I have been trying to persuade people to use archival repair tape for
mending rolls for some years now, in my capacity as editor of the
Player Piano Group's bulletin.  It has been quite interesting to find
out just how set in their ways some people have got.  There have been
some nonsensically defensive reactions to what is, after all, a simple
improvement in technique.

I suspect that the problem is that Scotch Magic Tape is fairly good, so
hasn't yet shown enough sign of failure to alarm some users.  However,
the signs are there: I have old Magic Tape repairs which show clear
signs that the tape has shrunk.  This is why I decided never to allow
it near my rolls again, given that there is a better alternative.

Those who claim Magic Tape is perfect for ever simply haven't looked
carefully enough.  Remember, there is no disgrace in changing your
mind!

The value of archival tape is that it is designed specifically for the
conservation of paper, and contains buffering material to counteract
acid build-up in the paper.  It is also removable.  Magic tape is
neither.  The archival tape is also much easier to work with.

Any conscientious repairer should move over to the better material now,
and regret that it wasn't available a long time ago.

Julian Dyer