.cfm?vShop=61&vId=1&spr=1
It's evidently been around for a while, although I've never run into
one before.
"Designed by Herbert Bächli in 1983 for Naef Toys, Switzerland,
Gloggomobil is based on the principle of the barrel organ and helps
to introduce a child to the world of music. When the black pegs are
pushed into the holes on the drum and the simple turning mechanism
is set in motion, melodies can be heard. A child can also produce
bell-like sounds directly with the drumsticks on the detachable
xylophone. Instead of just listening to music, a child will enjoy
being able to compose music as well."
So maybe the love for mechanical music _is_ reaching the next generation?
Todd Augsburger - Roller Organs
http://www.rollerorgans.com/
[ This instrument has been displayed (rather inconspicuously) for
[ many years at Schwarzwaldmuseum, Triberg, Germany. It plays ten
[ metal bars. -- Robbie
|