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MMD > Archives > February 2006 > 2006.02.05 > 02Prev  Next


Replacement Comb for Musical Box
By Jim Heyworth

Hello Tom,  Regarding your request for a replacement comb for the box
described, I have some very bad news.  Your chances of finding one are
virtually nil.

To keep things simple, fixed-cylinder musical boxes, of which yours is
one, were generally manufactured with combs tuned to match the program
played.  Similarly-tuned and manufactured combs may be out there but
the chances of finding one that can be matched with your box are
extremely slim.  Replacements, as such, are not made.

The comb on your box is in very bad shape and has obviously been worked
upon by someone insufficiently familiar with the repair process who,
unfortunately, has added to the damage.  It is perhaps possible that the
comb can be repaired but the cost will be very high, I expect at least
$1000 and probably much more.  Even then more work, such as cylinder
repair (the tune change lever is missing, too), will be necessary which
will add substantially to the cost.

From the photos shown, your musical box would seem to have been made
in the late 19th or early 20th century and is of low to average quality,
although appearances can be quite deceiving.

In my opinion, your box is too good to throw out but, right now, too
expensive to repair.  It may be a good candidate for an _advanced_
hobbyist's TLC.

Best regards,
Jim Heyworth,
Sechelt, British Columbia, Canada


(Message sent Sun 5 Feb 2006, 07:14:28 GMT, from time zone GMT-0800.)

Key Words in Subject:  Box, Comb, Musical, Replacement

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