bell

bel

[ English ]

Definition

      1. A variety of percussion instruments that emit a ringing sound when struck:
        A. Cup-shaped bells
        A hollow, cup-shaped (typically metal) object, set in vibration by a clapper inside or a hammer outside struck on the rim. Cowbells are quadralateral bells that are similarly set in vibration by a clapper inside or a hammer (or stick) outside struck on the rim. 
        B. Metal Bars
        The orchestra bells is set of small metal bars of different lengths arranged in two rows similar to a keyboard without resonators. It is used in the orchestra or band, and set into vibration with small, hard mallets. The marching version is held upright and supported by a strap around the performer's waist and is called a glockenspiel or bell lyre. 
        C. Tubular Bells
        The chimes or tubular bells are a set of tuned tubes of different lengths set into vibration with hard mallets or hammers. They are very resonant and typically have a mechanical dampers.
        D. Pellet bells
        Small spherical bells with slits that surround a loose pebble or bit of metal that rattles when the bell is shaken. Sleigh bells are a row or rows of pellet bells mounted on a piece of wood or on a harness.
         
      2. The flaring end of many instruments such as the clarinet or the French horn is also called a bell.
      3. The part of a calliope or Calliaphone that receives the steam (or air stream) to create a pitch. The steam (or compressed air) is forced into the bell, which is basically a tube closed at the top. The the larger bells produce the low pitches and the smaller bells produce the high pitches.

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Last Updated: 2016-05-18 22:49:44