NEW FORM OF CHIMES FOR CHURCHES.
A new form of chimes for churches is being introduced in England, which are said to give much satisfaction. They consist of a series of metallic tubes suspended from a beam, as shown in our engraving. They are struck by hammers, are very resonant, loud, and pleasing. A correspondent of the Pall Mall Gazette, speaking of their effect, says: “The music of many tuneful bells, harmonious, ever changing, lending themselves to any simple air, easy of management, and mellowed as the sound of cathedral bells.... Such music I have heard at Coventry.”
Tube Chimes.
The new invention which goes under the name of tube chimes is a musical chime in which metal tubes instead of bells are employed. The tube chimes can be used for any purpose that bells are used for, and besides are an economical substitute for bells. They are remarkable also for a depth and richness of tone which one does not expect to find except in high class cathedral bells. A tube chime for a church belfry is especially suitable. The carrying power is not quite equal to that of bells. A chime was lately set up in the tower of one of the Dorsetshire churches which has pleased all concerned. Rung for the first time on occasion of the harvest festival, it caused both delight and surprise by the sweet and melodious tones it gave out. The invention has not long been brought under public notice, but the demand for household octaves in place of the inharmonious gong is already very large. Mr. Harrington has a taste for music, and the idea of adapting tubes of metal for the musical purposes of bells is no new one. It has taken, though, many years of experiment and study to perfect the principle. One difficulty, which was a great obstacle in the way, may be alluded to. The large chimes are rung by bell ropes, but, contrary to the plan of bells, there is an external hammer instead of the internal clapper. If the hammers were made of sufficient hardness to prevent wear and tear, the chime lost its sweet tones and became harsh. If the hammers were less hard, they would constantly require to be replaced. Fortunately, that difficulty, like many others, has been satisfactorily got over. The chimes can be, it should be noted, tuned to any desired pitch, and Messrs. Harrington & Co. are probably warranted when they say: “The introduction of this invention will, we are assured, mark the commencement of a new era in connection with church bells and carillons, chimes for clocks of all sizes, dinner calls and gongs, and all mechanisms in which musical bells are used or required, and in some of these departments bids fair to work a complete revolution.”—The Architect.
THE NEW TUBE CHIMES.