In defence of steel bells

[oakcroft13]

NV steel bells have a deservedly horrid reputation. The trouble with them is not the material but the shape - the soundbows are far too thin, along with other deficiencies. Bronze bells with a similar shape sound similarily bad.

The German foundry Bochumer produced true-harmonic bells in the 1940s and 50s - they had been casting bells since the 19th century, but the early ones were nothing to write home about. Their true-harmonic bells are splendid - good examples are the set at Paderborn (heaviest 2.8t) and their heaviest bell at Neustadt an der Weinstraße at 14t. You can hear the Paderborn bells on Youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-KwfvhjL_o . I hope they keep them painted.

Bill H