Hello Michael,  Yes, it is considered quite okay to repaint an iron
musical box bedplate.  _However,_ it is not at all recommended that
you try to do it without first having read a book on disc musical box
restoration.

Musical boxes appear to be deceptively simple in their operation (and
yes, they're simple) but alignment and adjustment are crucial to proper
operation and to avoiding damage, and we're talking all three dimensions
here.  For example, you really have to know what you are doing if you
even think about removing the star wheel gantry.  You don't just take
it off and screw it back on again.

The bottom line is, yes, you can do the job but, unless you really and
truly understand what you are doing, have it done by an expert.  The
chances are just too great that what seemed to be a simple job ends up
in a real mess.

Jim Heyworth,
Sechelt, B.C., Canada