Weiss Chromatic Saucer Bell Set with Mallet - High Octave

Comments:

Fine craftsmanship and sound!

Date Posted:

Posted By:

Rating:

Comments:

Bought a set of the high octave for use in ensemble work. Traditional crotales were significantly more expensive and the timbre of bells works better for the group. Nice rich tone that works well with both brass or phenolic mallets. Tuning seems fine, although for my use a little "off" is acceptable. Bells themselves look fine, although the mounting holes were sometimes drilled a bit off-center, which was apparent when using the rack (purchased separately). Overall a great value for a tuned metallaphone and I'm considering getting the lower octave as well.

Date Posted:

Posted By:

Rating:

Comments:

First off, if you're hoping these will cover you when you need crotales I would measure your expectations. These bells certainly have a denser overtone spectrum than a glockenspiel but not nearly as much as crotales. I personally think that's a benefit, it offers us a new timbre in that range of tuned metals that was primarily limited to two options. They would certainly fool some conductors/musical directors/etc. but I would recommend having a backup plan for those more discerning podium occupants. Mounting: yes, the holes are large enough to fit on a standard crotale mount. However, the playing area that produces the greatest amount of dynamic range, and clearest fundamental pitch is at the bottom of each bell. I've found mounting them like an Aluphone creates the greatest ease of movement, but in order to bow the naturals and accidentals I found the most useful mounting strategy was to attach a tom mount to a 0.5"x4" board and have the naturals and accidentals position on opposite sides with the top of each saucer facing the board. I have the two octaves separate so they can be stacked or aligned.

Date Posted:

Posted By:

Rating:

Comments:

The bells are about 2" to 1.5" in diameter from lowest to highest. I tested the tuning (c6-c7), and each bell was very well tuned. They do not produce very much volume, so if you are using them as a substitute for crotales in a musical theater situation, be sure to mic them well. They will not carry or project the same way crotales do. They are much more focused in pitch than crotales, producing a clear fundamental pitch with very little overtones. I played these side by side with crotales, the latter possessing a much more complex overtone series. So they are not a 1:1 substitute, but are an excellent option given the price. They fit onto the Zildjian crotale bar mount as well as the Liberty crotale mounting system. I have not tested them on other brands of crotale mounts.

Date Posted:

Posted By:

Rating:

Comments:

I was looking for some bright, tuned sounds in the higher octaves (7th) to augment my tuned gongs, rin bowls, and similar sounds. These are very bright and clear sounding with good pitch. I'm very pleased with them and am building a holder to mount them chromatically like crotales. For the price you can't go wrong!

Date Posted:

Posted By:

Rating: