Mechanical Music Digest  Archives
You Are Not Logged In Login/Get New Account
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles.
Home Archives Calendar Gallery Store Links Info
MMD > Archives > September 2011 > 2011.09.11 > 05Prev  Next


Transcribing Music Rolls for Archival Preservation
By Mike Kukral

Regarding archival preservation of music rolls, the past 30 years has
clearly demonstrated that the only logical and practical method of
preserving paper music rolls is their duplication.  Recutting rolls
accurately on high quality paper will ensure their preservation for
at least another 80 years if properly maintained.

As a university professor at a leading institute of technology, I have
seen data of all types lost and lost again because of human error and
changes in technology.  Recutting music rolls ensures their preservation
and enjoyment on authentic instruments designed and restored to play
them.  If we do not recut rolls we are at risk of also losing the
integrity of the technology and instruments designed to play them.

My students of technology, science, and engineering find little
interest in MIDI format instruments, but they become truly amazed when
a player piano pours forth music without even electricity.  Recutting
music rolls ensures not only preservation of the music for a few more
generations, but also the preservation and restoration of the wonderful
musical instruments that were made to play them.

Mike Kukral


(Message sent Sun 11 Sep 2011, 19:56:45 GMT, from time zone GMT.)

Key Words in Subject:  Archival, Music, Preservation, Rolls, Transcribing

Home    Archives    Calendar    Gallery    Store    Links    Info   


Enter text below to search the MMD Website with Google



CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD

Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz.

Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site.

Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website.

Please support publication of the MMD by donating online

Please Support Publication of the MMD with your Generous Donation

Pay via PayPal

No PayPal account required

                                     
Translate This Page