(Photograph courtesy of Douglas Hershberger and Mark Reinhart.)

Wurlitzer Music Roll Department notice of Standard Instructions, page 1, circa 1923. In addition to explaining that there was a serious problem with tempo irregularities in Wurlitzer music rolls, and the resulting customer complaints, this page goes on to explain how much to "turn down" the paper advance mechanism between tunes, so as to maintain the correct tempo throughout a music roll.

(Photograph courtesy of Douglas Hershberger and Mark Reinhart.)

Wurlitzer Music Roll Department notice of Standard Instructions, page 2, circa 1923. On this page the arranged roll tempo, scale, and recommended paper advancement stepping gear for the perforator is clearly spelled out. Moreover, "The foreman of the Perforating Dept. has instructions not to cut any roll (from number 1709 on) which does not have the correct gear marked." Continuing down the page are handwritten scribbles relating to other tempo, scale, and gear combinations.