Hello -- I'm new to this list, although I've read at least 100 articles
in it.  I found it via Altavista by searching topics like "band organ",
"punching paper rolls", etc.

My question is: I'd like to start arranging and then punching a few
rolls, even though I don't have an organ.  I'll have to rent one on
and off to hear my music.  What methods of producing punched rolls are
there, and where do I get the supplies? -- preferably here in Germany !

 * Paper rolls for 20-scale organ?

 * Manual punches?

 * A software that prints "dots" from MIDI files on the paper where to
punch it?  (Although I could write that myself -- then the question is:
Where do I get the information about the MIDI file format?)

* ... and, at some time, a mechanical punching machine.  Is it realistic
to build one,  and where could one get any ready-made useful parts,
e.g., the punches?  I'm a pure hobbyist, somewhat good at woodworking,
but not a machinist.

Or is it possible to "outsource" the punching -- i.e., I arrange the
music, and someone punches it for me?

Thanks a lot

Harald M. Mueller
Grafing bei Muenchen
Germany

 [ Wilkommen am MMD, Harald.  Please tell us how you became a fan
 [ of the mechanical organs, big and small.  Several MMDers offer
 [ computer programs which can print a template for book music or
 [ a paper roll from a MIDI file (including Mr. Jody Kravitz,
 [ MMD publisher).  I think that there are now several firms in
 [ Europe which can perforate the music roll for you, including
 [ Siegfried Wendel (Ruedesheim).  For a 20er Drehorgel you could
 [ build a small "frame punch".  Good luck with your music!
 [ -- Robbie