The ongoing discussion of this topic supports my belief that there is
no "one right way" to repair damaged piano rolls.

Not wishing to reopen old, ongoing controversies, I would simply like
to comment on my own lengthy experiences.  I have collected thousands
of piano rolls for close to fifty years, most of them dating from prior
to 1940.  During that period, I have repaired many hundreds of rolls,
ranging from simple edge damage to "telescope" tears and missing
sections.  My personal feeling is that almost any damaged roll can be
repaired, no matter how bad it looks, unless major portions of the
music are missing.  It is usually a question of whether the roll is
worth the necessary time and effort.

I must confess that all of my repair work involves at least one of the
many "no-no's" discussed here on MMD.  Some of my "bad" practices came
from ignorance, and some I have accepted through experience gained
through the years.  Specifically, I have never used archival tape or
put tape on the undamaged edge of rolls.  (I do use archival tape on
maps or other documents that require transparency and to maintain
folds.)  I am pleased that the current Magic Mending Tape is almost
transparent.

My point is this: None of my "bad" repairs made as long as fifty years
ago show signs of deterioration.  Nor has the lack of tape on undamaged
edges caused any tracking, dis-chords, or reroll problems.  In short, I
have no regrets about my repair practices and suggest that collectors
use whatever techniques make them feel comfortable, without feeling
guilty about it.

Gary Watkins