Types of Music Boxes

Cylinder Music Box

• The cylinder music box was popular in the 19th century. Music is programmed onto a metal cylinder inside the box. As the cylinder rotates, it is plucked by a steel music comb. Cylinder music boxes are only able to play tunes originally programmed onto the cylinder.

Disc Music Box

• The disc music box emerged in the late 19th century. It was invented in Germany and was less expensive than the cylinder music box because it was made of cheaper materials. One is able to change the tune of a disc music box by simply changing the disc.

Reuge Music Box

• The Reuge music box was invented by Charles Reuge in 1865. There are three different collections of the Reuge music box: 1865, Lounge and Studio. The 1865 collection is considered to be the classic line of Reuge boxes because they are made of the finest wood. The Lounge Collection includes the more practical boxes; they were originally made to improve the sound quality of music boxes. The Studio collection is the most modern and sophisticated line of boxes.

Thomas Kinkade Music Box

• Thomas Kinkade is an American artist who is known for his pastoral and idyllic paintings. His music boxes are characterized by their inspirational and Christian themed designs.

Sankyo Seiki Music Box

• Sankyo Seiki is a company based in Japan that has been producing music boxes since the mid-20th century. Sankyo music boxes are famous for their unique tunes. Today, they are one of the largest music box manufacturers.