Can I thank all the members, both from private e-mails and through
this column, who have responded to my query about purchasing Ampico
rolls from the USA.  Julian Dyer and Kevin McElhone are certainly
a good source of mainly Duo-Art rolls in the UK and I am well aware
that they have no problem in sending rolls all over the world.

My query was really that of _purchasing_ rolls from the U.S., more
particularly Ampico rolls.  Nicholas Simons rightly stated that it
is relatively easy to import instruments into the UK and indeed 
I did just that with my Ampico B.  However, [importing] rolls for
the instrument are an entirely different proposition!

Two of the major roll re cutters certainly do not export to the UK,
stating difficulties with customs, etc., and they are commercial
enterprises.   Many eBay roll sellers actually state that they only
sell within the USA and from replies that I have received it appears
that they simply do not realise how easy it is to export and they
seem to think that it is their responsibility to deal with customs
and shipping.

Overall the impression that I get is that many people that sell rolls
in the U.S. either do not realise how easy it is to export or that
they simply cannot be bothered.

I will certainly look out for Larry Norman's roll auctions but
I must admit that newly recut rolls seem more satisfactory, as many
original 1920s and 1930s Ampico rolls are very brittle and not always
satisfactory for regular playing.

My one request to those that sell on eBay, particularly if they
themselves re-cut rolls: please do not advertise on eBay UK if you
have no intention of honouring the sale.  It is most frustrating to
think that you have purchased and paid for an item if it is
subsequently cancelled.

There do seem to be more Ampico rolls listed on eBay UK in the last
week or so, so I will try again and hope that those purchases are not
again cancelled.

Mike Nichols