| Cylinder music boxes were once a means of | | | | devices appeared, the limitations of the cylinder led |
| providing live music without performers. The music | | | | to the development of Symphonion disc music box. |
| produced was like an ensemble of harpists or bell | | | | These types of music boxes firstly appeared around |
| choir. It was not without its limitations, however. | | | | 1880 in Leipzig, Germany. They had the great |
| Back in those days, a music box came with some | | | | advantage of producing more sound and being more |
| specific sounds, and those were the sounds you had | | | | affordable. How did they work? Well, a different |
| to listen. So, in order to provide some new tunes and | | | | technique was developed to punch projections into a |
| improve the music quality of these music boxes, a | | | | durable steel disk and these were used, to pluck the |
| shifting cylinder was invented. | | | | comb. The disc music boxes were then capable of |
| There were two sets of pins on the cylinders. As | | | | playing 24 or 27 inch discs. To understand better, you |
| one of the sets of pins on the cylinder rang the | | | | should know that a 24 inch disc could play a 2 minute |
| resonating "teeth" of the "comb" the other sets of | | | | song. So, the music boxes were specially designed to |
| pins passed quietly between the teeth. When the | | | | play separate song discs, and this way with just one |
| song was over, the cylinder would turn over, making | | | | music box you could listen for several plays. |
| the next set of pins to line up with the "teeth". What | | | | Because of improving science and technology, most |
| was the result of these actions? Well, on some music | | | | today don't turn to music boxes for their regular |
| boxes, you could even get 12 different sounds. After | | | | music fix. People purchase music boxes today not to |
| a few years, a new type of cylinder was invented: | | | | replace their mp3 players and Ipods. It is a way of |
| the interchangeable cylinder. These interchangeable | | | | enjoying music of yesterday and relish in the beauty |
| cylinder music boxes had the great advantage of | | | | and art of the days gone past. Yet, for those who |
| being replaced, with a new cylinder with new tunes. | | | | are fans, old clocks and watches with small musical |
| These cylinders were normally made of strong | | | | pieces are highly recommended. Old wood disc or |
| materials, like metal and powered by a spring. In | | | | cylinder music boxes are becoming a rarity these |
| some of the last models, the cylinders could be | | | | days, and can be considered valuable antiques. Just |
| removed to change melodies, thanks to an invention | | | | visit a museum and see some models. From time to |
| in 1862, and in some exceptional models, there were | | | | time, you can even see them sold online. The music |
| four springs, to provide continuous play for up to | | | | and the craftsmanship of these amazing music boxes |
| three hours. | | | | will leave you with the yearning to buy one |
| But, because people weren't satisfied by the | | | | afterwards. |
| performances of these cylinder music boxes, as new | | | | |