Hello MMD -- Everyone that collects old piano rolls must have some
rolls that like to wander side-to-side and just won't track properly.
In the late 1960's I bought a new Aeolian long-play roll that would
not track at all.  When wound back on its spool it squeezed like
a roll of Charmin that was re-rolled by hand.

I got a can of the then-new Elmer's Slide-All Dry Spray Lubricant
[Teflon] and I lightly sprayed the _back side_ of the roll.  It then
tracked beautifully and after reroll it tightened up 'til it squeaked.
Even those old Q.R.S. rolls with the extra-long chain-less perfs won't
discord.

Rolls that are in good shape, but have cups and warps that cause
discords, can be sprayed and rolled up tight, and left for a few weeks
then listen for the discords.  Most will flatten by then.  After all
is done, just tighten them normally.

All my roll repairs are made with Testors Extra Fast-drying Wood Cement
rolled out between two sheets of wax paper.  Absolutely no buildup, but
that is a long story.  Don't be afraid to try it.  I've been doing this
for over 40 years.  Those rolls will track straight enough to see the
paint on the take-up spool!

John Taber
East Hartford, Connecticut