Q: Loading iTunes libray from old, defunct macbook to new macbook using Time Machine backups

06/2014 ChrisCA post: Restore iTunes library from Time Machine backup - https://discussions.apple.com/message/26104480#26104480  Useful tips where restoring to a new drive: http://pondini.org/TM/B6.html --> https://web.archive.org/web/20150511032110/http://pondini.org/OSX/Home.html and https://discussions.apple.com/message/27599985#27599985  Make sure you go back far enough for the version you want.  If Time Machine just backed up the "latest" version may be one you do not want.

What you need is the complete iTunes folder, which is located in the user account Music folder.  On your new Mac, there is an existing iTunes folder in the user account Music folder.  With iTunes not running, move that existing iTunes folder to a different location (or rename it).  Then, from your Time Machine archive, copy the iTunes folder from the old Mac to that location, to take the place of the iTunes folder you just moved (or renamed).  When you run iTunes, it uses the iTunes folder from the old Mac, and it looks like the iTunes library on the old Mac (because it is).

You are doing the procedure described here, but just the part to Restore your library from a backup

Manage and back up your iTunes media library - Apple Support

NOTE:  You can access your Time Machine archive using the Time Machine ("going back in time") interface, OR you can go into it directly using Finder (which I prefer).  If you use Finder, you'll see a bunch of folders with date/time names.  Use the latest one and find your iTunes folder inside.

I am just curious.  The hosts marked a response as a solution but which one was it that worked like a dream? Your last response was only a minute after the post before that and was in response to your original post so it is not clear which recommendations helped you.