[ Herb Simonsz wrote in 151221 MMDigest:

> How do I replace a broken-off pin ...?  Is the cylinder hollow, or
> are the holes blind and can the broken-off pin only be drilled out?

Hi Herb,  The inherent dangers in ruining a cylinder should stop
anyone from trying to do any type of repinning.  Cylinders are hollow
brass 'tubes' partially filled with a 'cement' to keep the pins in
place, to keep the cylinder in-round, and to facilitate a pleasing
sound.  (Without the cement, the plucking of the notes produce a
'tinny' sound.)

To fully repin a cylinder the cement is removed and the pins are
dissolved with acid, then all the pins are replaced.  To replace just
one pin you'd have to punch or drill out the pin, replace it with the
proper temper pin, then grind the pin to the proper height.  What you
risk is denting the cylinder, elongating the hole, using incorrect
wire, and damaging the surrounding pins when you grind it.

All this for _one_ pin?  You certainly don't miss that one note in
the music and it's simply not worth doing.  Even professional repinners
will not partially repin a cylinder or just replace a few pins!

Leave it alone -- enjoy the box!

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