[Bell Historians] Bronze bells for clocking?

[David Bryant]

The foundries will all provide bells tuned with true harmonics, and although
there are differences in the tuning of bells by different founders chosing
one is largely a matter of personal preference. Of the two English
foundries, Taylor's are slightly cheaper than Whitechapel; I'm not sure how
the European foundries compare price-wise.

Some of the European founders (e.g. Eijsbouts) tune their bells to a golden
shine. This removes the hard outer skin of the bells, and some suggest that
it makes them more prone to corrosion. Whether this is true I cannot say -
all of the Eijbsouts bells I have seen are relatively new (less than 20
years old) and so haven't had time to corrode much.

Whatever foundry you choose, the bells which they will supply are almost
certainly going to show a big tonal improvement over what you have at
present. The nineteenth century bellfounders were among the worst in the
history of the craft, and unfortunately also the most prolific!

David


----- Original Message -----
From: <slobandito at y...>
To: <bellhistorians at yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 09, 2002 8:06 PM
Subject: [Bell Historians] Bronze bells for clocking?


> I ring three bronze bells at my church. About 12 patterns altogether,
> fron the Angelus to the Call to Worship and the Gloria. The bells
> remain static, while the clappers are "clocked." The current bells
> date from the 18th and 19th century and there is talk about placing
> them in the parish museum and replacing them with 4 new bells (we have
> an open portal right now).
>
> Who makes the best bells in terms of tone and durability? Whose bells
> are the best value? I would particularly like to know about:
> Eijsbouts, John Taylor, Paccard, Petit & Fritsen and Whitechapel.
>
> Obviously we do not have a carillon or a chime, so pefrectly tuned
> bell may not be as important as durability and price
>
> Any information would be deeply appreciated.
>
> Thanks very much;
>
> L.
>
>
>
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