Chime (bell instrument)

Chimes are often automated, in the past with mechanical drums connected to clocks and in the present with electronic action.

"[3][2] These resemble the console of a carillon, but with much larger keys, essentially handles, which are depressed a greater distance.

[3] In the 20th century, it is more common for chimes to be connected to an ivory piano keyboard with electronic action, often paired with automatic playing.

[4] Chimes may also feature an automatic mechanism by which simple tunes or the Westminster Quarters are played.

When the clock mechanism sets the drum in motion, the pegs catch onto levers, which are connected to hammers that rest just a short distance from the outside of the bell.

[6] To produce a pleasing, harmonically related series of tones, the bell's profile must be carefully adjusted.

Occasionally, chimes may include an extra B♭ or F♯ bell so that a wider range of melodies can be played.

[3] The early chime market in North America consisted of the Meneely bell foundries, both located on the Hudson River in upstate New York; McShane in Baltimore, Maryland; Van Duzen in Cincinnati, Ohio; Jones in Troy, New York; and Stuckstede in St. Louis, Missouri.

[3][10] The Meneely foundries dominated the market; before both ceasing operations in the 1950s, they cast a combined total of more than 65,000 bells.