HensTooth Discs (tm) Do-It-Yourself Music Box Composing Aids for creating
your own music for authentic music boxes
We
now have online instructions that will help you compose your own music for authentic
music boxes.
HOW
IT WORKS:
1/
Compose your initial music drafts with your favorite music software (that can
save compositions as "midifiles".)
2/
Submit your midifile to our online application which will check your work for
compatibility with the requirements of the model music box of your choice.
3/
Receive an immediate, detailed analysis of your work, pinpointing things that
need to be changed in order for your music to be punched onto a real music box
disc.
4/
When your work fits all the requirements, you may, if you wish, contact HensTooth
Discs for information on how to get your music produced on an actual music box
disc.
HOW
TO GET STARTED:
Since
the recent introduction of hand-cranked 'paper-strip' music box mechanisms, we
have seen a dramatic increase in the number of customers wanting to create their
own music box compositions. Paper-strip mechanisms offer a great introduction
to music box composing. These mechanisms are widely available for little cost,
and there are even cellphone apps that aid in composing music for the paper strips.
For
those interested in taking the next step, HensTooth Discs is encouraging composers
to write their own music for some of the smaller authentic disc music boxes that
are available.
Currently,
there are three types of disc music boxes for which we are making composing aids.
These aids act as online tutors to guide the composer through the process of writing
music that can actually be punched onto a music box disc (either metal or plastic
material). The composer starts by using their own favorite composing software
to create a first draft; then can check their work with our online tutor for things
that will need to be corrected. Detailed instructions can be found on the tutor
pages linked below.
An
appropriate first step is to decide which of the music box types you prefer.
Here is some preliminary information on each type. Each has it's own particular
advantages.
1/
The Thorens AD30 spring-wound mechanism.
This
type has a traditional spring-wound mechanism. These are good quality, older music
boxes no longer manufactured but widely available on Ebay and elsewhere. They
can play approximately 23.5 seconds of music. To visit the ONLINE TUTOR for Thorens,
click HERE
2/ Sankyo 5" Motor driven mechanisms - metal disc.
Sold
under various brand names such as Mr. Christmas, Crosley, Thomas Pacconi, etc.
Discs are actually 4.75" (size of a CD/DVD) in diameter. Play time is
approximately 28 seconds. These are electric motor-driven mechanisms. Sankyo currently
has discontinued production, but they are widely-available online. To visit the
ONLINE TUTOR for this style music box, click HERE
Here
is a video of a Mr. Christmas 5" Metal Disc Music Box:
;
3/
Sankyo 7" Plastic Disc Music Box Mechanism
Sold
mainly under the Mr. Christmas brand name. This is an electric motor-driven mechanism.
It can play approximately 28 seconds of music. These boxes are available new and
used online. To visit the ONLINE TUTOR for this music box, click HERE
