Ian McDonald says:

> The American currency is now valued way above other world currencies.
> Time for a U.S. roll manufacturer to move off-shore to low production
> costs in a third world country and slash roll prices.

Ian is absolutely correct in his perception and appeal.  We in Canada
are really hurting as a consequence of the exceptionally strong US
dollar against other world currencies.  (It cost me $1.52 exchange the
other day to buy a US dollar money order.)

It's a most difficult situation for roll manufacturers, or any other
product aimed at our avocation, for the total production volume likely
cannot justify migration to an off-shore facility.  However, now is the
time for US citizens to be buying in Canada, or travelling in Canada --
an excellent low-cost target for your next vacation.   :-)

I don't have an answer to this problem, but like Ian, I too am forced
to reconsider making purchases of anything from the U.S.A.  After
exchange, duty, taxes, shipping, surcharges, etc., almost any product
ends up costing about 2-1/2 times its original price in U.S. dollars.
Just far too costly.

As a consequence, we in other countries are progressively being denied
access to the very things we need to restore and enjoy this remarkable
slice of musical heritage.

Perhaps some among the MMD group might offer some ideas on how those of
us in other countries might find other alternatives.

Regards,

Terry Smythe                   smythe@mts.net
55 Rowand Avenue               smythe@mbnet.mb.ca
Winnipeg, MB, Canada  R3J 2N6  (204) 832-3982
http://www.mts.net/~smythe