Historical information

Pianola roll is a music storage medium used to operate a player piano, piano player or reproducing piano. The roll moves over a reading system known as a tracker bar; the playing cycle for each musical note is triggered when a perforation crosses the bar. They have been in continuous production since at least 1896. These rolls are c1920s.

Significance

Used and owned by a resident of the Kiewa Valley. An alternative form of musical entertainment in the home. The music itself is historic and an example of what songs were popular in the 1920s.

Physical description

Stored in 2 boxes. Box 1. Mastertouch Rolls = 21; Universal Song Roll = 1; Vocalsty Song Roll = 3; Gulbransen Roll = 3
Box 2. Mastertouch = 2; Unidentified = 18
Most rolls are in original cardboard boxes with labels on the end. Rolls in various condition. Most rolls intact. Rolls of paper end are metal or Bakorlite, paper rolled onto a cardboard core. Boxes are dark colours.
They ore continuous rolls of paper with holes punched into them. These perforations represent note control data.