[ James Warner wrote in 140609 MMDigest:
> Is there any way to replace broken tabs on music box discs?

Discs are made of either zinc or steel.  While the steel disc
projections _can_ be repaired, I'd caution against it.  I've seen many
discs where people tried to repair the projections, only to cause more
harm than enjoying a few extra notes in a tune.

You can't repair the zinc projections.  You can solder on steel
projections but -- a big 'but' -- if you don't get the depth of the
projection exactly correct, you'll cause problems with the star wheels
not turning enough, or turning too much.  If either happens, when the
next projection meets the star wheel, the wheel will not be in a
'neutral' position and the projection will try to hop over it or be
bound up on it.  Snap! Crackle! Pop! goes another projection (or a
bent star wheel tip).

In order to solder a new projection on, you have to have a 'tab' to
solder onto the disc.  I've seen these tabs put up through the hole
and soldered.  When a pressure arm washer come around and the tab tries
to pass under it, sometimes it will work, most times it will bind and
the disc will either stop or 'skip' trying to push the tab through.

My best suggestion is to see if the disc you love so dearly that you
want all the projections on is available in a reproduction disc.  There
are many, many different brands made, in many different sizes.  If it's
not available as a repro, I just live with it the way it is until I find
a better copy.

Let me know the type and size of disc (and a title!) and I'll see if
I have it or can get you an original or have a reproduction made.

Enjoy the summer everyone!

Nancy Fratti - Nancy Fratti Music Boxes
Canastota, New York, USA
http://www.nancyfrattimusicboxes.com/ 

P.S.: I hope to see lots of MMD-ers at the show in Union, Illinois
(show dates: June 14th-15th).  Introduce yourselves!  I'll have four
booths in the back area.