Hi everyone, The 1910 Hupfeld Super Pan-Orchestra from the Milhous
collection, sold by RM Auctions, has to be the one of most impressive
automated instruments of all time and can be seen performing
"Matinatta" on YouTube here: http://youtu.be/HlkC0-OWMcU 

I hope whoever has the instrument will share a least a few of the
wondrous performances of its gorgeous music with us.  Same for you with
Hupfeld Phonoliszt whether original or reproductions.  These particular
machines are so rare and their sound so precious they must be the jewel
in any collection.

On a completely different note, I owe my love of automated instruments
to Craig Brougher, who permitted me to apprentice at his shop on a
Packard clunker I found nearly 37 years ago.  Craig is simply a genius
and a gentleman.  I've composed about 60 songs since, mainly inspired
by automata, and have put a rather dreadful performance on YouTube.
With the handicap of really no formal training, playing by ear, utter
ignorance at notation, and short fingers, I claim no acumen at
performance, but artful piano roll arrangements are very mind-expanding
for me inspiring new songs.  At  http://youtu.be/Z5nk8KpVTmU  under the
pen name ClintonTruma@gmail.com.geentroep [delete ".geentroep" to reply].

Stephen B. Small
tel.: 1-816-531-6789