In a past AMICA bulletin, mention was made about a couple who lived
in a distant state and often drove to the QRS factory in New York
and filled their trunk with Welte reproducing rolls.  Reading this
article (and very well written I might add) was exciting and then
horrifying to learn of an interview with an eye witness to the act
of the masters being heaped onto a burn pile and destroyed.  As the
owner of a Welte Mignon, early on the article gave me some hope of
another possible resource for music.  Prior to this I had contacted
Master Touch and inquired as to what if any remaining Welte Masters
they might have.  They have acknowledged having reproducing masters
but also say they are in a rebuilding/moving status and almost seem
unsure of what they might have to that end or if they will ever cut
reproducing rolls again. They always encourage more inquiries to
their neat website.  My point being that many interested parties
attended the conference and convention in Australia and who might
have toured the Master Touch factory.  Was anyone made aware that
some reproducing masters still exist at Master Touch, during that
visit?  This would be of interest to owners of Ampico and DuoArt
as well.  Any replies on this topic are welcome!

Sincerely,

Bill Hoot
Tyler, Texas
whh@ballistic.com