Chime tone

Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 12:11 pm     Post subject: Chime tone

Please can anyone help?

Many years ago my family had a lovely (Napoleon Hat style) clock which had the most beautifully soft chimes.

This clock has been lost, but I have recently acquired a (1930's?) clock with Westminster chimes although these are a little harsh-sounding.

I have investigated and found the leather facing on the chime hammers is very hard.

I suspect that replacing this facing with something softer might mellow the tone somewhat - questions are - might this work? what to use? where to get it?, and what problems might arise?.

I am no clock expert (did you guess? ) but have a little mechanical sympathy, so am hoping a modicum of care will see me through.... any advice gratefully received....

Many Thanks
Steve

Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 1:58 pm     Post subject:

I'm no expert either, but my wife collects clocks, and I am frequently on the lookout for deals. In my searching, I have come across clocks that have the leather wrapped hammers, and yes I think replacing it might help. I don't know if the leather used is a particular type, though. I looked on klockit.com and could not find anything as far as replacement leather for clocks. Can you easily remove the existing leather to use as a template to cut a replacement? Sorry, I'm probably not much help.

Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 3:12 pm     Post subject:

Thanks for such a quick response - I don't anticipate a huge problem in sourcing various types of leather (have a very obliging old-fashioned cobbler just down the street!), but I am chicken about removing what I have now unless I get a little more confident that what I fit will improve things!

Since someone once put it together I'm happy enough that it will come apart somehow, I've just not been brave enough yet.

I thought about maybe using some felt, glued over the existing hard leather - the extra thickness could be allowed for by a little bending of the hammer wires to maintain the right clearance, but would be happier if someone who has already done this type of thing could advise if it worked....this particular clock is no heirloom but I don't want to leap into the unknown, and given the expertise apparent on this forum it seemed sensible to ask around

Thanks again

Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 7:31 am     Post subject: Chime tone

Over time the hammer heads on chime clocks will harden up and the tone will change. The usual course of action is to replace the heads with new ones. These can be ordered from a clock parts supplier. Take note, however, that leather tipped heads are not always available these days and quite often plastic heads are the only thing available. For the most part they do work quite well, although a purist would insist on the original type being used for replacement. Modern chime clocks use plastic tipped chime hammers.

Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 8:35 am     Post subject:

Many thanks, clkwrx... I was hoping for something like this, and find myself encouraged to give it a go

I've also just acquired another tambour clock with a lovely case, but the movement may need a few tweaks to restore the chimes to what I think they should be.....some tones are sounding quite flat, but will let you know what happens!

Maybe the hooks of addiction are beginning to bite...
This was never supposed to compete with sailing....
Thanks again

Steve

Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 4:37 pm     Post subject: Chime tone

Just a quick heads up re chime hammers. Very often for one reason or another the chime hammers can change position slightly over time and you get a dull thunk sound instead of a clear chime tone. The chime hammers at rest should be approximately 1/8 inch away from the gong or chime rod. Anything closer and you end up with what's known as a rebound strike with the hammer resting on the gong and dulling the sound. The solution is to carefully bend the hammer(s) so that the clearance is maintained. If you bend it too far you will end up with faint sound or no sound at all...It's a case of trial and error. Also note whether the chime hammer hits the center of the rod rather than offside since that can alter the sound quality too.

Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 10:18 pm     Post subject:

More helpful advice,clkwrx....many thanks!
I'd figured out the rebound strike ( but didn't know the term), but also wasn't sure how a larger gap might affect the sound (louder or softer).
I'm focussing on setting things up first, then maybe trying alternate things so gauge the effect....
This sounds like it's going to be interesting trying this and that - it's a pity the tones don't work with the movement out of the case... I can see me wearing out the screw threads removing and fitting again

Many thanks for the steer

Posted: Sun Jun 15, 2008 6:35 am     Post subject: replacement hammer leathers

About a month ago I went through the same thing with hammer leathers. The existing set had apparently been oiled many years ago and had turned into something like hardened tar which produced a very LOUD harsh metallic sound. I got a pair of leather shoe laces at the local shoe store, experimented with the length so that they folded over the edges of the hammer face slightly when fully screwed in and got a very nice clear bell-like tone out of them. I checked them out today after reading your post and everything seems to be in order. Though this fix certainly hasn't passed the test of time; so far so good. Best wishes.

Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 12:12 pm     Post subject:

Most encouraging, Oz, thanks

Family commitments have kept me away from the task for a while, and probably will continue now until the end of summer, but I'll try to post my results when I have some!

Thanks to all for their input
Steve