This is a reply to Karl Petersen's post, "Transcribing Music Box
Disks", in MMD (10.02.07).

Converting music box discs to MIDI music files is being done by Jack
Perron of Hens Teeth discs, myself and probably others.  The technique
is to either scan or photograph the disc and then convert the image to
data that shows the position of the projections.  This position data can
then be converted to MIDI music file format.  The MIDI file can then be
heard on your computer or played on another MIDI instrument.  MIDI music
can be modified on a computer for whatever purpose you are considering.

Jack and I both gave presentations on these topics at the MBSI Annual
Meeting last September.  If you are interested in mechanical music you
would benefit from MBSI membership.  There is quite a lot of software
needed to accomplish these transformations.  Jack has a web page that
describes his products: http://www.henstoothdiscs.com/ 

You can reach me at my email.  I have developed a solenoid actuated
player that attaches to a 15.5-inch Regina or Polyphon music box which
responds to MIDI files.

Knowles Little
kglittle68@msn.com.geentroep [delete ".geentroep" to reply]