The Complete Handbook of Hand Bells & Chimes
A Practical Reference for Musicians, Educators, and Technicians
by Alumigogo Books
non-fiction
The only reference you need for purchasing, playing, maintaining, and even profiting from hand bells and chimes.
🔒30-day money-back guarantee — not right for you? Full refund, no questions asked.
About this book
From the first rehearsal to a full concert season, and from a single pentatonic set to a five-octave ensemble, hand bells and chimes demand a unique blend of musical artistry and technical precision. The Complete Handbook of Hand Bells & Chimes is the definitive practical guide for anyone serious about this craft. It distills decades of collective knowledge into a single, accessible volume, offering clear, unambiguous answers to the questions that matter: What are the real differences between bell foundries? What does a quality clapper really cost to replace? How do you manage a 5-octave set's tuning and warranty? And how can you turn your expertise into a viable business?
Unlike marketing brochures or scattered online advice, this book offers a systematic exploration of the instrument. It moves from the fundamental acoustics and construction of hand bells and chimes through to the nuanced details of selection, setup, and daily use. It doesn't shy away from the less glamorous but essential topics like leather replacement, maintenance schedules, and troubleshooting common issues. Later chapters provide a candid look at the marketplace, including brand positioning, rental strategies, and service opportunities, as well as the future of the craft. With a detailed glossary and an FAQ section, it is designed to be a continuous resource, not a one-time read.
Whether you are a conductor building a new community ensemble, a teacher integrating bells into a curriculum, or an entrepreneur exploring a niche market, this handbook equips you with the knowledge to act with confidence. It provides the concrete, practical knowledge to save money, prevent problems, and elevate the quality of your work.
Reader Reviews
Kevin Allen
★★★★★I've been directing a community choir for six years and thought I knew most of what there was to know. This book proved me wrong in the best way. The first chapter alone, explaining the acoustics and the real differences in clapper mechanics, was worth the price. It's not fluff; it gets straight to the point with facts I can actually use on the podium. I've already recommended it to two other directors in my area.
Thomas Gonzalez
★★★★★I picked this up looking for a chapter on supply sources, but I ended up reading the whole thing. The information on purchasing is practical and saved me from a potential mistake with a used set. The section on business opportunities also gave me some solid ideas for a side service, which I hadn't considered before. My only minor complaint is that I wish the glossary were even longer, it was that interesting to me.
Robert Scott
★★★★★This is a lot of information, and most of it is good and accurate. The main sections on setup and basic maintenance are helpful, especially for a newer ensemble director like myself. However, I felt the chapter on brands was a little too diplomatic, and I was hoping for more direct recommendations on which specific sets are the best value these days. It's a solid reference to have, but not the definitive buying guide I thought it might be. It's more of a 4-star book with a 3-star feel for my needs.