Collector/musicologist Peter Schuhknecht, Hannover, wrote to me:

> Today a music-box producer phoned me, Herr Jobin, asking if
> I could make arrangements for him.  I could, but I haven't the
> time.  I've given him your address.  It's an interesting task!
>
> Arranging for music boxes is much, much more complicated than for
> crank-organs.  The main problem is that a tongue can be plucked
> only about once per measure. The remaining time it vibrates for
> the duration of the measure, more or less.
>
> Also, not too many teeth with the same frequency should be placed
> side-by-side, or else the comb doesn't sound.  That's needed to
> maintain a harmonious sound.
>
> You see, the arranger must have not only good musical knowledge,
> but also technical understanding, because the individual comb is
> built under his direction.  What he makes out of a musical piece
> lies literally in his hand.  Out of this necessity, I have
> developed arrangements that contrast from the usual arrangements,
> through the use of appealing runs.
>
> The use of trills (the best effects in a musical clock) offer
> the advantages of (a) vivaciousness and (b) conservation of a
> multiplicity of tunings.  The trills always go twice at 5 tones
> away, e.g., D-E. (For trills you need 5 teeth with a D and 5 teeth
> with an E).  Also interesting is a tri-chord trill, e.g., E-G-C.
>
> The key of F is best suited for the 72-tooth mechanism, because
> the characteristics of the tempered steel must be observed.
> Complicated -- but very appealing!
>
> Happy Easter!  Peter


MMDer Hauke Marxsen helped me to translate this very technical text
(which I still don't completely comprehend!), and offered this
additional information:

> Robbie, I do not know Mister Jobin, but I do know a company Jobin
> in Switzerland.  That company is producing musical boxes and a lot
> of different wooden things.  Maybe this Mister Jobin is the owner
> of the same company.  A few years ago I bought many old Thorens
> cylinder movements from that company.

Does anybody know a noteur/arranger who might help Mr. Jobin?

Robbie Rhodes