Does anyone have knowledge of the production of papers used for
music rolls in pneumatically-read mechanical music instruments?

I am writing my Master's thesis in conservation on the material,
technological and conservation aspects of music roll papers, most
of which are produced in Germany between 1900 and the 1930s.

The main characteristics of these papers -- like stability,
density, punching property, dimensional stability, air-tightness and
super-calendering -- are mentioned in historical literature.  I have
been inquiring in several archives, former companies and paper mills,
who provided the paper for music rolls (e.g. for the factory 'Welte
and Sons' in Freiburg and 'Hupfeld' in Leipzig).  I have made several
analyses on paper samples from historic music rolls, focussing on
physical properties, like freeness, air-tightness and smoothness,
and analysing the fibers and sizing.

Unfortunately, I have been unable to find useful information on the
machines and technology, with which they accomplished these special
requirements for this paper.  Does anyone have more information on
the production of music roll papers?  Or perhaps have conservation
experience with music roll papers or related papers, like the
perforated-tape for data-storage or the Jacquard board used in textile
weaving?

Yasmine Kerber - Graduate Student, Conservation-Restoration Program
Bern University of the Arts
Bern, Switzerland
yasminesarah.kerber@students.bfh.ch.geentroep [delete ".geentroep" to reply]

 [ How was the "Connorized" paper made?  Why do music rolls made for
 [ nickelodeons and orchestrions survive longer than piano rolls?
 [ How is/was thick cardboard for folding book music made?  What are
 [ the machines like?  -- Robbie