Statement of purpose

To all:  Roll preservation is the subject, and at least classically
speaking RPRF is the answer.  In perusing the columns of MMD over the
last several months, I note that the predominant submissions have to
do with the machines:  pianos of all kinds equipped with mechanisms
from the simplest 65 note to the most sophisticated units.  All well
and good.  But consider in terms of the pleasure you derive from your
piano of whatever stripe, the folks who live on the hill, the hill of
history.  What of them?

Many attempts have been made to perpetuate certain groups of rolls,
over time.  Unfortunately, the potential market is so small that it
proved impossible to sustain  virtually all the roll-copying programs
for economic reasons.  In addition there is a certain prejudice against
a _copy_ of a particular roll, collectors wanting the original even
though digital transfer now makes possible exact duplication.  This
notion ties in to a certain extent with the conviction that activates
the antiques market:  "older is better."

The Reproducing Piano Roll Foundation was created with but one goal:
to preserve the rolls for future generations.  How?  The answer is
simple.  By making copies of each roll via laser scanner.  Nothing
further need be done with the result.  Once the perforations have been
captured and maintained in cyberspace, every copy of a particular roll
on earth could be destroyed, and it would still be possible to recreate
it -- flawlessly.  By so doing, we offer future generations the template
for our passion.  What they will do with it, we know not, but we have
served posterity by this action in a unique way..

To achieve the results outlined above takes technical assistance from
many.  There are thousands of rolls, not all of which it is agreed
_deserve_ perpetuation.  But among the many musical aspects they
represent are those whose passion for their literature is great, and
it is the help of these collectors we seek.  Admittedly, my goal is
the preservation of the performances by the great classical artists,
represented on Ampico, Duo-Art, Artrio, Triphonola, Duca, Welte and
some smaller enterprises.  But technical help is needed for the other
groupings, as well.

Laser scanner processes have now been developed to a point which
permits exact copying of any roll, regardless of manufacture.  If
you have any interest in this procedure, I urge you to contact me
for information.  Further, I have catalog detail to guide you, for
classical performers only, which I am pleased to share with you for
whatever need or purpose.

Our web site is still being refined, but when it is completed, you will
be advised on the MMD.  Your help is urgently needed.  The rolls are
increasingly fragile and will not outlast the next several decades.
The work of many will ultimately result in the setting up of an
archive, whose purpose has been explained above.

Let me hear from you at <apetrak@wclv.com>

Albert M. Petrak