Often the "extended notes" which are so prevalent in Ampico rolls cause
the paper to be weak, and long tears can occur through the chain-bridge
perforations.  These are difficult to repair because a tape reinforcement
will cause that note to repeat.

In desperate cases, go ahead and make the repair in a location where
other notes are being initiated, but punch into the margin a 7B or 7T
cancellation of the intensity, so that the repeated note will be very
weak, and its re-initiation will be almost unheard.  Soon after that,
re-insert the margin's intensity code perforations which had just been
cancelled, so that succeeding notes will have the proper intensity.
Depending on the musical context (i.e., bass/treble activity), this
routine will have to be done at a time when other notes will be least
affected.  Be careful.

This trick can be used several times, if necessary, within a long
tear.  You may even find that the "cancellation" scheme will not even
be necessary if the errant note will fit within the existing chord
structure at that point;  it will simply be repeated and sound as
though it fits anyway.  Some musical judgement will be needed in this
case.  Some trial and error can be used, even before any tape is
applied.

Bill Flynt
Dallas, Texas