Regarding archival preservation of music rolls, the past 30 years has
clearly demonstrated that the only logical and practical method of
preserving paper music rolls is their duplication.  Recutting rolls
accurately on high quality paper will ensure their preservation for
at least another 80 years if properly maintained.

As a university professor at a leading institute of technology, I have
seen data of all types lost and lost again because of human error and
changes in technology.  Recutting music rolls ensures their preservation
and enjoyment on authentic instruments designed and restored to play
them.  If we do not recut rolls we are at risk of also losing the
integrity of the technology and instruments designed to play them.

My students of technology, science, and engineering find little
interest in MIDI format instruments, but they become truly amazed when
a player piano pours forth music without even electricity.  Recutting
music rolls ensures not only preservation of the music for a few more
generations, but also the preservation and restoration of the wonderful
musical instruments that were made to play them.

Mike Kukral