Re: Ken Clark's cylinder music box questions

Ken, the central screw you described is not uncommon in many cylinder
music boxes from a variety of makers.  It serves the function of
providing a "stop" against which the comb is pressed to position it
when reinstalling after service, and during insertion and tightening
of the comb screws.

This of course is after the comb base has been previously depthed
against the cylinder pins.  Also, it can be effectively used in very
minute adjustments, usually in backing off the comb from the cylinder
(with screws slightly loosened.

An "overture box" merely implies that it plays one or more overtures,
usually from operatic scores, and since to accomplish this effectively,
it must play longer than the typical 45 - 60 seconds of a standard
diameter cylinder, overture box cylinders tend to be anywhere from 3"
up to 5" in diameter, which can allow three to four minute revolutions.

Most do play only four selections; the reason is primarily that most
of these are early period machines with a LOT of comb teeth -- many
between 200 and 300 teeth -- which are required to do justice to
a complex classical arrangement.  (With such quantities of teeth, the
spacing between teeth is extremely small, so there is not space for
more than four tune tracks between tooth tip positions.)

Hope these explanations help.  Good luck in your endeavors, and feel
free to ask questions anytime.

By the way, I am a Bremond fan and would enjoy a tape or MiniDisc
recording of your number 14555 when you feel up to it.

Reg Smith
Sublime Harmony Restorations
Athens, Georgia