A new Reference Book

How we are creating this new Reference Book?

Individually there are many things we do not know that we do not know. By collaborating and sharing knowledge that many of us do know, we can gather and consolidate information on all aspects of the history, makes, models, functioning and operation of all the various Disc Music Boxes and disc media.

The aim of the project is to create a reference book that lists and documents every single model and variation of disc music box that was produced with specifications on each model, production runs, modifications to the models over its production life span, etc. Also included will be information on the propper care and operation of the specific models, as well as ephemera and accessories associated with music boxes. Essentially, the book will leave no stone unturned, to provide all possible details and answer any questions anyone may have.

When the book goes to the printers, the information printed must be complete & accurate.

As a first step we would like to survey – as far as possible - all existing disc machines, (with serial numbers). A monumentous task one may think, and we know that we cannot achieve a 100% capture rate, but it will be a giant leap forward, and if we create enough awareness through publicity to reach out to as many people and institutions with Disc Music Boxes, we do expect a very good coverage.

We have selected a service (ROMFI) that is perfect to assist us in this task, it is already available (and free for our purpose), has a proven stability over a number of years, and is run by a team who are happy to assist in our project.

In selecting the best surviving example of each model for the book, we will make our selection either from those items submitted into ROMFI, or from photo’s we receive from fellow music box collectors and museums (naturally with an attribution to the owner). Though we would prefer the Internet route, some of our collector friends may not necessarily be using the Internet. We will upload postal submissions onto ROMFI so as to share model specifics with all interested people.

Our second appeal would be for copies (scans, photocopies or loan) of any original disc music box literature you may have such as catalogs, letter heads, manuals. We will list on the menu point “Resource Lists” the items we have so as you know what we still miss.