Regarding Themodist rolls, I'm certainly no expert and my next
paragraph seems like a no-brainer, but while the topic is hot I wanted
to mention something I haven't seen here yet.  We all know what
themodist rolls are (snakebite perfs on either roll margin to trigger
an accenting mechanism) but metrostyle has a specific definition as
well.

Metrostyle rolls are those with a colored line down the middle of the
roll which indicates to the pianolist when to move the tempo lever up &
down (implying arranged rolls as opposed to hand-played rolls which
should by definition have their rubato built-in).  This is not to be
confused with the OTHER line on the roll which implies dynamics.  I
believe metrostyle rolls will all have 2 lines, one for dynamics
(usually a blue line, and usually further left on the roll) and one for
the metrostyle function (usually a red line and further to the right on
the roll).  Further, rolls were issued that have Themodist and no
Metrostyle, Metrostyle and no Themodist, or Themodist AND Metrostyle.
I don't have a themodist player so I've never paid a lot of attention
to this, so if any of you has more experience or better details than
this I'd be interested to hear about it!

Next, I too have a set of the Gulbransen instruction rolls.  I got them
out to play through last night, but was distracted until the kids were
asleep so I had to pass!  I'll try again tonight.  A few points,
though:

   (1) my set says 1st edition, and I think there's a 2nd edition; I
wonder what the difference is.

   (2) my set is 6 rolls, the last 2 being "practice rolls".

   (3) the rolls are clearly manufactured by QRS: they have QRS tabs,
black QRS-embossed boxes, and all other tell-tale QRS qualities
such as flanges, paper, holes, markings, etc.

BTW, I don't recall ever having played these rolls; my set clearly
suffers from John Phillips' aptly-termed "exercise bicycle" syndrom -
they all look to be in mint condition, as well!

On a different note, I wanted to say that I've enjoyed a lot of the
postings lately.  Everyone has something interesting to say, and
welcome to all you newcomers.  I just wish I had more time to comment
and be more actively involved.  I intend to write up something on the
MBSI convention because I had a ball and some fun experiences I'd like
to share.  Each weekend I've told myself I'd sit down & type it out,
but it hasn't happened yet!  However I did get the driveway sealed and
some the lawn mowed and the weeds pulled and the car waxed and ...

Cheers,¶
Rob