Hi All,  I bought some Aeolian Grand rolls several years back that
had rubber bands on them that were probably put on in the 1920s or
'30s.  I "removed" them by brushing them off -- they came off in
chunks and turned to dust quite easily.  The rolls were no worse for
wear.  I play them all the time.

Personally, I do not use any retaining device around my rolls.  When
I am done playing one, I knock the paper to the right flange while
the roll is loose (I removed my take-up brake a long time ago) and
then tighten it up by hand to a reasonable tightness.  I have not had
a problem with this method.  I have stored some of my rolls for over
10 years this way with no ill effects.

Best regards,
Rob Buckingham
Greenville, South Carolina