Many of us were pleased to see that QRS produced the 2009 Christmas
Collectors Roll.  Some viewed it as a sign that general production
would soon begin, but let's not get too excited.

As I understand it, QRS left one line intact in Buffalo for special
runs, i.e., Xmas 2009.  From what I gather, the roll production
equipment has not been reassembled in Seneca, Pennsylvania, and a firm
decision as to when and if production will continue has not been made.

It would appear to me that lovers of mechanical music should send a
clear message to QRS that there is a market for player piano rolls and
purchase a bunch.  QRS is not going to continue in the roll business
if collectors buy one roll a year.

Although the selection of titles has diminished some in the past few
years, the selection is vast -- a variety of rolls that will satisfy
anyone's taste.  My grandkids run to the player piano as soon as they
walk in the door.  I keep a good selection of rolls that appeal to the
youngsters: Lion King, Rubber Duckie, Little Mermaid, etc.  There are
QRS rolls that will appeal to almost anyone: show tunes, classical,
country western, big band, Fats Waller, etc.

If the supply of rolls that appeal to a wide variety of player piano
owners or potential owners disappears, the demise of player pianos will
be accelerated.  A select few recuts are not going to fill the gap.

There have been numerous postings the past year about the demise
of automatic musical instruments.  I feel the best way to fight the
trend is to insure that a good supply of piano rolls remain available.
I have several customers that started with an 88-note player piano,
then added other automatic musical instruments to their collection.
And you don't need exotic instruments to appreciate the wonderful era
of automatic musical instruments -- some of my most avid customers own
88-note player pianos.  One customer pumps his two hours a day for his
cardiovascular work out.

If every MMD subscriber purchased a couple of rolls this week, QRS
might get the message that there is still a strong market for piano
rolls.

Don Barton - Barton Player Piano Co.
Minneapolis, Minnesota