Music Box Repair & Restoration

Regina

Polyphon

Stella

Reuge

Freres

LeCoultre

Symphonion

Thorens

Palliard

Pauly & Co.

Welcome to Our Shop

Maison Robert loves Music Boxes

   Expert Repair for Swiss, Antique, Vintage, and Heirloom Music Boxes

Every music box is unique – some are precision Swiss instruments crafted for collectors, others are antique or vintage heirlooms passed down through families. Whether your piece is a rare Reuge or Paillard, or a cherished keepsake with sentimental value, our team applies the same careful expertise. Over time, all music boxes can develop mechanical, sound, or cosmetic issues that affect their performance. Below, we outline the most common problems we see and how they can be resolved.

Swiss Music Boxes: Precision and Provenance

Swiss music boxes are renowned for their craftsmanship and tonal clarity. Makers such as Reuge, Paillard, Thorens, and LeCoultre produced instruments that are as much works of art as they are mechanical marvels. Because of their precision engineering, even small issues like a misaligned comb or worn spring can affect performance.

At Maison Robert, we specialize in restoring these high-value pieces with museum-level care. From sourcing authentic parts to fine-tuning combs for tonal fidelity, our process respects both the mechanical precision and the cultural heritage of Swiss music boxes.

Antique and Vintage Music Boxes: Preserving Legacy

Antique and vintage music boxes, whether European disc boxes like Polyphon and Symphonion or American makers such as Regina and Stella, often carry both historical and sentimental value. These instruments may show signs of age—worn gears, cracked cases, or dulled soundboards but their stories remain intact.

Our restoration approach balances technical repair with preservation. We carefully clean, repair, and refinish while maintaining the authenticity of the original design. The goal is not just to make the box play again, but to ensure it continues as a living heirloom for future generations.

Heirloom and Decorative Music Boxes: Everyday Treasures

Not every music box is a rare collectible, but every music box has meaning. Decorative or family-keepsake boxes may have simpler mechanisms, yet they often hold the deepest emotional resonance. These pieces are frequently passed down through generations, carrying memories as much as melodies.

We treat these boxes with the same respect as their Swiss or antique counterparts. Whether it’s repairing a broken spring, refinishing a case, or restoring a comb so a favorite tune plays clearly again, our work ensures that the sentimental value is preserved alongside the mechanical function.

Common Issues and Repairs for Antique Music Boxes

Antique music boxes are delicate, precision mechanical instruments that require specialized care and maintenance. Over time, these delicate devices can experience a variety of issues that can impact their sound quality, overall performance and value. Here are some common problems and potential solutions:

Mechanical Issues

• Worn or Broken Springs Worn mainsprings can lead to weak or inconsistent sound. Replacement of the spring is often necessary.

• Damaged Gears Worn or broken gears can disrupt the timing and rhythm of the music. Gear replacement or repair may be required.

• Cylinder or Disc Damage Scratches, chips, or warped surfaces on cylinders or discs can affect sound quality. Careful cleaning and repair—or replacement in severe cases—may be necessary.

• Comb Damage Broken or damaged comb teeth (tines) can lead to distorted or missing notes. Repair or replacement of the comb may be required.

• Pin Misalignment or Wear On cylinder music boxes, the tiny pins that pluck the comb teeth can become bent, worn down, or misaligned over time. This leads to buzzing, muted notes, or entire phrases dropping out of the melody. Skilled adjustment or, in some cases, re‑pinning of the cylinder is required to restore accurate playback.

• Governor (Fan/Flywheel) Problems The governor regulates tempo. Dirt, wear, or misalignment can cause the music to play too fast, too slow, or unevenly.

• Re‑Jeweling In high‑grade Swiss boxes, jeweled bearings support the governor pivots. When these jewels wear or crack, the governor drags or wobbles. Re‑jeweling restores smooth, precise regulation.

• Lubrication Failure Old or hardened lubricant increases friction and accelerates wear. A full cleaning and re‑lubrication is essential for long‑term performance.

• And Many More… Antique music boxes are intricate instruments, and additional issues may arise depending on age, maker, and prior repairs. Each requires careful diagnosis by a qualified technician.

Sound Quality Issues

• Poor Sound Quality Worn or damaged parts, misalignment, or improper lubrication can all contribute to diminished sound. Careful cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment of the mechanism often restore clarity and resonance.

• Inconsistent Pitch Uneven pitch may result from worn or damaged tuning pins, a misaligned comb, or improper adjustment. Skilled tuning and alignment are required to bring the music back into balance.

Cosmetic Issues

• Wood Damage Cracks, chips, or other structural damage to the wood case can affect both appearance and integrity. Professional wood repair and refinishing restore strength and beauty.

• Paint or Inlay Damage Faded paint, chipped lacquer, or missing inlay work can diminish the aesthetic appeal of the music box. Careful restoration techniques return the case to its original elegance.

Common Music Box Repairs 

General Maintenance and Cleaning:

• Cleaning and Lubrication: Removing dust, debris, and old lubricant, and applying fresh lubricant to moving parts.
• Polishing: Polishing the exterior to restore shine and protect the finish.
• Tuning: Adjusting the pitch of the combs or tuning pins.

Mechanical Repairs:

• Spring Replacement: Replacing worn or broken springs.
• Gear Replacement: Replacing damaged or worn gears.
• Pin Replacement: Replacing broken or damaged pins on cylinders or combs.
• Cylinder or Disc Repair: Repairing cracks, chips, or warped surfaces on cylinders or discs.
• Comb Repair: Repairing or replacing damaged comb teeth.
• Mechanism Alignment: Aligning the various components of the mechanism to ensure proper function.

Cosmetic Restoration:

• Wood Repair: Repairing cracks, chips, or other damage to the wood case.
• Finish Restoration: Refinishing the wood to restore its original appearance.
• Paint Restoration: Restoring faded or damaged paintwork on the case or interior components.
• Inlay Repair: Repairing or replacing missing inlay work.

Sound Restoration:

• Soundboard Repair: Repairing cracks or damage to the soundboard or base plate.
• Soundbox Repair: Repairing cracks or damage to the soundbox.

It’s important to note that antique music boxes are delicate instruments, and repairs should be performed by a qualified technician. Attempting to repair a music box yourself can lead to further damage.

Remember: This list is not exhaustive. If you have any concerns about your music box’s performance, don’t hesitate to contact us directly on the form below for a diagnosis and free repair quote. We’re passionate about bringing these beautiful machines back to a state of good health!