Nancy Fratti's comments are very well taken and based on a LOT of
experience. Angelo Rulli makes a good point about protecting combs and
I agree with him as long as the comb is not on its own bedplate such as
a comb being sent for repairs or an already disassembled box being sent
for work (shudder).

However, as Nancy points out, the assembled music box is its own best
protection. She tapes the combs, glass panels, and provides good shock
protection with double boxing and foam insulation to cushion the
(musical) box in the event of a large drop. During restoration, a great
deal of time is often spent in setting the combs properly. This may
include some delicate and sometimes  unbalanced shims under the comb
base. For example, I once installed thin shims of three different
thicknesses under the rear edge of a cylinder box comb to balance the
sound level and chord timing. It was amazing how much this improved the
overall sound of the piece. Having put this much effort into
restoration, I would prefer to not disturb the comb setting by removing
it and hoping the owner will get it back correctly.

Regards, Chuck

____¶
Chuck Walker (cewalker@prodigy.com)¶
Hopewell Junction, NY