History

Formed in 1962 initially for lovers of musical boxes its scope now embraces all forms of self-playing instruments, from minute singing bird automata, musical snuff boxes, cylinder and disc musical boxes, through to organettes, barrel organs and pianos, self-playing pianos and ‘pianolas’, fair organs and orchestrions.

Whether you are fascinated by the mechanisms, intrigued by the ingenuity of their invention, or simply enjoy listening to their unique sounds, you can find out more about them on this website and how the Society can enhance your experience of them

Some of the society's founding members were internationally well known in their field: e.g. Arthur Ord-Hume and Cyril de Vere Green. Its first president, John T Clarke, wrote the very first general book about musical boxes; others (Graham Webb, David Tallis, H A V Bulleid to name a few) along with Arthur Ord-Hume producing guides to collecting, identifying and repairing or restoring them.

Since 2000 the Society has published a number of books related to mechanical music. Its international membership now numbers several hundreds.  It also maintains links with sister organisations throughout the world.

Whether you are fascinated by the mechanisms, intrigued by the ingenuity of their invention, or simply enjoy listening to their unique sounds, you can find out more about them on this website and how the Society can enhance your experience of them.  Join now.