Christoph Paccard BellfoundriesChristoph Paccard Bellfoundries

Church Bells

Church Bell Manufacturer

Church bells are a cornerstone offering of the Christoph Paccard Bellfoundry, a representative of the Paccard Fonderie des Cloches, makers of the world’s finest church bells since 1796. Known worldwide for their warmth and sweetness of tone, Paccard bells are the benchmark by which others are judged. Each bell is meticulously constructed and carefully tuned to exacting musical standards.

Church BellsCast only of bronze, Paccard church bells are composed of pure red copper and block tin. Although the ratio of copper to tin is different depending on the size of the bell, most bells are approximately 78% copper and 22% tin. Only new metal is used in the casting.

In addition to making the world’s finest bells, Paccard is known for developing the acoustically balanced carillon. Each bell in a Paccard carillon is adjusted so that its volume is equal to that of all the other bells. Consider the greater strength and volume of a large bourdon bell, such as a 5,000 pound C3, in relation to a 29 pound C7. Without any adjustments, the C7 would be overpowered by the C3.

In order for the smaller bells to be heard at the same volume as the larger ones, Paccard uses different profiles (shapes) for each bell size. The C3, for example, might use a medium profile, incorporating a thinner structure at the sound bow (striking point), while the C7 might use a heavy profile that requires a much thicker sound bow. This difference in thickness at the sound bow helps prevent the larger bells from overpowering the smaller ones.

Paccard’s bell profiles have two other important characteristics that impact acoustic balancing. First, each bell’s profile is designed to intensify the bell’s prime note while subduing its minor third. Second, as bell sizes decrease, the amount of tin used in their construction increases. Increasing the ratio of tin to copper allows the smaller bells to ring for a longer period of time, which also helps prevent the larger bells from overpowering them. The end result is a musically wonderful tower instrument of cast bronze bells – the acoustically-balanced Paccard carillon.

When selecting a cast bronze bell, it is also critically important to choose a manufacturer who understands how to properly tune a bell. Paccard is the choice! A bell is unlike many other instruments because it actually produces multiple notes, called partials.

Learn how a church bell from Christoph Paccard focuses on craftmanship and quality.

Tuning a bell is a time consuming process that requires the bellfounder to be proficient with both a simple tuning fork and high-end digital tuning equipment. Using a lathe, metal is shaved from inside the bell at various points until the proper tuning is achieved. The bellfounder must tune the five lowest partials, at minimum, to the standard of A3=440 vibrations per second. From the lowest partial to the highest, the notes are:

The Hum, (an octave below the prime or “strike” note)

The Prime, (an octave above the Hum)

The Minor Third, (of the Prime)

The Fifth, (of the Prime)

The Octave, (of the Prime)

While the Prime tone is the most important note of the bell, the hum tone, the minor third and the octave must be tuned with the same accuracy. Of particular interest is the minor third, which is unusual in a musical instrument. Although the Paccard profile and tuning process works to intensify the prime while subduing the minor third, it is the minor third that gives bells their beautiful, melancholy, plaintive and compelling sounds.

Click here to learn more about church bells from Chirstoph Paccard

Regardless of the scope of your project, whether it requires a carillon, a peal, a chime, or just a single bell, our goal is to partner with you to design, plan and implement the right solution for your unique needs.

The charm of church bells goes without saying, and a traditional call-to-worship speaks volumes. In the words of John Dunne, “ask ye not for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee.”

The proper bell for your church depends on the structural limitations of your building and your budget. Let Christoph Paccard help you select the perfect church bells.