Can old music boxes be repaired?

Can old music boxes be repaired?

Cases can be repaired by any competent local woodworker. Because your music box is at heart a fine musical instrument, the integrity of the case is directly related to the volume.

How do you clean a music box cylinder?

Use a toothbrush (is harsher) or cotton swabs (softer) to get hard-to-reach parts. Vendors I know swear by the use of WD-40 to clean porcelain or stoneware of dirt. Just spritz it on and let sit for some time, wash with warm water afterwards.

How do you remove rust from a music box?

The rust may be removed by physical cleaning using emery cloth or abrasive paper.

How do you service a music box?

Wipe gently and dry with another cotton cloth moistened with distilled water. Clean the inside of the music box by vacuuming away all dust and debris with a a small, inexpensive computer vacuum. Take care around small moving parts and don’t touch any of the music box surfaces with the computer vacuum.

Do music boxes wear out?

The thin glass that forms the globe can not withstand a hard bump or a drop to the floor. Too much winding of the key can wear out the music box. Picking up a snow globe music box can transport us to a different time and place, even to our childhood. Too much winding of the key can wear out the music box.

How long does a music box last?

These tunes play from 4 bars to 8 bars of music in 2/4, 3/4 or 4/4 time depending upon the diameter of the cylinder. (The older mechanism have wider cylinders. A movement can last three minutes or so when fully wound. All tunes repeat after the cylinder has made one full revolution.

How do you clean an old music box?

Dampen the cotton cloth with distilled water and gently rub the music box in a circular motion, removing all fingerprints and dust. Thoroughly dry with a 100-percent cotton cloth. Use another cotton cloth and a small amount of pure white vinegar to clean glass covers.

What are the parts of a music box?

Cylinder-Type Musical Box

• Comb. Normally made of steel and where sound is being produced.
• Cylinder. The revolving part of the movement where the tunes are imprinted on using metal pins.
• Spring Housing. It hosts the mainspring that provides the mechanical power to move the cylinder.
• Lever.
• Governor / Air-brake.
• Bed-plate.

How do you fix a slow music box?

Apply a drop of lubricant to the top, base, and center of the endless screw, connected to your music box’s air brake, using a pin point oiler. Allow the lubricant to sit for a few minutes, then wind the key to play your music.

What is a music box called?

The popular device best known today as a “music box” developed from musical snuff boxes of the 18th century and were originally called carillons à musique (French for “chimes of music”). Some of the more complex boxes also contain a tiny drum and/or bells in addition to the metal comb.

Is there an Antique Music Box restoration company?

Antique Music Box Restoration Porter Music Box Company started its humble beginning with the repairing of antique Music Boxes and has continued to do so for the past 40 years. Please send us photos of your antiques that you may want restored and we will be happy to review your treasures and discuss your needs.

Is there any way to repair a music box?

We have highly skilled technicians available to repair your treasured music box. Almost all repairs are handled here, on the premises at reasonable cost. PLEASE NOTE: It is important that you call first to discuss your problem. We cannot repair electronic sound modules and currently have no way to replace them.

Is there a place to repair a Singing Bird Box?

Sometimes we can talk you through repairing a simple problem at even less expense to you. We are an Authorized Dealer of Reuge, Romance and Sankyo, also specializing in Thorens , Lador and other older music boxes including carousel mosques, singing bird boxes and cages. We have some parts and can order others.

What to do with an Italian inlaid wood Music Box?

For all music boxes and especially Italian Inlaid wood boxes, wrap with tissue before wrapping with bubble wrap. When subjected to damp heat bubble wrap can cause the finish to become cloudy.