Gregory:  In MMD, you asked, "I'm sure there are probably lots of
different opinions about the questions I have, but I'd like to know..."

Let me give you my opinions.

  1) Would simply re-pinning the cylinder likely be enough to make it
sound good?

ANS:  Maybe, but probably not.

  2) Do the re-pinners justify the pins as part of the job, or is that
extra cost?

ANS:  Justification is extra.  That is very time consuming and has
little to do with the actual re-pinning.  Justification -- the adjusting
of the cylinder pins so that they align correctly with the teeth and
strike them at just the right time -- is critical, however, to make the
box sound right.

  2) Would new dampers necessarily be required or do old dampers
in good condition usually work OK?

ANS:  New dampers may not be required, but would likely a good idea.

  3) Roughly how much does re-pinning a cylinder this size cost and
how long does it take?

ANS:  Check with the folks who do that work, but a good guesstimate
is around $50 per linear inch.  Thus, an 11-inch cylinder would be
around $550.

  4) Who does this type of work?

ANS:  I know of at least two people who do this work or can get it
done for you.  Dave & Carol Beck in Georgia (e-mail CBeck93435@aol.com)
and Nancy Fratti in New York State (e-mail musicbox@sover.net).

  5) Roughly, what would a box like this in excellent condition
be worth?

ANS:  That's a good question.  To the right buyer, it would likely be
worth at least the cost of restoration, if not more.

I like to listen to music played on musical boxes.  Key-wind boxes are
often especially nice.  If I were to offer my opinion whether too have
the restoration done or not, I would opine that you should.

Musically yours,

Bill Wineburgh
http://members.aol.com/mboxmuseum/museum.html