Types of Music Boxes and How to Choose Them (Regarding Differences in Number of Reeds)

MUSIC BOX GUIDE

Types of Music Boxes
and How to ChooseComparing number of notes, tone, and playing mechanism

Consider what you value most: the song you want to hear, the richness of the sound, or the joy of changing tunes. Learn the differences and find the perfect music box for you.

What is the "number of notes"?

This refers to the number of teeth on the comb that produce sound. Generally, the more notes there are, the wider the tonal range, making it easier to express melodies and harmonies with greater detail.

Playing time varies depending on the cylinder's rotation speed, disk specifications, and song structure. Please check the content included with each product in addition to the number of notes.

FIND YOUR TYPE

First, what do you prioritize?

QUICK COMPARISON

Quick reference chart of types and differences

Click on the number of notes/type name to go to a detailed introduction with photos.

Cylinder Type

A type that allows you to repeatedly enjoy pre-recorded songs with a spring mechanism
Number of Notes Tone / Guide for choosing Time per rotation
18-note Abundant songs and compact Approx. 12-15 seconds
23-note Longer phrases in a small size Approx. 25-30 seconds
30-note High-quality tone finished by artisans Approx. 25-30 seconds
50-note Enjoy subtle musical expressions Approx. 30-45 secondsPlaying structure: 2 or 3 rotations
72-note Rich performance from low to high notes Approx. 30-45 secondsPlaying structure: 3 rotations
100-note Two 50-note mechanisms play simultaneously Approx. 30-45 secondsPlaying structure: 3 rotations

Check "time per rotation" and "total song length"

50-note music boxes have a structure of 2 or 3 rotations, while 72-note and 100-note music boxes have a structure of 3 rotations. Some 50-note music boxes play one song for a longer duration, while others play different songs with each rotation.

Please check the "Included Content" on the product page for the total playing time and number of songs.

Disk Type / Card Type

A type that allows you to change songs by replacing dedicated disks or paper cards
Type Differences in enjoyment Approx. playing time
20-noteDisk Replace small dedicated disks Approx. 30 seconds / 1 round
45-noteDisk Enjoy rich tones while changing songs Approx. 60 seconds / 1 round
80-note x 2Disk Deep and powerful resonance Approx. 60-90 seconds / 1 round
20-noteCard Play with paper cards and hand-crank Depends on card length and cranking speed

Playing times are approximate. They may vary depending on the song and product specifications. Playing time for card types varies depending on the card length and hand-cranking speed.

CYLINDER MUSIC BOX

Cylinder Music Boxes

A cylinder with pins rotates and plucks the teeth of a comb to play music. This is a classic mechanism where you wind a spring and repeatedly enjoy pre-recorded songs.

18-note cylinder music box mechanism
Abundant songs, compact size

18-NoteCylinder Music Box

A compact, classic type with a wide selection of songs, making it easy to choose. Ideal for a first music box, a casual gift, or for collecting.

Playing Time
Approx. 12-15 seconds / 1 rotation
Choosing Guide
First music box, casual gift
View 18-note songs and products
23-note cylinder music box mechanism
Compact, longer phrases

23-NoteCylinder Music Box

A manageable size that allows you to enjoy longer phrases than an 18-note music box. Recommended for those who value both compactness and playing length.

Playing Time
Approx. 25-30 seconds / 1 rotation
Choosing Guide
Small gifts, longer phrases
View 23-note songs and products
30-note cylinder music box mechanism
Artisan-finished, anniversary gifts

30-NoteCylinder Music Box

A series where artisans tune and assemble each piece. These meticulously crafted tones are perfect as gifts for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.

Playing Time
Approx. 25-30 seconds / 1 rotation
Choosing Guide
Birthdays, anniversaries, important gifts
View 30-note songs and products
50-note cylinder music box mechanism
Delicate expression, rich resonance

50-NoteCylinder Music Box

A professional type that offers delicate musical expression and rich resonance. Some models play one song for a long duration, while others feature multiple songs.

Playing Time
Approx. 30-45 seconds / 1 rotation (2 or 3 rotations)
Choosing Guide
For those who prioritize rich sound, special gifts
View 50-note songs and products
72-note cylinder music box mechanism
Wide range, rich performance

72-NoteCylinder Music Box

Utilizes a wide musical range to deliver a rich performance from low to high notes. Ideal for those who want to appreciate the layers of melody and accompaniment, and the rich reverberation.

Playing Time
Approx. 30-45 seconds / 1 rotation (3 rotations)
Choosing Guide
For those who want to enjoy authentic sound and expressive power
View 72-note songs and products
100-note cylinder music box mechanism
50 notes x 2, three-dimensional resonance

100-NoteCylinder Music Box

This mechanism simultaneously drives two 50-note cylinders with a single mainspring. You can enjoy the three-dimensional and powerful resonance created by the overlapping vibrations of the left and right combs.

Playing Time
Approx. 30-45 seconds / 1 rotation (3 rotations)
Choosing Guide
For those who want to experience three-dimensional sound and power
View 100-note songs and products

CHANGE THE MELODY

Music Boxes with Interchangeable Songs

Disk type music boxes use dedicated disks, while card type music boxes use paper cards to select songs. You can collect your favorite songs or experience playing them yourself. Enjoy changing tunes with a single music box.

20-note disk music box mechanism
Small disk, interchangeable songs

20-NoteDisk Music Box

Change small dedicated disks to choose songs according to your mood. Ideal for those who want to easily enjoy various tunes with one music box.

Playing Time
Approx. 30 seconds / 1 round
Choosing Guide
For those who want to easily change and enjoy songs
View 20-note disk songs and products
45-note disk music box mechanism
Rich tone, joy of collecting songs

45-NoteDisk Music Box

A type with rich tones that allows you to select songs by changing dedicated disks. Enjoy music for a long time while collecting disks of your favorite songs.

Playing Time
Approx. 60 seconds / 1 round
Choosing Guide
For those who want to collect songs and enjoy rich tones
View 45-note disk songs and products
80-note x 2 disk music box mechanism
Deep resonance, powerful performance

80-Note x 2Disk Music Box

Features deep tones and rich resonance that fills the space. Ideal for appreciation in large rooms and for those who want to thoroughly enjoy a powerful performance.

Playing Time
Approx. 60-90 seconds / 1 round
Choosing Guide
For those who want to enjoy powerful performances in a large space
View 80-note x 2 disk songs and products
20-note card music box mechanism
Hand-cranked performance, song creation experience

20-NoteCard Music Box

Plays music by inserting punched paper cards and turning a handle. You can change cards to select songs and adjust the tempo by the speed of your cranking.

Playing Time
Depends on card length and cranking speed
Choosing Guide
For those who want to play themselves, or enjoy creating songs
View 20-note card songs and products