I couldn't agree more with Gordon Stelter's comments regarding
the condition of too many mechanical musical instruments on YouTube
[120715 MMDigest].  While I think the same thing quite often when
listening to instruments on YouTube and other places, rather than
commenting I just move on to another video or turn it off.

Having just returned from a wonderful AMICA meeting in Pittsburgh,
this subject is fresh on my mind as it was discussed any number of
times with other attendees.  Admittedly, some of us are far more fussy
about the regulation and tuning of these instruments, but if we hope
to attract others to our hobby, we certainly need to present these
instruments in the best sound and appearance as is possible.

Sometimes I think ignorance is bliss, as I will comment to some that
I think a piano or organ needs tuning and they will reply that it
sounds just fine to them.  I'm not trying to be critical, but my ears
just scream at me when I'm listening to something that is not properly
tuned.  Unfortunately, I think the general population has come to expect
player pianos and other mechanical instruments to sound rinky-tink
because that is the way most of them are that are seen and heard.

YouTube has a treasure trove of mechanical instruments readily
available and no other generation has ever enjoyed such an outlet as
this to share with others.  It would really be nice if more of the
instruments could be heard as they were intended to be heard when they
were originally manufactured.  I often liken this situation to having
a beautiful classic automobile that doesn't run on all cylinders.

Bobby Clark