🚀 go-pugleaf

I am working on a project involving MIDI.  I would like to take 16 inputs
and "Y" them down to 1 output.  I don't want an active merge as this is too 
complicated, I want a passive system where only one input would be active
at any one time.  (ie.  no fancy electronics to insure that the integrity of 
two serial signals is kept)  I have figured out that with a combination of 
nor and nand gates I can achieve my purpose logically, now how do I do it
practically.  When I open up my Mouser Electronics catalogue I find that there
are several different nor gates (4000, 74HC, 74LS low power schottky, 74HCT 
etc....)  What the heck do I use.  How do I figure it out?  MIDI is (of course)
a binary signal running at 31.25K baud - current loop, 5mA, logic 0 is current
on (does this mean negative logic?).
I tried this by hardwiring it together, but this caused a backwash into the 
audio.  I then made it with a ten position switch so that only one signal was
physically connected at one time.  I would like this new project because I 
would not have to switch to any input, rather using that input would - in
effect - switch itself on.  In addition, I would like to add some sort of
LED in the system so that when an input was active the LED would indicate
which of the sixteen it was.
I have been told that running the signals through 4 quad dual input nore 
gates and running those outputs into a nand gate would do the trick
What do I need, where do I get the parts and how do I put this together.
Thanks in advance for the advice.
Also any advice on a simple (ie for the electronic idiot) book with simple
explinations on these sorts of things?

Jared
elgreco@u.washington.edu