It's fun to dream of applying new technology like laser beams
to cut holes in the music roll, but that doesn't reduce the labor
required.

Producing a good quality copy of an old music roll (a "recut")
includes these steps:

 1. inspect and repair the original roll
 2. transcribe the original roll to computer file
 3. verify that the transcribed data is accurate
 4. perforate the new paper music roll
 5. verify that the new roll matches the transcribed data
 6. mount the new roll on a spool
 7. apply labels to the roll and the box
 8. pack the old and new rolls for shipping
 9. transport the rolls to the post office or parcel service
10. do the paperwork (billing)

Janet Tonnesen, with about 20 years experience in this business,
says that the only process which doesn't require her attention is
the perforator; it runs reliably with little supervision.  Every
other step in the list above requires human participation or close
supervision.

A roll of entirely new music eliminates steps 1-3 but adds the
arranger's fees.

I just don't see how replacing a perforator with a laser cutting
machine would lower the cost of producing good quality music rolls.

Robbie Rhodes