We can provide custom tunes for music boxes.
The price listed here is for a minimum of 200 pieces (If you would like a larger quantity, email us and we'll email you a quote)
We can supply both copyrighted songs OR your original songs. A musical arrangement is needed. We can write it for you if you are unable.
Turnaround time is 8-10 weeks from time of approval. Place your order by clicking "add to cart".
If you have your own recording, please email it to us at info@themusichouse.com. We will send your .Mp3 to Japan for confirmation that your melody is compatible within the limitations of an 18 note mechansim.
If they send us the "O.K" then we are now expected to pay in advance before they will begin work on the arrangement/development (set up), and normally within 2 -3 weeks we will have a keyboard simulation to send to you, a sample MP3 file of how your custom movement will sound (the musical arrangement - note for note) Not the actual sound of a music box.
If you approve, we are placed in the queue for machining and production to begin. If you have anything you wish to change, this is the time to let it be known. After approval, within 6-10 weeks, barring anything unforseen, your completed custom musical movement order will ship from Sankyo, the manufacturer.
If you would like to place the movement(s) in a music box, please let us know which box you would like and the quantity. You can select from all music boxes that say "1.18" next to them. Pricing of the music boxes and installation will depend on the quantity and the particular model.
18 note movement information: Your own 18 note movement Size: 2" L x 1 3/4" W x 1" H. Generally it is good practice to have most of the song play only one note at a time, with two at a time interspersed at intervals. You can sometimes play 3 at a time as the last chord of the song. The reason is friction/drag. Each revolution of the cylinder is approximately 14 - 18 seconds. Some movements are adjustable (slower/faster) between these figures. It is good practice to arrange the music for a target 8 bars and 17 seconds (the music repeats after the full revolution). A blank, untuned comb is usually machined to sequentially cover about two octaves in a major key (no sharps or flats). However very few songs can use an untuned comb because of duplicates. Duplicate pitches (teeth) are necessary whenever a note plays again in less than about one second (which happens rather often). Most movement combs have between 4 and 10 duplicated teeth, limiting the overall number of different pitches to about 14 or less. The pitches which are lost are therefore unavailable. Arranging for a music box is quite difficult because of this. [For larger orders, please email us]
