CAUTION:
NEVER re-adjust or modify any part or parts of the movements – in particular:
• DO NOT RE-ADJUST the mounting screws securing the vibration plate.
• DO NOT RE-ADJUST the adjustment cap on the friction governor assembly.
• DO NOT DEFORM the vibration notes (springs ).
• DO NOT RE-ADJUST the cylinder-retaining screws.
• DO NOT RE-ADJUST the stopper lever.
It is particularly important NOT to re-adjust or deform these five items under any circumstances. In addition, any
modification due to the replacement or addition of parts or attempts to oil any parts of the movement will affect the
function, performance and overall quality of the movements.
Environmental requirements
The movement is particularly sensitive to dust and humidity. Make sure not to operate the it in locations with much dust or
dirt or in high humidity. Dirt and dust particles will adhere to and lodge on the gear train, causing it to jam. Moisture from
high-humidity environments will deposit on the vibration plate, cylinder and needle tips, causing them to rust.
Box construction considerations
Do not use extremely hard (e.g., ebony) or extremely soft material (e.g., balsa) for the box, and be sure to use only stable,
straight-grained wood that has been dried through either natural or artificial means to a water content of around 4-5%. The
acoustic amplification properties of extremely hard and soft types of wood are not good; and wood warpage can cause
deformation or distortion of the box and resonator frame, resulting in incorrect musical performance.
The bottom of the box typically doubles as the resonator or sounding board for the movement. If possible, construct the
resonator board from a core material (e.g., luan chip board that has been properly dried) with a fascia board or veneer
glued on to both sides. If using solid wood for the resonator board, be sure to select straight-grained non-warped wood
that has been properly dried. The resonator board should be 5/32" to 9/32" thick and flat to within 0.01". The thickness
of the resonator board affects the volume and timbre of the music box, and unevenness or deformation of the resonator
board will distort the alignment of the cylinder and vibration plate through misalignment of the movement base, affecting
sound quality and performance.
Typical woodworking adhesives often contain formalin or other formaldehyde-releasing components, which can cause the
vibration plate to rust. Be sure to use a non-formalin-type adhesive to construct the box; and if you incorporate chipboard,
make sure it does not contain formalin or other formaldehyde-releasing components.
Always design the box to position the movement with the winding shaft facing down. Mount the movement in an
orientation that at least maintains the cylinder in a horizontal position end to end, and preferably keeps both the base and
the cylinder in a horizontal position. If the movement must be mounted at a slope, ensure that the angle of slope is well
less than 90 degrees. Musical performance during play will be affected if the attitude of the cylinder is not set correctly,
and it may also not be possible to change tunes properly.
Design the box to seal out dust, moisture and humidity and to protect the movement from being touched.
Be sure that the space surrounding the winding key wings and shaft is clear; contact with the box or support surface will
reduce the driving force for the movement and eventually cause it to stop. The hole through the resonator board for the
winding key should be 25/64" to 7/16" in diameter.
Check that the feet supporting the case are flat and perfectly even for firm, wobble-free support; wobbling can result
in a humming sound. To eliminate wobble and also prevent the box from slipping and falling, glue a thin pad of felt or
similar material to the base of the support foot. Keep in mind that a properly constructed box can still hum if the surface
supporting the box is not perfectly flat.
72-Note Musical Movements
39496
30032
Rev. 10/14
© Rockler Companies Inc. 2014
