Quite right, it's in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie (Refectory), Milan. Brain went numb thinking about the poor trapped HG behind the glass. It's still a shame that in the name of "conservation" they try and hold something in a time capsule as an "object" rather than as a musical instrument. Fair enough if it's beyond repair, I suppose. I'm normally quite happy with what museums do and many DO extensive restoration work as a matter of course to ensure that they actually have a complete exhibit rather than a pile of junk with bits missing. With musical instruments, they seem to forget that they are not just to look at but to hear. In this day and age, 3D computer graphics/digital photography etc should be able to cope with keeping an accurate record of before and after. Good job they don't take the same attitude with dinosaurs - imagine looking at a great lump of rock because they want to keep it as it was found with the bones still inside! Colin Hill
----- Original Message ----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [email protected] Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 2008 12:58 AM Subject: Re: [HG] Hurdy Gurdies in museums information Hey Collin, Not to be an a'hole here but I just wanted to make note that the Last Supper isn't in the Sistine Chapel but they did restore the ceiling very nicely. I completely understand what you are saying though. The HGs in the Vienna museum are quiet dusty and in ill repair but they spend much of their money on acquiring new instruments or art work not looking after the old ones as much as we would like. I went to buy an HG in France and I was offered several different instruments, the "restored" (new modern bearings, new wheel, peg pegs.....no heart) instrument was offered as the best but I opted instead on one in good shape but unrestored and will never regret my choice. Sometimes restoration is not the best thing but it sure makes us sad to see an instrument sit. In regards to the Strad there is an instrument in England unrepaired and barely played. It has not been altered from the original and may have never even seen an real time under a bow. Speculation is that it probably sounds terrible based on it not being played and sitting under glass for so long. Who knows, they don't seem to have plans to break it out for a symphony any time soon though. Scott ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch "Cooking with Tyler Florence" on AOL Food.
