"Do you leave your external horn cylinder player set up, horn attached ready to play and on full display all of the time (collecting dust)?"
You Bethca!
Why? .... Why not?!!!!
Sure, My 2 minute machines gather dust....But that just makes me clean then off and give them more attention more often...!!!
My 4 minute Amberola always have their lids closed..until use....
All are lubricated at least 1-2 times a year!

)
Tony K.