CHAMBER BELLS NOW RESTORED

AFTER

I was unable to uncover any additional information about this antique set of bells that I purchased on eBay, so I have decided that I will call them "Chamber Bells," or more specifically, "Chinese Chamber Bells."  I have no idea if this instrument is of a Chinese design or not - in fact I think it's actually British - but they look sort of Oriental to me, so that's the nomenclature I decided on.  "British Chamber Bells" just doesn't sound as cool as "Chinese Chamber Bells."

BEFORE

The main issue with this bell set was the suspension strings.  As one could plainly see in this photo taken before my work began, all of them were quite aged, dirty and deteriorated.  In fact, when the instrument came to me many of them were broken and tangled, and I am afraid they were also frayed on the ends.

BEFORE

At this angle one can see that the suspension strings are vital to the positioning of the bells.  One long string holds the bottoms of the chambers in place, while two strands center each bell on the frame and determines its height.  As you can see in this photo to the right, a previous owner had haphazardly strung the center bell so that it sits too high above the frame, while others are sagging too low.  This, of course, is completely unacceptable by my standards.  A little uniformity would be a big improvement.

AFTER

So using some sparkly-red-colored, rope-like twine I completely re-strung all the bells to secure them in their proper, level positions once again while also adding a little color for contrast against the golden brass chambers.  This was not as easy as it sounds, as you need three or four hands to hold the bells in place during the re-stringing process.  I will not reveal my secret as to how I accomplished this, but suffice to say I did not grow any new arms or appendages.

Obviously the unique shape and design of this instrument is what drew my interest to it in the first place.  As one on-looker commented, "That thing looks like a magazine rack with little pocketbooks hanging on it!"  Very funny.  The brass chambers hanging below each bell plate are there to enhance the resonance so that instead of the typical, bland "ding" sound that ordinary metallophones make, this one has added low-end to make it sound bigger and bolder.  It's the same concept as adding reverb to vocals or guitar parts so that they sound more grand.  It's the difference between clapping the hands in a quiet bedroom and doing the same in a gymnasium where the sound reverberates off the wood floor and metal ceiling.

After addressing other minor issues such as felt, mounting sleeves, acorn nuts and frame polishing and re-gluing, my project was completed and these Chamber Bells are back in excellent condition and ready to play.  (Note: To preserve the antique look, I did not polish the brass bells or chambers.)  Now allow me to demonstrate the wonderful sound of this instrument in this short video clip:

CHINESE CHAMBER BELLS
MANUFACTURER: Unknown
DIMENSIONS: 15" L x 9" W x 10" H
NOTES: Eb4, G4, Bb5, Eb5, G5

ALL PHOTOS MAY BE ENLARGED FOR CLOSER EXAMINATION BY CLICKING ON THEM.