[ Don Rudee wrote in 101104 MMDigest --

> Probably it needs just a bit of cleaning and lube.

Usually a disc musical box doesn't "just stop turning" because of
a lubrication problem.  A dirty governor and/or a dry spring can
definitely contribute to a gradual slow-down, but not an immediate
'stop'.  The more immediate cause could be a projection from the disc
having come off and gotten lodged in a governor gear.

If you're going to take it apart, you *must* wind down the spring-motor
before taking a screwdriver to anything!  You can do that manually
(in your case, on a 27" Regina, you have to do it that way).  Another
cause _could_ be a crack in the jewel.

If your mechanism hasn't been thoroughly cleaned in the last 15 to 20
years, I suggest a thorough overhaul.  Just like any mechanical item,
the grease and oil dries out (especially in the spring-motor) -- it
collects dirt and bug carcasses.  Putting oil or grease on dirty gears
simply creates a sludge that will accelerate wear on those gears.

The gears *must* be clean before you lubricate them.  For the heavy
27" Regina governor I suggest a thin grease (stem grease) on the worm
(endless screw), and a heavy clock oil for the bushings.

Not only does grease/oil congeal after many years, but dirt, hair and
bug carcasses accumulate in the star wheel assembly and between the
star wheel gantry and the damper rails too!

Go slow, be careful, *unwind it* before you work on it!

Nancy Fratti - Nancy Fratti Music Boxes
Canastota, New York, USA
tel.: 1-315-684-9977 (10am-7pm Mon-Fri; Sat. by chance)
http://www.nancyfrattimusicboxes.com/