I am planning a modest roll-cutting project in the UK with the
assistance of a very popular and highly respected pianist on the
festival circuit over here.

His style is very much two-fisted barrelhouse playing: immensely
strong left hand with impressive and lightning fast work with the
right.  I have in mind such numbers as Honky Tonk Train and Boogie
Woogie Man, amongst others, probably a dozen in all initially.  Not
having undertaken such an exercise before, my questions to the group
are these:

What medium is best for all practical purposes for the recording
of new rolls:  A keyboard with MIDI interface?  A [real-time]
roll-cutting player (if one exists)?  Something else?

I am not concerned with dynamics.  I would plan to play the rolls
on a pumper and to interpret them myself.  The artist concerned has
a top-of-the-range Roland keyboard, as well as an acoustic piano.

What have others found the best answer for a small project such as
this?  Would anyone like to recommend an arranger/cutter for these
rolls?

I would be looking at a small production quantity, perhaps 20 of each
roll, primarily as a personal collection, but offering some for sale
if requested.

Any advice welcomed and all acknowledged.  Thanks in anticipation.

Roger Waring
The Pianola Workshop
Solihull, England
Pianolas@cableinet.co.uk

 [ I recommend MIDI techniques; Aeolian abandoned the real-time roll
 [ punching machine for recording 80 years ago!  You and the artist
 [ will enjoy recording and editing the MIDI performances, and the
 [ MIDI data file is nowadays accepted by practically all firms who
 [ punch music rolls.  Have fun!  -- Robbie