Dear Jody,

Saw your comments about "off-topic" items in MMD.  Well, I guess some
latitude is necessary, for the line between "on" and "off" topic can get
quite blurred from time to time.

I enjoy mechanical musical devices, such as my Gulbransen player and my
Disklavier.  However, I also enjoy my "off-topic" mechanical music devices,
such as my Wurlitzer jukebox and my Edison phonograph.  All are actually
"mechanical music" devices, though not in the sense of this forum.  The
distinctions are there, but sometimes the lines are blurred.  For example,
the Wurlitzer is electronic, but so is the Disklavier.  The Gulbransen is
mechanical, but so is the Edison.

Don't get me wrong:  I understand that one is a class of musical
instruments played by mechanical means, and the other are audio
reproducers.  My only point is that the distinction can be quite
small.  Not only that, but many of us who collect one also collect the
other.  So, it's not surprising to see the occasional off topic item.  I
find the occasional diversion refreshing!  Keep up the good work!

Best Regards,
Jim Hendershot

 [ Jim (and others),  Thanks for your support.  I am always fascinated
 [ when I visit collections of "Mechanical Musical Instruments" to
 [ see what other things the collector has interest in.  There
 [ do seem to be some common threads.  There are also some wonderful
 [ unexpected surprises.  I'm truly grateful for the many invitations
 [ to people's homes I've received and wish that in the future I'll have
 [ more time to travel so I can accept more of the invitations.  -Jody