Where are handbells made?

While some American handbell choirs do use bells made in England, the majority play bells made either by Malmark Bellcraftsmen or by Schulmerich Bells, both based in Pennsylvania.

Who makes Handsbells?

The Raleigh Ringers use the most extensive collection of handbells and bell-like instruments owned by a single performing group in the world. The current grand total is 35 octaves composed of 377 individual pieces of equipment.

What are Malmark handbells made of?

bronze
Handbells are cast of pure bronze in the approximate proportions of 80% copper and 20% tin. The metal is heated in crucibles to 2,150° F in modern electric furnaces. The molten metal is poured into the sand molds by means of a sprue through runners and gates until the cavities are filled.

What are handbells made from?

Handbell, small bell—usually of brass or bronze but sometimes of copper, clay, porcelain, glass, wood, or other hard material—with an attached stem, loop, or leather strap for a handle; most have a clapper, though some are struck externally.

What companies manufacture handbells today?

Malmark, Inc. is the only company in the world dedicated solely to the manufacturing and distribution of Malmark handbells, Choirchime® Instruments and ringing accessories.

What are Schulmerich handbells made of?

Schulmerich is the world’s largest and oldest existing manufacturer of handbells in the United States. All handbells are made from bronze, which is approximately 80% copper and 20% tin.

Where are Schulmerich handbells made?

Schulmerich is one of two handbell manufacturers located in the United States, and both are near Philadelphia in Pennsylvania. Schulmerich is the world’s largest and oldest existing manufacturer of handbells in the United States. All handbells are made from bronze, which is approximately 80% copper and 20% tin.

Why do hand bell ringers wear gloves?

Handbell players wear gloves because their hand oils tarnish the bells. Handbells are remarkably fragile and may require reshaping if they are rung too forcibly.

How do you polish Malmark handbells?

To use, simply rub the bell’s surface with the inside on the cloth (that’s the side with the jeweler’s rouge) and use the outer cloth to remove the rouge and give the bell a final polish. A final helpful hint for my ringing friends: the rouge can stain, so keep them away from your new gloves and good table covers.

How much does a set of handbells cost?

Are handbells hard to play?

It is difficult to play handbells quickly, but it is possible. How do I do a ring touch? Ring touching (RT) is ringing the bell and immediately damping the bell on your shoulder. Then you play the bell like you would if you were ringing normally.