I'd like to start an idea flowing amidst the Regina disk box and MIDI
enthusiasts out there:  I have learnt since I found the MMD site that
Porter and one other person are replicating or reproducing original
disks for the 27" and other Regina disk players.  I intend to buy some
of these as soon as my 27" orchestral Regina is up and running.

Idea:  Since the original patents are available as to the methods used
to fabricate the disks in the first place, and other factors are known
about the scales, mechanism speed, etc., would it not be possible to
create NEW disks, with arrangements of music never before heard on a
disk music box?

As an engineer, I would assume that the fabrication of a music disk is
based on a mathematical formula of radii, diameter, and spacing.  Has
anyone out there already done any research into the old patents to
discover what this method was, or has it been lost and waiting
rediscovery?  Does machinery still exist to do this?  Is there any
interest out there besides mine in doing so?

I realize, this is a big job -- but I will volunteer some time to help
kick this off, too.  Why, you may ask?  Well, disk box owners out there
might want to think about hearing a live, dual-comb disk box rendition
of "Strawberry Fields" on your disk box!!  And there are many other
songs that would be wonderful to hear on a disk box.  How about
suggesting a few?

Second Idea: has anyone out there managed a MIDI capture of a Regina
Disk Music Box or managed to scale one for replay as a MIDI instrument?
If so, would that be available to us?

Thanks to All

Tom Detweiler
tdetweil@imaginemfg.com

 [ I presume that Mr. Portor, and others who punch disc music, use
 [ a template much like used for replicating book music.  If so,
 [ then a computer process is needed which accepts MIDI files input
 [ and draws a picture of the punched disc -- a matter of converting
 [ rectlinear data to polar data !   -- Robbie