I responded to Lambert Johnson privately, but would like to let the
group know that I have new mainsprings for the small Thorens disc music
boxes, as well as replacement combs, damper rails, star wheel gantries,
and governor gears. I'm sure other music box repairers here in the US
may also have some of these Thorens parts.
The later model Thorens disc mechanisms (and those recently made by
Reuge with Thorens tooling) often used a white plastic escapement gear
which is notorious for cracking. These often require replacement, and
can also be replaced with a more reliable brass gear, cut to the same
dimensions as the plastic type. Replacement of the mainsprings on
these units requires the case to be separated to remove the old spring.
This can make reassembly a bit tricky for the inexperienced.
These Thorens movements also have a tendency to suffer from gradual
swelling and distortion of the star wheel gantries. These parts were
made of cast "pot-metal" on most models produced later than the 1930s,
and after a while, swelling reaches a point where the star wheels no
longer align correctly with the comb teeth, causing either the treble
or bass teeth to completely miss being plucked. In such cases the only
cure is replacement of the gantry.
These parts can be ordered directly from Nancy Fratti, for those who
wish to do the job themselves, and those who would rather let a music
box specialist take care of it should contact one of us directly.
Reg Smith - Sublime Harmony Music Box Restorations
Gainesville, GA 30501
770-533-9774
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