Regarding the recent thread on alternative materials for piano rolls,
has anyone ever seen coated linen used?  This was the standard material
for drafting paper earlier in the 20th century, and it holds up
incredibly well.

I've had occasion to delve through drawing files many times in my
engineering career, and the old linen drawings (done in India ink!
How's that for knowing your craft?!) were always in pristine condition,
while the newer sepia or blue prints were crumbling.

It would seem to have everything you'd want in a material for the
purpose -- nonporous (I don't know what the coating is), smooth finish,
flexible, and obviously, durable.  Certainly it's easier to punch than
Mylar (which is also used for drafting film).

The only time I've encountered it in the piano roll context was as
a leader on a British-made 65-note roll we acquired by accident.
(It was on a modern 88-note spool, and sounded like Klingon opera on
my player!).

Dan Harrett