Randy Herr's original posting on this subject can qualify as good
discussion starter. It is interesting to study rolls because they
become the "Rosetta Stones" by which we _sometimes_ can discover the
secrets of the editors.
The roll in question is Ampico 61643-G, of Chaloff playing Chopin's
Barcarolle, Op. 60, F sharp major. This roll was issued in 1923 in
Ampico A coding and the pictures posted on eBay show the attributes
of that era. The coding holes are not visible. It would be interesting
to see them, if they have been altered, too.
From what is visible in the pictures, it appears as if the editor
was eliminating overlap of notes played by the same finger. The note
extension practice used on earlier Ampico rolls creates the impossible
_live_ playing situation of depressing keys before the last set of keys
played by the same fingers are released. (This practice while
explained in Ampico documents, is still debated.)
The type of editing tape used to cover the holes appears to be typical.
It is a gummed tissue and was used also by Aeolian. It can be found on
production copies where the perforators punch incorrect, extra holes.
Magnification of the roll reveals some production details. This
roll was punched from the back side. The edges of many holes protrude
towards the camera. Also, the step pattern for making the chain
bridging is easily determined. Additionally, if a ruler had been
along side of the perforations, one could determine the step rate of
the perforator, as the scalloped edges of the slot perforations are
clearly visible. The chain bridging is very uniform which indicates
the perforator was advancing the paper properly. The presence of the
pumping guide line also becomes meaningful to those who study such
matters.
Perhaps Randy will post some pictures of the coding, and we can study
that for alterations and style.
If anyone possesses a true "B" coded version of this roll, the
perforations in the pictured area could be compared to see if these
changes made it into production.
Bob Taylor
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