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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The MB&F MusicMachine is a spacecraft-shaped mechanical music box made with Swiss manufacturer Reuge—not a watch. The original uses two pinned cylinders and two tuned steel combs to play six melodies. Its reported 2013 launch price was CHF 12,300, roughly the source of the title’s $13,000 framing; that is a historical price, not a verified current asking price.
What is the MB&F MusicMachine?
MB&F’s original MusicMachine is a tabletop music box created with Reuge, a Swiss maker of mechanical musical movements. Its unusual spacecraft form houses the mechanisms that play the music. MB&F later revisited the design as MusicMachine 1 Reloaded, a separate release with its own specifications and edition.
The name can cause confusion: the MusicMachine is a mechanical music box, not a timepiece. For the original model, the official MB&F / Reuge user manual identifies two handcrafted Reuge 3.72 movements.
How does the music box work?
Each of the original’s two cylinders carries pins positioned to correspond to notes in its melodies. As a cylinder turns, its pins lift individually tuned teeth on a steel comb; when a tooth is released, it vibrates to produce a note. The manual says a wound spring powers the mechanism and a regulator controls how quickly the spring unwinds.
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Each cylinder holds three tunes. After a tune, a changing mechanism shifts the cylinder sideways so the comb engages a different set of pins for the next selection. The wooden fuselage also serves an acoustic purpose: according to the manual, it transmits and amplifies the sound.
Which songs does the original play?
The original’s six selections are divided between its two cylinders. The manual lists:
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- [ VINTAGE PIANO MODEL ] The ROKR Piano 3D puzzle is a 1/20 scaled reproduction of a classic musical instrument. Its base is designed to look like a book, and its transparent structure is filled with gears. Both adults will enjoy the process of assembling this intricate model and displaying it with pride. Once completed, the piano comes to life with a beautiful melody, "Variations on the Canon," playing from within.
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- One cylinder: “The Wall” by Pink Floyd, “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple, and “Imagine” by John Lennon.
- The other cylinder: “Star Wars (Main Theme)” and “Star Wars (The Imperial March)” by John Williams, plus “Star Trek (Main Theme)” by Jerry Goldsmith.
Hodinkee’s April 24, 2013 account reports that each tune lasts approximately 35 seconds and that the cylinder rotates once per melody. That is a reported specification, not a timing measurement made for this article. The mechanism offers a compact, programmed sequence of familiar themes rather than an open-ended music player.
Why was the original reported as a $13,000 music box?
Hodinkee reported the original MusicMachine’s launch price as CHF 12,300 in 2013 and its production as 66 pieces, split between black and white lacquer versions. The dollar amount in the headline is a rounded framing of that historical figure; it is not an exact present-day conversion or a current retail quote. The report does not establish today’s price or availability.
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A Phillips catalogue records one circa-2012 MusicMachine 1 auction result of CHF 27,500. That is the outcome for one lot, not a representative market valuation or evidence of a general rise in value. The catalogue describes that example as black lacquered walnut and black matte-anodized aluminum, measuring 395 × 475 × 165 mm; it was offered with a wooden base, fitted box, cleaning cloth, brush and manual. See the Phillips lot record for that specific sale.
How does MusicMachine 1 Reloaded differ?
Reloaded is a later, distinct release, not a color or specification update that should be applied to every original MusicMachine. MB&F says the original launched its co-creation category in 2013 and describes Reloaded as a revisit. The official MusicMachine 1 Reloaded page gives the following details:
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- [SELF-DRAWING BOW] ROKR Cello model kit is driven all by gear transmission instead of battery. Just fully wind up the spring-key behind the cello, then its bow will automatically play beautiful tune for audience.
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- [GIFT FOR ALL] This creative building set is definitely a good choice when gifting others on birthdays or anniversaries. The package is beautifully designed and comes with everything needed: a step-by-step manual, pre-cut wood sheets, a music movement, and sandpaper. If you have any questions, we are glad to help.
- [NEAT DESK DECOR] The cello puzzle is not only a pastime kit but also an impressive display for home or office, creating a special scene that builders and collectors love to own and display.
| Detail | Original MusicMachine | MusicMachine 1 Reloaded |
|---|---|---|
| Edition and colors | 66 pieces in black and white lacquer, reported by Hodinkee in 2013. | 99 pieces total: 33 each in blue, red and black, according to MB&F. |
| Melodies | Six selections listed in the original manual, including “The Wall,” “Star Wars (Main Theme)” and “Star Trek (Main Theme).” | Six selections listed by MB&F: Star Wars, “Imperial March” from The Empire Strikes Back, Star Trek, Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall,” Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water,” and John Lennon’s “Imagine.” |
| Mechanism figures | Two handcrafted Reuge 3.72 movements; the original manual describes two cylinders and their changing mechanism. | MB&F describes coiled springs driving gear trains and two cylinders, with 1,400 precision-placed pins acting on 72-note combs. These are Reloaded specifications, not established original-model figures. |
| Dimensions and construction | The cited original manual identifies a wooden fuselage as a sound-transmitting and amplifying element; it does not give dimensions in the information cited here. | 400 × 340 × 280 mm, with soundboard base; approximate weight 6 kg, according to MB&F. |
| Price information | CHF 12,300 launch price reported by Hodinkee in 2013; not a current price. | Not stated on the cited MB&F product page. |
MB&F founder Maximilian Büsser is quoted on the Reloaded page saying, “How you make a music box is still something that is mind-boggling for the mere mortal.” The remark captures the engineering hidden inside the sculpture: a visually playful object whose performance depends on precisely arranged mechanical parts.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How should an original MusicMachine be handled?
The original manual recommends regular use and placing the box on a flat, firm surface—preferably wood—for the best sound. It also gives specific precautions for winding, cleaning and transport:
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- Wait for a tune to finish before winding.
- Keep the box dry and away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight.
- Use the supplied brush to clean the cylinder; do not use cleaning products.
- Do not touch, disassemble, repair or alter the musical movement. The manual warns that touching the comb or cylinder can cause oxidation.
- Use the original packaging for transport.
Where can you find one, and what does the evidence establish?
The sources cited here establish the original launch price and edition as reported in 2013, the original mechanism and care instructions in its manual, Reloaded’s specifications on MB&F’s product page, and one auction outcome recorded by Phillips. They do not establish current retail inventory, a present-day asking price, or a market-wide valuation. Anyone considering a specific example should distinguish its model and edition from Reloaded and verify the seller’s description, condition and included accessories.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
