I started scanning piano rolls in the 1970s to obtain music for my
newly restored Ampico.  I undertook this large project at the time as
there was no other way I would ever obtain a library I could afford,
or store.  Now, some 30 years later I am one of many who are into roll
scanning.  These days, while my Ampico can still play my scans, I tend
to use my Disklavier far more.  It's quieter and being relatively new,
gives a better tone than the 1923 Knabe.

The point I want to make is that roll scanning actually does two
things.  It preserves the roll for subsequent recutting on a roll
perforator, and/or it preserves the music.  It's the latter I regard
as being important, as these days many people own instruments such as
a Disklavier.  Being able to hear recordings made in the 1920's on
a modern instrument is, in my view, an important part of this hobby.
It simply means the music lives on, whether played on a computer
sound card or a C9 Disklavier Pro.  And given that a piano roll is
our earliest form of digitally recording a live performance, it seems
appropriate that in this digital age, these performances can now live
on a computer.

There are many that oppose scanning activities, although it's
interesting to realise that virtually all roll recutters use MIDI
scans, not paper masters.  Arguments include the likelihood that roll
scans will be used in Musak systems (to get around copyright), and that
some people actually sell their scans, making money out of rolls they
borrowed from "unsuspecting" collectors.  Whatever the arguments, what
matters to me is that our generation leaves something for the next,
be it recut piano rolls or MIDI files of piano rolls.  To ignore our
responsibilities in this is surely wrong.  As I often say "The
reproducing piano has a future, not just a past", implying that there
is also a future for piano roll music, especially if it can be played
on an iPod, but preferrably a real piano.

Peter Phillips
http://members.optushome.com.au/eleced/index.htm