Jackie & I recently returned from South Africa. A lovely country with
really friendly people.

We had the great pleasure of meeting MMDer Bernt Damm and his young lady
friend, Margaret. They live in Cape Town. Apart from being an enthusiast
and restorer he is a pretty good tickler of the ivories too.

He restored his Aeolian PEDA in 1988 and it plays beautifully, both as a
Duo-Art and by pedal. He also had another 2 Duo-Arts in his house for
various reasons. He reckoned that this accounted for all but 1 Duo-Art
on the continent of Africa.

It appears that there are a number of pianolas in South Africa but not
enough enthusiastic owners to support a local group like the PPG. We
encountered one instrument in the hotel in Matjiesfontein. This is a
strange town, more like a film set than a real place. Turned out that
Bernt had restored it (the pianola, not the town!) a few years back.

So if you are thinking of a slightly different place for holidays go to
South Africa. There is not much of MM interest but your $$ will go along
way and you will have a great time. I'm sure that Bernt will appreciate
a call too.

Jeffrey Borinsky