Melinda Paris wrote:

> The price seems right but there's no use in buying if it's something
> that will require a professional to fix.  I'm afraid that will cost
> the same as the price in buying the music box.

On the contrary.  It may cost you even more if you end up ruining
something and then go to a professional to get it all straightened out.
Even worse, it may be impossible to get things back to the condition
they were before the attempted repair caused some damage.  This is true
of many mechanical devices, not just music boxes -- it's just that
older music boxes are usually expensive to begin with, and often in
fragile condition.

I can't urge you strongly enough to learn about how your music box
works by reading and talking to others.  The MMD is a good place to
start.  As you learn more, you will find out what you are comfortable
doing yourself and what you feel should be turned over to the pros.

> Does anyone know someone around North Carolina that fixes music
boxes?

Yes, but I'm at work and my list is at home.  I'll try to get you more
information if no one comes up with it before I tomorrow.

Good luck with your purchase.

Bob Fitterman
bobf@ilx.com