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Hi guys. I have been using my 30 note music box for quite a while and I like it a lot, but recently I've noticed there is a small problem with the cogs. They sometimes struggle to pull think paper sheets and sort of slip. I think they have started to wear. Do you happen to know any place where I can order replacement parts for DIY music boxes? I'm considering to order a cheap music box of the same kind as I have and use it for spare parts.
I know it is a very common thing when they are heavily used, and as far as I know, no replacement parts exist. There ARE versions that cost a bit more, that are made with brass cogs, and those are definitely more durable, so that may be a good investment.
I don't know if you have heard of the band Wintergatan, but Martin from them also ran into that issue, so he created his own motorized paper puller so this would no longer be an issue. I have basically gone through and completely recreated what he did and am just waiting on finding something to mount the music box and paper puller to, but it already seems very handy!
It's basically a nearly 1:1 creation of what Martin made for their automated music box. At some point when I have time and can make a box to mount it all on, I'll be removing the orange tape, replacing it with gray tape on the rollers, and then drilling holes through the whole build and putting bolts through, so it can be held together firmly and be mounted to the box. At SOME point, I think it would be cool to do videos, so I might try to do some sort of suspension mount for the music box itself that I can put a contact mic on. I know Martin did a really nice suspension, but I feel like that would be overkill for the quality I'd be going for :p
Also at some point I'll probably be making a parts list of everything I needed to build it! It's definitely pricey since it is basically all "specialty" LEGO pieces, but it was one of those things where I felt like if it was worth doing, it was worth OVERdoing haha
Really nice. I think it will sounds great when you replace the cardboard with a wooden box. Actually, I would just put a cutting board on top of the cardboard box as a temporary thing :D
I printed out gears (,1mm layer, .4mm extrusion) and connecting parts for a stepper motor, so I know it can be made of ABS & PETG rather durable, Maybe I should make some spares and offer at Shapeways.
@mailcyber1net very interesting. Do you by any chance have pictures of the parts and the stepper motor to share? If you make the parts available on Shapeways or anywhere else, we'll be happy to promote them ;)
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in a good old way
I would have had the same idea as you. Good luck!
I know it is a very common thing when they are heavily used, and as far as I know, no replacement parts exist. There ARE versions that cost a bit more, that are made with brass cogs, and those are definitely more durable, so that may be a good investment.
I don't know if you have heard of the band Wintergatan, but Martin from them also ran into that issue, so he created his own motorized paper puller so this would no longer be an issue. I have basically gone through and completely recreated what he did and am just waiting on finding something to mount the music box and paper puller to, but it already seems very handy!
@alwade24 thanks for the hint! I am a fan of Wintergatan and I would really like to see your project! Do you have any pictures or videos already?
Me too!
So it's at a REALLY rudimentary state right now, but this is it:
https://imgur.com/OWzdIrO
It's basically a nearly 1:1 creation of what Martin made for their automated music box. At some point when I have time and can make a box to mount it all on, I'll be removing the orange tape, replacing it with gray tape on the rollers, and then drilling holes through the whole build and putting bolts through, so it can be held together firmly and be mounted to the box. At SOME point, I think it would be cool to do videos, so I might try to do some sort of suspension mount for the music box itself that I can put a contact mic on. I know Martin did a really nice suspension, but I feel like that would be overkill for the quality I'd be going for :p
Also at some point I'll probably be making a parts list of everything I needed to build it! It's definitely pricey since it is basically all "specialty" LEGO pieces, but it was one of those things where I felt like if it was worth doing, it was worth OVERdoing haha
Really nice. I think it will sounds great when you replace the cardboard with a wooden box. Actually, I would just put a cutting board on top of the cardboard box as a temporary thing :D
I printed out gears (,1mm layer, .4mm extrusion) and connecting parts for a stepper motor, so I know it can be made of ABS & PETG rather durable, Maybe I should make some spares and offer at Shapeways.
@mailcyber1net very interesting. Do you by any chance have pictures of the parts and the stepper motor to share? If you make the parts available on Shapeways or anywhere else, we'll be happy to promote them ;)