Re: Kalliope Disk Box
By Terry Smythe
In a previous A-M Digest, Jack Kane sez:
R >I looked up your Kalliope in the Bower's Encyclopedia and your
R >particular Kalliope is described as either a model 60, 60G
R >(G=glocken/bells), 61 or 62. What you have described as your machine
R >and what is shown in the Bower's is model 60. I don't know about
R >value of the box but regardless, it's probably a pretty nice box. I
R >think that Barry Johnson in California may make repro discs for the
R >box if you're interested.
Interesting....... I own a Model 200 w/saucer bells, as illustrated on Bowers, page 110. It uses 64.5 cm. disks (28") and I was lucky enough to acquire 10 disks with it, all 10 are very fine music. I wonder if anyone has an address and phone number for Barry Johnson (email by chance?). If he can make new disks for my machine, it would be real nice to be able to hear some new music after 12 years of listening to the same 10 disks.
R >One comment I will make: be careful that your particular box does
R >not have worm infestation -- I have a Kalliope and the lid was
R >literally honeycombed from the worm damage -- I had to have a new lid
R >made and get the box fumigated to prevent spread.
Mine has a hint of worm holes, but no indication of live wild life inside. At least it's never got any worse. I've not restored it yet, although it is playing just fine, hopefully this Winter.
R >local music box restorers commented to me that it is very rare to
R >find a Kalliope which is in tune as the lead that was used on the
R >bass notes was susceptible to 'maladie du plombe'(pardon my lousy
R >French) or lead deterioration from the aging of the case which
R >hastened the oxidation of the leads.
I had a close look at the base teeth on mine, and the weights look just fine. It plays gorgeous, almost angelic, and not a hint of being out of tune. Have I just been lucky?
Regards,
Terry
Terry Smythe | *Sounds of Yesteryear*
55 Rowand Avenue | Restoration and enjoyment of vintage
Winnipeg, MB R3J 2N6 | automatic musical instruments
(204) 832-3982 | email: smythe@mbnet.mb.ca |
(Message sent Mon 30 Oct 1995, 02:30:03 GMT, from time zone GMT-0600.) |
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