I am greatly saddened to hear and read about the passing so very
many of the older, more informative generation of mechanical music
collectors, and those who "keep the torch alive" for the next
generation.  It seems that the mechanical music industry as a whole
is harder and harder to maintain, and even harder is the effort to
interest the "virtual" generation in a physical, touchable instrument.

I am the only one in my family that has any real interest in learning
more, and possibly having my own collection of mechanical music.  As for
the others, it might well be said that you could give them a completely
restored Ampico grand, and they would never use it because the Compact
Disc or MP3 "sounds so much better."

There is a fascination and attention that a pneumatic musical
instrument commands that is plain missing when we try and create
the same thing with electricity and solenoids.  Granted, we have made
some stunning advances in electronic players.  But at some point, you
have to agree that the original design of hundreds of pouches and
bellows, was really revolutionary in its day.

And if folks keep giving their old Gulbransens and Walthams and
Aeolians (not to mention other mechanical treasures) to the dump
because they are "heavy," it will only serve to hasten the complete
demise of pneumatic mechanical music almost decisively.  The fact
that a digital player piano now sells for more than a nice, restored
pneumatic player is shocking enough, and it is no good for anyone to
wait so that the "tide can turn."  There are, however, such things
as bad pianos.  These are some of the post-depression Aeolians.  I am
not advocating that every single player be saved.

One of the best ways to enjoy an old foot pump player is by yourself,
especially after dark; the piano seems to almost come alive.  I remember
once when I was playing a classical tune, and I could barely keep from
bursting into tears, the piece was suddenly much more intense than any
other time I had played it.

There are those who will read this and smirk, but there will also be
those who read it and renew their zeal for keeping this most important
aspect of history alive.  My hope is for the latter.

Luke Myers
Whitewater, Kansas
ldmyers95@gmail.com.geentroep [delete ".geentroep" to reply]