In the photo on the right you can see that this instrument was in sad shape when it arrived, especially the wooden backboard. It appeared that someone had severely neglected this valuable gem. The wood was chipped, peeling and faded. The brass chimes were quite aged with patina. Despite this, the tubes still produced a wonderful sound. I decided to take matters into my own hands and return this very unique piece to its original splendor and glory.
No need to go into a long, drawn-out explanation of how I went about accomplishing my goal. Here is the reveal:
I am sure you are impressed, as am I. I can't believe I actually pulled this off.
Special thanks to Metal Plating Company of West Columbia and Hinson Cabinet Company, who did all the real work for me. Now this beautiful chime set can be added to the Percussion Fortress.
Here is a better look at these chimes close up:
2 comments:
It's really cool that you not only won the bid, but that you decided to work on restoring these chimes. They look great. They sound great.
I also couldn't help but notice the intervals are the same as the chimes used for the "NBC" tones (although yours are tuned nearly a 1/2 step higher). And I even found this article that I thought you might enjoy reading.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBC_chimes
As a matter of fact, it was Mr. J.C. Deagan, the most prominent manufacturer of "dinner chimes," that made the chimes used for the NBC chimes!
http://www.nbcchimes.info/deagan.php
Not covered in this post is the fact that I have also acquired ANOTHER set of "Military Chimes" made by Deagan that consists of the four notes needed to play Taps, Reveille and other bugle calls. The set is very similar to the "Altar Chimes" and the two sets combined give me seven notes with which I can play. I have already mastered "Amazing Grace" and it sounds awesome!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/130728442715?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649#ht_4407wt_1344
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