MMD > Archives > October 1995 > 1995.10.30 > 09Prev  Next


Re: Thorens Music Box Wanted
By Larry Smith

Re-post with corrected street address.  Jody, please use this one
in place of the previous message.  - L

>    "Simple box design, maybe 10X10 inches, sawtoothed disks between
> four and five inches in diameter, with the name of the song embossed in
> the disc.  The box had a little compartment that held the discs upright
> on the side, so I would estimate that it was about 6 or 7 inches high.
> A metal arm swung across and held the disc in place and then a simple
> switch started the music playing."

You are in luck, that exact same movement is available today from
the manufacturer, and what sounds like that exact box is still in
production as well.  You _are_ describing the 4 1/2 inch Thorens
movement, which was basically just one movement but was housed in
a variety of cases.  I have that movement in a box that sounds just
like the one you describe, a 10x10 box with a domed lid, with the
movement to the left inside, and slots to the right for disk storage.

Thorens was purchased years ago by Reuge and that same movement,
is available from them.  The disks now say "Reuge", but they are
identical - I've got a number of disks marked Thorens for my box
and they play perfectly well.  The easiest way to get the box is
from the San Francisco Music Box Company.  They have stores all over
the country, so you might find them in your local phone book, but
if not, they can be reached at: The San Francisco Music Box Company,
390 North Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek, Ca, 94598, phone: (510) 930-4800.
The box is part number 11-99150-500, and is $1300 retail, but they
are having a 15% off sale right now - and they give a 25% discount
for the purchaser's birth month.  Hope this helps.

regards,ΒΆ
Larry Smith

(Message sent Mon, 30 Oct 95 10:25:04 -0500 , from time zone -0500.)

Key Words in Subject:  Box, Music, Thorens, Wanted