In reply to Mike Walter's posting in MMD 130803,

> I have heard from a reliable source that there are now two formats
> for scanning rolls: MIDI Type 1 and e-rolls.

This is not a correct description.  Most, but not all, rollscans, are
originally captured as a form of image file, and converted to output
files which are in the MIDI format, either type-1 or type-0, usually
type-0.  E-Rolls are one form of MIDI file where the expression tracks
are retained as MIDI note events to be interpreted by the pneumatic
piano using a system such as Spencer Chase's E-valve system, or Bob
Hunt's "virtual Roll" system.

The standard MIDI files with interpreted expression (type-0 being
single-track and type-1 being multi-track), are intended for playback
on digital pianos, solenoid pianos, or computer synthesizers.  Each
roll scan image file can be converted to both an e-roll file and an
expression MIDI file.

Most of the MIDI files are piano only, needing only one track, and
therefore MIDI type-0 files format is typically used.

> Shouldn't there be some kind of database so that a specific title
> for a specific label can be listed and everybody isn't duplicating
> what someone else has already done?

What you are suggesting was, in fact, the original intent of the
cooperative effort from those in the rollscanners yahoo group that
developed the scanning systems based on the work of Richard Stibbons
in the UK.  The IAMMP database (iammp.org) was set up to be just the
sort of centralized database you describe.  Keywords embedded into the
MIDI files by the conversion/processing software already include the
data items you list.

The sad fact is that only two or three of the folks who eventually
scanned rolls followed up by participating in uploading their scanned
files to the database where they are automatically cataloged, via the
embedded keyword data, and added to the searchable central database.

I have maintained the IAMMP web site and database (viewable at
http://www.iammp.org/ ) at my own expense for the past several years,
in case others who have been scanning rolls should re-consider and
again support the idea of participating in this central database.

So far, while I continue to receive hundreds of requests each year to
send people (who have not contributed) MIDI files of scans potentially
still covered by copyright, I can count on one hand the number of
people who have contributed roll scans, or donations, to help continue
the project.  For your information, in order to maintain compliance
with U.S. copyright law, I typically ignore these requests from
strangers who are not participants or supporters.  Fair use provisions
in the law allow some latitude for scholarly activity among the project
members.

There has long been consideration to try to set up a 501(c)(3)
non-profit organization to maintain the IAMMP roll archives and
database.  I would welcome hearing from anyone who would be interested
in actively supporting, and contributing to, this project effort.

Regards,
Warren Trachtman