Some time back there was a thread here searching for discs for a Mr.
Christmas Music Box.  I meant to weigh in but I got sidetracked, but
I keep thinking about the thread and what wasn't said.

I was given a very nice metal disc Mr. Christmas musical box, surprise,
for Christmas which I subsequently bought all the discs offered through
the Mr. Christmas web site.  My music box has the six saucer bells,
really quite lovely and a steal musically for what was paid.  Very
sadly this is now discontinued from the Mr. Christmas line.  Why they
discontinue something that was probably the highest quality to come
from that company defies me, but that is beyond the scope of these
thoughts.  The Mr. Christmas discs were very nice but I really wanted
more.

I searched the web and found Hens Tooth Discs.  I knew nothing of them
but the list of available metal discs for use on Mr. Christmas musical
boxes is mind boggling, about 300!  While the web site did not provide
sound samples of the Mr. Christmas arrangements, the analogous Thorens
4.5" discs were available and since the title numbering was the same
I knew the arrangements would be reasonably close.  This was especially
nice for melodies for which the title was unknown to me.

I listened to every sample I could download, many repeatedly before
placing my order.  I tend to be circumspect on these things.  I bought
a substantial number of discs and Mr. Perron was kind enough to even
offer a quantity discount.

I cannot tell you how much the Hens Tooth arrangements improve these
boxes musically.  For those inclined toward classical music there are a
number of motives from "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" available, themes from
"Nutcracker Suite" and so many more, even two parts from Vivaldi's
"Four Seasons."  I cannot say I have a single favorite but the Mozart
and Vivaldi discs are the discs I play most.  The discs are not limited
to classical works but they are my own preference.

The inexpensive nature of the Mr. Christmas products can be deceiving
until one hears some of the Hens Tooth discs on their musical boxes.
I am sure there are those who are resistant to pay much for discs.
I can say from my own experience that I paid significantly more for
the Hens Tooth discs than was paid for the Mr. Christmas product,
however there is a synergism, making the sum greater than the parts.

I strongly recommend to owners of the Mr. Christmas metal disc
music boxes, to visit the hens tooth site as I did; you will not be
disappointed:  http://www.henstoothdiscs.com/

I should add that the 4.5" Thorens boxes have a greater musical
spectrum with their comb, but the addition of the six saucer bells
on my Mr. Christmas musical box make it my preferred listening box.

Mark Reinhart
Charles Town, West Virginia