For many years my "de facto" test roll for Duo-Art mechanisms has been,
not the official Duo-Art test roll, but Robert Armbruster's performance
of "Meditations No. 1", Duo-Art number 6716, a medley of songs that
puts the mechanism through a varied and comprehensive dynamic exercise.

My Aeolian (domestic) Duo-Art catalog is packed away at the moment, but
Robbie informs me that the Chas. Davis Smith rollography lists it as
number 67168, the appended "8" probably corresponding to the American
"price code" for the roll.

When a Duo-Art mechanism is ready for a "first hearing", I usually put
this roll on first because if it sounds the way I know it should sound,
there's really no need to muddy the waters with the "official" test
roll.

The particular copy I have of "Meditations No. 1" is a British cutting
which is beginning to show signs of impending damage, which is making
me hesitant to continue its use.  More importantly, Robert Armbruster
personally autographed the roll to me during the 1982 AMICA Convention
(in Pasadena?), so I am loathe to have any misfortune befall it.

Obviously, mine is a well-used copy, as the box labels are slightly
different and are hand-typed as opposed to being production labels (see
photos).  Also interesting is a stamp on the leader with (I believe)
French wording which I have not attempted to translate, but which may
relate to a French "lending library" or a tax stamp of some sort.

So it is time to seek out a "service copy", preferably another British
issue, but any will do.  I'm not sure if anyone has issued a re-cut,
but I would proffer that it is more than worthy of that action.
(Julian?)

Is there a kind soul in MMD-land willing to part with a duplicate?

John Grant

 [ DA No. 6716(8) Box Labels (both ends)
 [ http://www.mmdigest.com/Attachments/15/08/17/150817_105755_DA6716a.jpg 

 [ DA No. 6716(8) Leader (British)
 [ http://www.mmdigest.com/Attachments/15/08/17/150817_105755_DA6716b.jpg 

 [ DA No. 6716(8) R.A. Autograph
 [ http://www.mmdigest.com/Attachments/15/08/17/150817_105755_DA6716c.jpg 

 [ DA No. 6716(8) Leader Stamp
 [ http://www.mmdigest.com/Attachments/15/08/17/150817_105755_DA6716d.jpg