I own an Aeolian 1500 which plays the 46-note rolls.  These have
paper that is 9-5/8 inches wide and perforations at 5 per inch.
The Wilcox and White 44-note Pneumatic Symphony rolls are shorter,
obviously, but also use 5-to-the-inch perforation.  Both Aeolian
and Wilcox and White [W&W] shared a roll cutting facility in Meriden,
Connecticut, throughout their existence.  The paper was cut on the
same equipment with the same masters.

I heretically, but successfully, converted four Pneumatic Symphony
rolls to play on the Aeolian 46-note instrument.  It's really not
difficult: you need to remove both pins, drill the pin receiver holes
out to 3/16 inch and make Aeolian 46-note spool pins.  These are
mindlessly easy to manufacture with a hacksaw, some 3/16 inch steel rod
and a mill bastard file.  The idler pin needs to be lengthened because
the W&W spool is shorter by two notes than the Aeolian.

Okay, here's my question.  Is there anyone in the free world that
perforates rolls at 5-to-the-inch?  There are a lot of W&W 44-note
and Aeolian 46-note and Orchestrone owners who would dearly love their
5-to-the-inch rolls replicated.

I guess no one has taken it on because its such a small market,
comparatively.  There is certainly more money to be made in the high
volume crank organ and high volume 58-note formats.  I know that Valley
Forge Rolls has a laser machine that can do it, but that company has
had some issues, I understand.  Short of a laser machine, I don't think
anyone has constructed a 5-to-the-inch perforator.

Here is question #2.  Does anyone know of a tool and die source for
punch and receiver plate manufacturing?  I would like to get a set of
5-to-the-inch punches manufactured.  Surely in this age of near Great
Depression there has to be some company willing to take on a small
machining project like this.  Please send your replies to me at the
email address below.

Before I go to the grave, I am determined to build a roll replicator
for the lonely 5-to-the-inch owners like me out there.  I am making
my own spools now and have that part down.  I have the boxes sourced,
thanks to the MMD.  In no way do I wish to compete with _anyone_ in the
roll cutting business -- I want to fill only that niche that no one
else is doing right now.  I'm not in it for the money, just to get the
job done and make the music available _cheaply!_

Best regards,
Stuart McCaskill
smccaskill@kc.rr.com.geentroep [delete ".geentroep" to reply]