I have a low-tech request to make of this group (you have to expect these now
and then).

Someone was playing my QRS roll "Humming" last night, very carefully as I
observed from the other room, and when they went to rewind, they "lunched"
about 1 foot of the left side during rewinding, causing the 75 year old paper
to crack about a half-inch into the roll at about 1 inch intervals, even
destroying some of the pedaling holes. It was bound to happen, but it's the
first time for me. Indeed, the paper is very brittle now.

What's the proper way to repair this?

Scotch tape? Possible jeopardy: It may expose the other side to some sticky
surface; may yellow in a few years (or does today's formula not do this now
like the stuff they produced 30 years ago?); and it's stiff, perhaps not
allowing the roll to track right?

New roll paper implant? Cut away the bad, carefully adhere the new 0.5" strip
to the damaged side with (what adhesive)? Re-cut new pedaling holes with
an Exacto knife?

I realize these things aren't going to last forever, but I'd like to think
they can last another generation or 2 before they self-destruct. I've
purchased some rolls that have similar damage on either side  (usu. towards
the end of the rolls), depending on which side tracked poorly during play
(caused my softening sides - is this what kicks off this unfortunate chain of
events?).

What's the best remedy?

•- K a r l   B.   E l l i s o n
  New Britain, Ct. U.S.A.
  KBELLISON@aol.com
  http://home.aol.com/KBELLISON