How to Make a Music Box

Tap to Read ➤ Medha Godbole

A music box is an instrument that uses a set of pins attached to revolving cylinder. The musical output is generated as the pins pluck the tuned teeth of a steel comb. This write-up provides instructions for making this instrument.

If you are uncontrollably drawn towards music and enjoy working on mechanical devices, then making a music box is just the right activity for you. This musical device was first produced in bulk in Switzerland, in the 19th century. Later, all of Europe was engulfed by its charm.

The music is produced by a set of pins placed on a rotating cylinder. When the cylinder turns, it plucks the tuned teeth of a steel comb, bringing forth a tune.

The components include a metal bedpan, spring motor, windup key or ratchet lever to wind the spring motor, comb with several tuned teeth of different lengths, metallic cylinder and multiple tune cylinders. If you're making this instrument on your own, you’ll need a ceramic trinket box with a lid, musical movement, a pencil, glue and some decorating material.

Instructions

Step 1 : Begin by measuring the box which will hold the musical movement, so that you can buy a musical movement of the exact size. Step 2 : Place the musical movement in the box of you're choice. Make sure that the winding key faces an interior side of the box. Use a pencil to mark the spot where the box meets the winding key. Make a pencil indentation there.

Step 3 : Create a hole for the winding key, by pressing the pencil inward at the indentation spot, from the outside. Unruly or irregular edges surrounding the box are directed inside the box, by this technique.

Step 4 : Paint the box and embellish it with stickers, buttons, beads, or stamps. Then, glue a square of wood to the center front of the inner box bottom. The musical movement will have to be glued to this.

Step 5 : There will be a manual with the musical movement. So, check it for a few instructions related to the winding key. Detach the winding screw from the box, if the two are attached. Then, using the hot glue gun, coat the side of the box that has the winding key.

Step 6 : Next, press the musical movement against the interior part of the box, which will line up the hole for the winding screw, with the hole in the box. Step 7 : Screw the winding key through the hole in the box, into the musical movement. Last but not the least, turn the winding key gently to hear the music.

This task is not as complicated as it appears to be, but do follow the instructions on the musical movement. Use a pencil as a guide, to help match the hole in the box with the hole for the winding key, in the musical movement.

Preferably, poke a pencil externally, through the hole in the box. Then, make sure that when you glue the musical movement to the box, the glue does not spread near the winding keyhole. Keep away the decorative pieces from the bottom of the box, especially when glue is involved.