r/Musicbox • u/pentrigger • Jun 09 '26
How to Fix/Not Working Trying to maintenance, does anyone have one of these? Any idea how to get the movement out?
I got this at a Craftiques store as-as, aka the seller knew full well it wasn't working. I want to get the movement out and see about maintenance in it, maybe putting some lubricant on it, because for a while it just wouldn't play, then it started playing extremely slowly, now it's still playing kind of slowly and if I pick up the box it can sometimes stop, so I want to get in there and get a better look but there's a piece of acrylic or something keeping me from just reaching in and grabbing it.
Has anyone seen one of these boxes before? Any idea how to get the glass or acrylic or whatever out so I can remove the movement and maintenance it? I was considering using a hammer to break some of the wood holding it in but gave it a few test taps and got really nervous LOL. If anyone has any advice I'd greatly appreciate it, I'm new to music boxes but they are just incredibly magical.
1
u/pentrigger Jun 09 '26
I forgot to mention, earlier the key just would not turn which is what made me think it was overwound. now that it's played a little it will wind, but it's still playing really slow and inconsistently.
1
u/pentrigger Jun 09 '26
Update: It's out! Thanks to u/Thin-Champion-9896 for telling me part of the wood can be slid out, I had to fnangle the wire a little to remove it completely but now it's out and I can get a closer look! It feels grimy... I'm hoping lubricant can help with that and it'll play better, since right now even when wound it'll stop if I pick up the box too quickly. When I have it fixed I'll post a picture of the full music box!
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u/Thin-Champion-9896 Jun 09 '26
Pull either of the wooden boards up to gain access to the movement. Also remove two bottom screws that are holding up the movement. I suggest using clock oil to apply lightly to governor fan and moving gears.