Here is a summary of the contents of the July/August issue of the
MBSI's journal "Mechanical Music."

Charles Wilson describes his restoration of a Lecoultre
forte-piano music box (ca. 1840) that he completed over an 18-year
period 18!  This complete restoration included repining the "fat"
cylinder, re-tuning the comb, replacing the soundboard, and a unique
reconstruction of the brass inlay in the case, and more!  An inspiring
story to read with photos.  Here is a link to the photos and sound file
on the MBSI website:

https://mbsi.org/photo_gal/lecoultre-piano-forte-cylinder-music-box/ 

Bill Wineburgh presents a detailed review of the Mermod Freres cylinder
box tune-change mechanisms, with close up photos of various snail cams
and the change-control levers.  Bill has also included a full summary
table that covers the various models and their salient properties.
I had no idea there were so many Mermod varieties!

Hope Rider remembers Don Stinson, the organ restorer and organ builder,
over the period 1966 to 2019.  Many of us have heard Stinson organs at
various rallies, even if we did not know they were Stinsons.  A fond
remembrance, with color photos to enjoy.

David Worrall continues his series of sacred music cylinder boxes.  In
this article he provides background on the rise in popularity of hymns.

Reaching back to the 13th century, Dr. Robert Penna writes about
a programmable automata orchestra that entertained guests on a royal
boat.  A four-meter long replica of al-Jazari' Musical Boat, which
features a mechanical "robot band," is on exhibit at the Ontario
Science Centre.  You will want to read about this ancient Arab
technology.

Regrettably, it is announced that the joint MBSI/AMICA annual meeting
scheduled for September has been cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns.

To receive this issue, you can join MBSI on our website.  Click on
https://mbsi.org/join-mbsi/  then select the new member discount
option.

Knowles Little