Music Box Instruction

[Glenn C Roberts]

I'm sure there are many articles on how to make these things that include the science behind making the movement sound great, but I couldn't find any on the AAW. My search method is probably wrong. Trying to learn the secrets of producing a good sound using a wood turned box. Any ideas? TIA

 

[Gerald Lawrence]

It is in the wood. Do a search for drum boxes and see what woods work for that. No guarantee but it is a start.

 

[Chris Lawrence]

It also has to do with how thin and even thickness the bottom is. The bottom of the box becomes a sound board that amplifies the sound. I have made a fair amount of boxes out of Sapele it seems amplify the sound fairly well.

 

[Glenn C Roberts]

Thankx fellas. I will try a very hard wood (pignut hickory) and a softer wood (soft maple) in various thicknesses attached to the same box as bottom plates. I wonder if the size of the chamber and what wood the box is made from makes a difference in sound quality. Also a removable or hinged top?

 

[Chris Lawrence]

I have done demo's on making them out of a solid piece of wood without using a separate piece for the bottom. I make a loose fitting lid with a chamfered edge that matches the top of the box to center it and insert a glass coaster in the top to protect the movement.

 

[john lucas]

Contact Mike Hunter. He came to mynshopnand we experimented with making music boxes. Pretty sure he spent more time perfecting them. You can reach him through his website. Www.huntertoolsystems.com.

 

[Tom Gall]

I made one as part of an exchange/challenge for one of my clubs 7-8 years ago. The sound was quite good even with an inexpensive movement. I attached the movement to some thin wood with holes to act as a soundboard like an acoustic guitar. The bowl/box portion was the resonating chamber which acted like a speaker enclosure. But, you have many design options.

Music Box (opened)

Showing soundboard and winding key.

www.aawforum.org

Music Box

(2014) Bucks Woodturners annual Pollyanna exchange piece – Theme ~ “Music Box” Maple with textured lid & finial. 5⅛”ø x 6⅜”h. Lid is indexed, textured with knurling tool, rotary burs, and wood burning. Painted white and added gold gilders...

www.aawforum.org

 

[Glenn C Roberts]

Both of those boxes are very elegant indeed! The talent on this site amazes me. Shot Mike an Email. Maybe I am over thinking this.