Grandfather clock chiming rods question

Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2008 2:35 pm     Post subject: Grandfather clock chiming rods question

Hello
I was only wondering based on your opinion, which one sounds the best? copper or steel? (don't care much for tubular in general) I personally like a deep sound when it strikes on the hour. What would you recommend?
Thanks for your reply

Michelle

Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2008 4:59 pm     Post subject:

I have found that the material the rod is made of is not the most important factor in the sound produced. The rod,s diameter and the length of the rods has more to do with the sound than the material. All of the rods I have seen that are copper colored are made of an alloy consisting of brass and steel, which produces a more brilliant sound than solid steel. An old German grandfather clock I own has the rich, deep sound of which you speak. It has all steel rods which are about 6 mm. in diameter and about 2 feet long. How the rods are tuned is also important. I have had to grind down the length of some rods before to produce a harmonious sound.