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MMD > Archives > May 2002 > 2002.05.24 > 02Prev  Next


Repairing Wandering Holes in a Music Roll
By Joyce Brite

I recently acquired a number of 1960's QRS and Aeolian piano rolls
at an auction.  In the lot there were many good rolls which rarely
show up in the second-hand market.

One of the Aeolian rolls is a cute children's tune with pictures
stamped on it.  I played it a few times and noticed that I always
had to adjust the trackerbar while playing.  The music drifts off-track
then returns a few bars later.  After making sure the roll was wound
evenly, I discovered that the problem was actually shifting or uneven
perforations.  Evidence of this was seen more clearly in another place
in the roll.  I have scanned part of the roll and sent it as a separate
file.

Aeolian should have found this flaw in the 1960's.  Since the company
is no longer in business, I cannot return it to them as defective and
ask for a replacement.

My pumper piano does not have an automatic tracking system.  Is there
an easy <grin> way to repair this roll so that it tracks properly
without splicing and realigning it?  One would need a microscope and
the skills of a surgeon to adjust the mis-cut section one or two
millimeters.  Suggestions?

Thank you,

Joyce Brite
Player Piano and Mechanical Music Exchange
http://mmd.foxtail.com/Exchange/

 [ See the image at http://mmd.foxtail.com/Pictures/  -- Robbie


(Message sent Sat 25 May 2002, 00:47:49 GMT, from time zone GMT-0500.)

Key Words in Subject:  Holes, Music, Repairing, Roll, Wandering

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