CUSTOM MUSIC BOXES
CUSTOM MUSIC BOXES
“One Little Angel®” (x7!)
** DETAILS **
HOW LONG TO MAKE: 150 hours to make 7 unique music boxes.
HARDEST PART(s): Sanding. Getting the Music correct. Waiting on mechanisms. Did I mention Sanding? Finishing. This was a very tough project for me.
HOW FOUND: My best friend (and wife) Liz, wrote this song in 1985 for the birth of our daughter, Emily. For 35 years, I have wanted to (1) Capture the tune and lyrics in sheet music, (2) Have it made into an .mp3 file, (3) Have it made into a custom music-box mechanism, and (4) Create the custom music boxes to house the mechanism.
I started about 15 years ago to get this all done. In the meantime, things got put on hold, we went on a mission, we had grandchildren, etc. etc. Then I started again in earnest, about two years ago, to push forward.
I had to use multiple music artists to get the music just right. Dave Zabriske did a wonderful job on the first arrangement. Ian McGregor worked with me to get some of the notes cleaned up and turned into useful digital formats, along with a cleaner version of the sheet music.
I spent hours and hours listening to the song and making suggested changes for Liz to listen to, so that we could get the full version correct, and then created a 30-second version for the music box. Then I got to work making the boxes! Liz gets to choose first, then I will choose, then our kids, and anyone else Liz wants to give one to.
MATERIALS: Maple. Padauk. Bloodwood. Walnut. Zebra. Mahogany. Bubinga. Cherry. Antique Brass Hinges. Shellac sealer. Deft spray lacquer: Semi-gloss.
NOTES: My longest “project,” stretching over 15 years really. I am so pleased. I think it turned out just grand. And… the important thing is… Liz loves both the music box version of her song, AND she loves the wood music boxes too!
ORIGINAL SOURCE: Elizabeth Ann Winters Hanks (Music and Lyrics)®
CUSTOM MUSIC BOX MECHANISMS: http://www.musicboxattic.com/
COMMENTS: I love you Liz, my Lizzy!