Music boxes captivate both children and adults. Even in this digital age, when they hear their tinkling strains, everyone comes to a halt. Music box movements are ubiquitous, appearing in every kind of knickknack imaginable.
Music boxes have been around since the sixteenth century. They were designed for royalty and other wealthy people and consisted primarily of a revolving disk striking a single pin. The first “real” music box was created in 1796 Antoine Favre, a watchmaker. He also contributed to the development of the disk music box, which was a forerunner to recorded music and is still produced today.
Because the music box movement is similar to that of a watch, it’s no surprise that the Europeans, who are known for their precision timepieces, were first to develop intricate music boxes. Japanese watchmakers, on the other hand, developed world-class movements after WWII. There are currently no manufacturers of music box movements in the United States. Flat metal pins tuned to various notes on the scale are placed side side, similar to piano keys, in the movements. At the pins’ edges, a metal cylinder rotates. The pins strike their notes when the metal cylinder is bumped, and a tune is played as the cylinder rotates.
Character music boxes are still popular because every child enjoys watching a ballerina or favorite cartoon character turn around to a tune. From Barbie to Mickey Mouse, most cartoon characters and toys have appeared on music boxes. Characters are usually posed on pedestals and remain stationary. Animated music boxes, on the other hand, are very popular. Animals or people may appear from houses, or the treadle and wheel of a sewing machine may turn, or any number of whimsical notions may appear, all designed to delight the eye and ear.
Snow globes, models of buildings or monuments, and other figures, as well as jewelry boxes, may have musical movements inside. Almost anything that can be put on a shelf can be turned into a musical instrument. Seasonal music boxes are also always popular.
Music boxes come in all shapes and sizes, from the most basic to the most extravagant. Some music boxes can cost up to $2,000 and include a 72-note movement as well as bells that are struck with small mallets to produce a lovely sound. Music boxes come with a wide variety of tunes, ranging from classical to Broadway. Many sellers provide buyers with a selection of music box tunes. Several tunes may be included with the music box if it uses discs, and the buyer may be able to purchase additional tunes.
Music boxes can be purchased in stores or online, and prices range from $20 for a basic movement to over $1,000 for the most elaborate pieces. Digital notes that can be programmed for different tunes are also available in some music boxes. Although digital music attempts to replicate their sound, nothing beats the old-fashioned tinkle of “real” music boxes.