It is unfortunate that the most important component of an automatic musical instrument is also its most fragile. The paper music rolls of the last 100 years and the pinned cylinders of the preceding century are easily damaged, and the skills and equipment required to fashion new ones are not easily acquired. All too often, as instruments fell into disrepair, the large wooden cylinders and the fragile paper rolls were banished to the attic or shed where they lay forgotten for many years. During their period of slumber the ravages of nature did their best to reduce these miniature master-pieces to dust. Woodworm, mould and mice all took their toll.

Fortunately, a surprisingly large number has survived. Protected by their well-made boxes, the music rolls have remained intact ready to delight modern audiences with their musical glimpses of a bygone era. With a little help, if needed, from a skilled Conservator, the paper music rolls have been returned to playable condition. Sometimes, the well-meaning actions of a previous repairer have to be undone, and yards of decomposing adhesive tape have to be carefully removed before the roll can be correctly mended. In some instances, new rolls, copied from originals by dedicated enthusiasts are available, but they are costly and the choice is somewhat limited.

As well as the rolls themselves, the museum also holds a varied collection of associated material. Original roll and instrument catalogues, historic photographs, concert hall leaflets, sheet music and newspaper clippings all form part of the story of automatic music.

This archive collection is widely used by students, radio and television researchers, musicologists and others who have an interest in musical history.