With all the discussion in recent weeks about optical
technology, light sources, et al, I was wondering if
those among us in the Dallas area could persuade Bill
Flynt to join in.   His PHd is in optics, and up till
his recent retirement, he specialized in light 
intensification technology.   I suspect also that
Richard Tonnesen could similarly be encouraged to
join in this absolutely fascinating discussion.

Back in the Sep/Oct 88 issue of the AMICA Bulletin,
I wrote a brief item about my fears for the future
of paper rolls.   Paper rolls are absolutely guaranteed
to one day self-destruct and die.    Yet so many of us
tend to treat them as if they were an inexhaustible,
self renewable resource.

I am particularly delighted to see so much interest
focusing on this critical issue, to find ways to
mass record large numbers of existing music rolls
into some form of digital recording medium.    I 
believe it to be absolutely imperative that such
tools and techniques be developed, else the instruments
we all love so much will grow progressively more quiet.

Within AMICA's Goals and Objectives are:

*  To encourage the restoration of automatic
     musical instruments to a condition consistent
     with the original intent of their manufacture.

*  To encourage and assist in the production and
     distribution of recordings, both reissues and
     new performances.

While our beloved instruments can be repeatedly restored
into perpetuity, paper rolls cannot.   They will die.
It follows then that by interpretation, the music rolls
upon which these instruments are totally dependent, are
I suggest, well within the spirit and intent of "encourage
and assist".    

I wonder to what extent AMICA, and perhaps even MBSI in a
joint venture, would consider supplementary funding of some
kind, aimed at the development of a device that can be
shipped to a physical repository of large numbers or rolls
for mass transcription into digital form.   I suggest the
transcription task might well be a most significant project
for local Chapters to undertake.

Other thoughts on this important issue?

Regards,

Terry

•Terry Smythe            | *Sounds of Yesteryear*
55 Rowand Avenue        |  Restoration and enjoyment of vintage
Winnipeg, MB  R3J 2N6   |  automatic musical instruments
(204) 832-3982          |  email:  smythe@mbnet.mb.ca