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MMD > Archives > November 1997 > 1997.11.18 > 07Prev  Next


How Long to Restore a Music Box?
By Nancy Fratti

To M. Grosser who asked about music box restoration turn-around times.

Restorers differ from repairers.  Restorers usually have a longer
backlog than repairers, because of the obvious: we restore the _whole_
machine, not just fix one or two things to get it going.  Hence, it
takes longer and we run into more unforeseen problems than the repairer
does.  Most professional restorers quote 1-3 years backlog.  I am
personally now telling people about 2 years.

In this fast-paced world in which we put our cars in for repair (not
restoration!) and get it back the same day, we are a very spoiled lot!
A large portion of the boxes I get in haven't played in about 20 to 40
years, yet, all of a sudden, people want it fixed yesterday!

A lot of the problem with quoting time relates to the unforeseen things
that pop up with the boxes ahead of yours.  Governors that worked when
dirty, don't necessarily work when cleaned, hence more work.  Getting
those last damper noises out can take days of patient listening and
'tweaking', etc., etc.

Then there's always the idea of trying to have some 'private' time. ...

Usually, your patience is very well rewarded!

Nancy Fratti - Panchronia Antiquities
PO BOX 210 - Whitehall, NY 12887-0210 USA
518-282-9770  or fax: 518-282-9800
Disc & Cylinder Musical Boxes - Musical Box Restoration Supplies


(Message sent Tue 18 Nov 1997, 22:53:11 GMT, from time zone GMT-0500.)

Key Words in Subject:  Box, How, Long, Music, Restore

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