What is the point of music boxes?

At its core, a music box is pretty self-explanatory, right? It’s a box that plays music when the lid is opened. There is a lot of versatility when it comes to music boxes. Some of them have dancing figurines within that provide lively entertainment, while others can be utilized as keepsake boxes or jewelry boxes for a more functional purpose.

However, as technology evolves, so do music boxes, and there aren’t many manufacturers that still adhere to the traditional styles of the original music box. If you want to learn about classic music boxes, explore this overview from the experts at Music Box Attic today!

History of the Music Box

The invention of the music box is a little contentious, but historians agree that it was probably invented in the late 1700s in Switzerland. The first few music boxes were so small that they could fit inside of a traditional pocket watch. Over time, designers gradually built larger varieties that could feature unique details and intricate creations.

While Switzerland may have invented the first music boxes, Italy quickly took the world by storm with their traditional wood inlay craftsmanship. Passed down through generations, craftsmen used tricky techniques to showcase delicate designs and patterns on the lids of music boxes in the 1800s. Classic music boxes from Sorrento and Ercolano were highly prized – displayed in many parlors, sitting rooms, and drawing rooms.

Eventually, Germany and America also started producing their own styles of music boxes and clockwork novelties to appeal to the masses. You could see these displayed with pride around the home, in offices, bedrooms, and living rooms.

Traditional Music Box Movements

The classic music box was able to produce sound due to a small mechanical movement that looked like a cylinder with multiple teeth. This piece was called a comb, and each of the teeth produced a different note when plucked. The depth of the cut into the cylinder determined the note each tooth struck. The teeth were placed in a specific position and order to recreate a melody when the movement was wound up and played. As the cylinder cycled through, a small pick would pluck each tooth to play a song!

These older movements had only 18-notes that they could play, which resulted in simplified melodies and lullabies. As the industry evolved and mechanical movements grew more complex, artisans were able to recreate songs more accurately with the addition of up to 144-note movements. Even today, you can find classic music boxes with mechanical movement that include:

• 23-Note Movements
• 30-Note Movements
• 36-Note Movements
• 50-Note Movements
• 72-Note Movements
• 144-Note Movements

In addition to the comb that contains the actual melody inside the music box, you also need a watch spring, clockwork, and fly regulator. These additional pieces move the cylinder and dictate the rate at which it spins.

Modern Music Box Movements

While many people love the classic music boxes because of their quaint vintage personalities, there are modern music boxes available that can play all sorts of songs and recorded messages. With the advent of the USB, music box makers now had access to a digital recording device that could play back anything! Music boxes with USB devices allow the customer to dictate which songs they want to hear and change their recorded melodies at will.

Finding Your Music Box

At Music Box Attic, we strive to provide a collection that appeals to traditionalist and modern customers alike. When you shop our store, you can find music boxes straight from some of the most infamous designers, side by side with modern novelty boxes that have tons of modern features and unique personalities. We recommend music boxes for anyone who wants to give a commemorative gift or add unusual accent pieces to their home decor.

Whatever reason you have to shop our music boxes, browse a selection of classic and modern music boxes for any occasion. Or, reach out to our experts for more guidance on finding the perfect music box for your needs.

They’re Unique and Fun

Whether it’s Christmas, a birthday or another special occasion, music boxes are a unique and fun toy for kids to play with. Certain ones have different animated characters that move, and you can choose from an array of different themes – ballerinas, Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Mouse and much more. Kids always love to wind them up and listen to the music as the figurines dance around.

They’re Nostalgic 

Music boxes have been used and adored for decades, and they’re heartfelt gifts that never get old. They’re often given to children from parents, grandparents or other family members. So, when the children are grown, they can turn the musical crank, listen to the sweet sounds play, and look back on happy and meaningful moments when the family was altogether.  

A Family Heirloom

These dainty, delicate and beautifully designed boxes are the perfect item for a family heirloom piece that can be passed down through the generations of the family. Certain musical boxes can also increase in value over the years depending on the design.

They’re Practical

Aside from being a stunning, sentimental gift, they’re also quite practical. They help to keep your recipient’s jewelry neat, organized and safely contained in a box that’s fit for any valuable items, trinkets or keepsakes.

Makes A Good Wedding Gift

If you’re looking for a unique wedding favor to honor the newlywed couple, a music box is an elegant choice as well. To make it even more custom to the special couple, you can even choose to have it engraved with a special message or their initials.

From music boxes to modern mantel clocks to pocket watches, grandfather clocks, cuckoo clocks and more. Here at the Frankenmuth Clock Company, we specialize in all things clock related, including repairs. Come by to visit our shop located in Michigan’s Little Bavaria.

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