WANTED: 19 ⅝" Polyphon music box disks

[VintageTechnologies]

Okay, I know this is a phonograph site, but there are some music box collectors among us. I just acquired a coin-op double-comb Polyphon music box that plays 19 ⅝" disks. I found a website that sells replica disks for $70 each, but I would like opinions what originals should sell for and where I might find some. No luck on eBay so far. I would naturally prefer to buy from a collector that can describe the condition of his disks.

[FellowCollector]

Nice find Keith. I have collected (and enjoy very much!) early disc music boxes and the lovely resonant sound they produce. There are a number of sources online that have 19 ⅝" Polyphon discs. Nancy Fratti, I'm fairly certain, has them among others. You should expect to pay $50 to $60 each for nice condition original discs in that size I would think. Christmas titles and other classic songs will likely fetch slightly more but that is a good average price. I don't have a Polyphon 19 ⅝" music box as yet but I know where there is a nice one that I've been trying to buy for years. If you ever need any help or advice with restoring yours let me know as I've crossed that bridge lots of times with my own disc music boxes and it's always rewarding to be able to make them sing sweetly by your own hand as opposed to sending it off to a restorer. Just don't tell any music box restorers that I said that! I'm always wary of buying the coin op music boxes as sometimes they sustain (especially the combs) more than average wear depending on how many customers dropped a coin in over the years. But, you can tell that just as soon as you remove the combs and look at the tips under magnification. Just be very careful when you reinstall the combs as the dampers (especially on Polyphons and Reginas) are easily disturbed and trust me, you don't want to mess much with the dampers. Again, great find! When it's all set let's see and hear a video!

Doug

[phonogal]

I bought some several years ago by avertising on the MMD board. Have you tried there yet? Also check MBSI. I have the same size Polyphon coin op and I love it. Jan

[FellowCollector]

I bought some several years ago by avertising on the MMD

Good ideas. MMD is a good source which I completely forgot about - and, unlike MBSI (which is a fine organization), MMD is free. All you have to do is sign up. I receive the MMD postings daily. Most postings are player piano related but once in a while a music box topic is posted including music box discs for sale and wanted. I have posted there myself years ago when I was seeking Mira 18 ½ inch music box discs.

Doug

[VintageTechnologies]

Thanks to all for the suggestions. My Polyphon came with one disk and it plays perfectly. I will enjoy it at least as much as my 17" Stella. I know it has been restored to some extent, but I am not about to remove a comb to inspect the teeth. When I read about dampers, I backed away from any notions of repairing one until I watch over someone's shoulder doing it. Music boxes are a whole 'nuther critter from phonographs! Cranks and mainsprings are the only similarity.

[FloridaClay]

Congrats on acquiring the Polyphon. I have a 15 ½" and really like the way they sound.

Should you decide to join MBSI (if you aren't already a member, we'd love to have you!), there is always a large "mart" at our national annual meetings. There should be a lot of discs (as well as other things related to mechanical music) for sale there. This year's meeting is going to be in Weston, FL, (near Ft. Lauderdale) from Oct. 7-12.

Clay