One of the more interesting aspects of this discussion for me has
been the expressed ideas about the value of piano rolls.  George
Wilder feels rolls "in good condition" are worth $2 to $3 each.
W. Deane Wiley agrees.  If they are selling rolls at that price,
please send me a list of what they have available!

As a collector of thousands of piano rolls over the past 45+ years,
I have learned that their perceived value is based mainly on an
individual's personal musical tastes and interests.  And those
interests, like beauty, are "in the eyes of the beholder".  We
learned that here at MMD during a recent discussion of "Ching Chong".

So, what are the current guideposts for valuing piano rolls?  For old
rolls, there's eBay, where I've seen individual rolls go for over $600.
(The US version of "Cactus Rag", for those who are curious.)  Sales
over $100 are no longer uncommon, and even some obscure pop tunes fetch
over $30.  Then there are the private piano roll auctions, not all of
which, unfortunately, share the results.  But the minimum bids are
usually at least $4.

New recut 88-note rolls generally sell for $15 to $20.  New standard
rolls are available from QRS for $14, and from Duaine Hechler for $22,
plus shipping.  (Duaine's rolls may be lacking words; his messages and
web site are silent on this subject.)

Based on Duaine's catalog of over 700 rolls, there seems be a demand
for even the most common and mundane of titles.  One example is "Aloha
Oe with Ukelele Effects".  I can't remember how many copies of that
tune I've given away through the years.  The same applies to "Hearts
and Flowers Mandolin Arrangement" and "Nearer My God to Thee".

My point is not to criticize.  Rather, if Duaine has a market for this
material at $22+, and if other new rolls go for $14 to $20, then the
value of older rolls "in good condition" must be worth more than the
$2 to $3 suggested by George Wilder.

Gary Watkins