Ringing Carillon Bells 

Traditional Method

There are two ways to create music on carillon bells. The ideal way is by a carillonneur performing live on a traditional keyboard console, called a “clavier”, (not an electric or midi keyboard!), but a large keyboard console with an action more akin to a tracker organ.

The carillonneur plays broomstick-like keys, (batons), with a loosely open fist and foot pedals which ring the heavier bells, giving the musician more control and an ability to dynamically control the bells.

The equipment that Christoph Paccard specifies and incorporates into our traditional carillon instruments include stainless steel action, and carbon fiber rods for the transmission system; equipment designed to perform exceptionally in even the harshest environments.

Christoph Paccard makes every effort to include in our design the possibility of adding manual action in the future if it is not possible to do so at the inception of the project.

For more details on the traditional method of playing carillon bells with claviers, please visit: http://www.gcna.org/action.html

Electric Bell-Ringing Method

Modern techniques for playing carillon bells are based on Electric bell-ringing equipment, including bell strikers, an automatic bell control system, (link to our bell controller here), and midi-keyboards or an organ console.  Advantages of contemporary electric options include increased frequency of use (many people can easily be trained to operate), and cost savings over more traditional methods.

As with all Christoph Paccard Products, our electric bell ringing equipment includes top-quality components such as stainless steel mounting bolts, heavily-galvanized bell strikers and bell control equipment – all of which are designed to be exceptionally reliable and durable. 

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Carillons can also be flexibly configured to use both traditional and Electric methods, and can also be combined with clock chimes and hour strikes.

Please call us at 1-800-849-6670  to learn more about how we can help you design the best solution to meet your needs.