I've been reading all the posts regarding age, decrepitude, lack of
interest in musical things mechanical, and so forth.  As a pragmatist,
here's something I'd like to see: a prioritized way of addressing
maintenance and repair of these beauties.

For example, say I've got a roomful or (heaven forbid!) a garage full
of ailing instruments.  What's the best way of breaking this down?
By type, size, amount of work to be done?  I mean without losing your
mind and retreating to go in a corner and suck your thumb from the
overwhelming prospect of organizing this.

Would it be helpful for those out there who have the expertise to make
themselves available to collectors who are in this position -- just for
prioritizing?

That's it.  The collector provides all the details needed -- pictures,
sound files.  When the list is made, including advice on cost versus
value (note, I'm not talking about investments here, I'm talking about
you loving something enough to proceed spending time and money on it),
the best way to ship, time frame, etc., then maybe we can be more
positive about the whole discussion.

It seems to me that part of the problem is that we all want to do right
by our Reginas and Ampicos and Kalliopes and Stellas and (insert your
own here) but it's sometimes hard to know where to start and when to
give up.

Thank you to all who are supporting this type of music.  I find great
joy in it.

Claudine Jones
San Francisco Bay Area

 [ The list could be prepared while assuming that repairs aren't
 [ likely to significantly increase the market value.  This attitude
 [ will help you decide which is more valuable to you: the instrument
 [ or the floor space!  -- Robbie