It appears as if no "B" coded version of Islamey, roll 62993, was ever
issued.  The feedback that I received after my previous posts on this
topic has been interesting.  No one responding had seen a "B" version.
Several people have mentioned that since newer copies of the roll sold
by Klavier and Keystone have been issued as "A" coded, the factory
master was never updated to "B" format.

Armed with that feedback, I decided to take a second look at the
roll to determine if I really want to do this upgrade.    My second
look at the roll was in two parts.  First I studied the complexity of
the coding.  Next, I played the roll on a "B" piano immediately after
hearing it on an "A" piano.  My conclusions were (1) the coding is
some of the most complex that I have seen and (2) the "B" piano renders
a very dull performance of this highly spirited piece.

Some years ago, Nelson Barden, noted Boston restorer and researcher,
became friends with Julius Chaloff.   Quoting Nelson's note to me,

  "Julius Chaloff edited his own rolls at his home in Boston on
  a parlor grand Ampico supplied by the company.  He (Chaloff) said,
  'The man came every Monday morning to check the piano was in perfect
  adjustment.'"

Barden continued his comments relating how proud Chaloff was of this
particular recording.

My study of the roll coding reveals extensive use of the crescendo in
conjunction with the step codes.  In fact it far exceeds the normal use
of crescendo, yet the roll is very much "step" based for its fundamental
volume control.  Obviously, considerable refinement took place before
this roll was released.  The coding is perfect.

If I do this re-code project, I will use a roll from a newly recreated
master.  New codes and changes will be made on my edit table that can
punch precision holes.  Once I am satisfied with the performance, all
changes will be made directly in the perforation file that drives the
perforator.  Using that file, proof copies will be made and distributed
for comment.  If they pass inspection, a short run of production rolls
will be made.

Like my re-code of roll 55447, Scherzo, Op. 31 B flat minor, I will
totally ignore the needs of the "A" piano, forgetting any need to
compromise, and make the new Islamey a "B" only coded roll.

Some rolls can be upgraded fairly simply.  "Islamey" is not one of them.

Bob Taylor
Missouri