Request for Question Clarification by
googlenut-ga
on
01 Mar 2003 21:42 PST
Hello narrative-ga,
I have found many online stores selling music boxes, which allow you
to select from a large list of tunes for very little if any additional
cost. However, it appears as though it is very expensive to have a
music box made with a personalized tune and a minimum order is
required; usually 100 or more. I found the following statement at one
website:
“We'd like to thank you for your interest in our products and for
visiting our website!
If you didn't find your tune on our list, please email us and ask if
we have it in a one-of-a-kind music box or if we have it in our "odd
tunes" bin. Please keep in mind that we have only about 1,000 tunes in
stock even though millions have been recorded.
If we respond that we don't have it, and you would still like to order
a custom tune or a tune that is currently not made, we're sorry to
disappoint you but you would need to order a minimum of 2,000
pieces--there is no way around that!
Music Box Manufacturing Information:
Please send in a tape recording of the tune played on a piano or
similar, send in arrangement of sheet music, usually 16 bars of music
in 4/4 time, a signed release from the individual who owns the rights
to the music and a check for $6,000. (Must be a certified bank check).
This will cover the cost of 2,000 pieces (which is the minimum) of
tunes only. (approx. $3.00 each). Any additional charges, such as
freight, will be billed later on. The orders take from 4 to 6 months
lead time. You will receive 2M,18 note japanese mechanical wind up
movements only and does not include the cost of the box to put it in.
You would have to initiate development of that beginning with design,
cost ,etc. We could help you with that but you would need the musical
part first.
We usually do this for manufacturers and not for the general public,
--there is no way to make up just one unit.
We're very sorry, but even after 15+ years looking we still do not
know of anyone or anyplace that makes up just one piece. If you should
ever find one, please let us know as we get alot of requests for
that.”
I found the following information at another website:
“Q. Do you make custom tunes on a music box?
Yes we can, but it is an expensive project. It generally costs around
£2,000 to have a large quantity of small movements made or a couple of
large multi tune movements. If the price is within your budget, we
need a MIDI file or sheet music of the tune you would like. Once we
determine if the music is suitable for a musical movement we can
discuss the best way forward with such a project. The only inexpensive
way of making new tunes is by using one of our Hand Cranked paper
strip movements. You can punch new strips for this and make new tunes
yourself. The scale only has 20 natural notes, so although many tunes
can be done it is only a simple movement. Details are on our "Musical
Movements" pages.”
Perhaps you would be interested in this "hand cranked paper strip"
method. I can provide you with the link to this website if you are.
I can provide you with sources that provide many choices for tunes.
Perhaps the song you are looking for is available.
Please let me know if you would be interested in this information, and
I will post it as the answer. Otherwise, perhaps another researcher
will have better luck.
Googlenut
