Seth Thomas Chiming Clock: sounded perfect, tone changed

Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2009 11:49 pm     Post subject: Seth Thomas Chiming Clock: sounded perfect, tone changed

Hi, I bought a Seth Thomas Chiming mechanical clock from the 1940's, #124 movement. I set it up last week and the sound was beautiful, exactly as I remember my family's old Seth Thomas similar clock. Well, 3 days later the sound of the strike and the Westminster chimes changed. Everyone in the house has noticed it. The tone is different, not good, strangely warped sounding, and I don't know what's wrong! I rewound the keys but it's still bad. The clock is keeping perfect time. Do you know what could be wrong? I was so happy to hear the incredible Westminster chimes of my childhood, and I hope the clock can be fixed! I appreciate any suggestions. Thank you!

Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2009 1:06 pm     Post subject:

As a very general suggestion, you could check the gap between the hammers and chime rods. If there is not enough spacing (hammers are too close), you will get a muffled chime sound. If the hammer is spaced too far away, you will get a sound that is barely audible.

If this is the problem, you can bend the chime hammers so that they are properly gapped from the chime rods. Typical gap is something between 1/16" to 1/8" for most movements. Also, each hammer should be centered over the corresponding chime rod (otherwise sound could be effected as well if not).