On February 19 I submitted to MMD a request for original copies of the
Welte Licensee Test Roll.  Many responded to that request, and I would
like to thank all of you for the various offers I received.

I now have in my possession four copies of that test roll in excellent
condition.  These rolls will be used to make precise measurements of
various tests so that I can derive the exact rate of movement of the
expression pneumatics.  Once known, this will form the basis of a new
test roll that will be far more simple to use than the original.

Sometime this fall, I will introduce this new roll.  Many of the
original tests were only "gee-whiz" types of thing with no useful
purpose.  My new roll will approach the regulation in a more subjective
manner, allowing personal preferences combined with the exact timing
criteria to used in adjusting the Welte Licensee mechanism.

Tests will first set the three basic subjective volume levels, ppp, mF,
and FFF.  Then all timing tests will superimpose Welte standard rates
of change on the framework of the first tests.  The results will yield
a less mechanical, more musical regulation that can be accomplished
more quickly than what the original roll allows.

For those of us who love the Welte, you'll love this new method of
regulation.  It is not at all laborious, and can be changed easily if
the instrument is moved to a larger or smaller room.

Look for the announcement of the new test roll.  Again, thanks to all
who offered help.

Bob Taylor