Ramon and other MMD members,

We are all most fortunate that Charles Hind came to the rescue with a
discussion about making an authentic musical box.  For he is probably
the only modern individual who can speak to the point from personal
experience.  And what an experience it was.

What he left out is the fact that he did, indeed, persist in his quest.
After all the research and planning that he mentioned, he actually
built a working musical box.  And not some simple little
representation.  He built a real, large cylinder musical box of the
type familiar to collectors of antique musical boxes.

Another thing he left out is the other item you need after you stock
your machine and woodworking shop with the tools and equipment that he
mentions.  You need the knowledge and experience of an experienced
machinist.  Lastly, you need the time and patience to complete the job.
I don't recall how much time (years) his box took, but a friend of mine
pinned a cylinder for a small barrel organ last year.  He worked 5-6
hours a day for a month inserting the pins - a total of about 165
hours.  And that did not include the time to mark the position of the
notes.  Cylinders are much more demanding.

Now, if I have not discouraged you completely, I wish you the very best
in your project.  If there is any way I can help, please contact me.

Regards,
Craig Smith