Comb repairs and tuning, while a relatively simple job, needs a little
careful thought prior to attempting.  The actual fitting of a new tooth
has been mastered now by one or two people, to the point that they
are almost impossible to detect.  Tuning is easy, either working to
a known scale or matching to a comb known to be good.

The best place to start is with 'The Disc Musical Box Handbook',
Graham Webb's excellent authoritative on the subject.  The section
outlining these repairs was the contribution of one of the old masters,
Bob Minney, who could work wonders with comb tuning.

I'm pleased to say that Bob is still very much alive and well, and not
only am I indebted to his sterling help and advice over the years, but
he also took time last year to teach my 13-year-old daughter, Daisy,
how to tune Polyphon combs from scratch.  So at least this skill will
hopefully live on in the UK for the foreseeable future.  If anyone
requires her help in any resonator replacement and/or tuning please
feel to contact her at <Ourdoo@aol.com>.

Should anyone want a copy of the late Mr. Webb's rare book, then I have
two spare 1st editions in hardback with dust jacket, price 150 GBP each.

Mark Singleton
Lancashire, UK