Ringing in the cold

[Gail Herrera]

We've been asked to ring for an outdoors Christmas celebration in our town. Looks like we'll be playing in 34-40 degree weather with our Schulmerich's. From reading the list, it looks like we can expect some pitch issues and some wear on the springs. Has anyone experienced anything worse?

The music calls for us to use a variety of techniques including Mart and Mart Lift. Would that be more likely to damage the bells in the cold?

Would it be best to keep the bells out of the cold until we play or let them get to the outdoor temperature before playing?

If you have other tips or suggestions, I'm all ears. We have ordered chimes but they've been very delayed in delivery. Thanks so much for the help and Happy Thanksgiving!

[Silver Woodbury]

By all means, please let the bells acclimate to the temperature at which they will be in performance.  I would think the biggest risk would be to keep the bells warm until you need to play in the cold.  That kind of temperature shock can’t be good for the metal.  I think marts will be fine – just use extra care.  The same temperature consideration would also apply to chimes and you definitely don’t want to mart them in any circumstances!

 

I think you’ll find more issues with the music (blowing in the wind) than you will with the bells in outdoor settings.

 

Happy Ringing!

Silver

 

Mrs. Silver D. Woodbury

Silverbell Enterprises

10012 Carnie Circle

Yukon, OK  73099

OR

2302 N. Main St.

Garden City, KS  67846

405-519-0331 mobile

silve...@cox.net, sbesil...@gmail.com

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[kipp willnauer]

Kings Ringers once tied down the cushions  n folders on a very windy Mayors Lighting Ceremony. 

Sent from Kipp's iPhone

[Jeannie]

I agree with Silver that the bells should be at the cold temperature to perform. Don't forget the cold hands of the ringers! Luckily I had black driving gloves that worked well, even for turning pages.
Jeannie Cushman

[Long...@aol.com]

Cold hands and feet may also be an issue.

 

Double glove or use "Bell Muffs." Instructions for making them are in the current Overtones issue.

 

Kath Wissinger

[Barbara Kenny]

You might ask Schulmerich if they have any recommendations for playing in the cold.  Our bells are Malmark.  A couple of years ago, I asked the company if they had any temperature ranges for safe use of the bells.  The response was 

Malmark does not have any specific temperature ranges set for the 'safe'

playing of handbells.  We've not done any scientific tests to determine if

there is a temperature below which we recommend not playing the bells.

Keep in mind the general guidelines:

        Allow bells to adjust to the ambient temperature before playing.

        Everything becomes more brittle when cold.

        Ensure that main assembly screws are TIGHT before playing - except

        on the higher bells (~D#6 & above), do not overtighten the main

        assembly screw as this can lessen the sustain of the note.

        We do not recommend playing on the hard setting; also no stopped

        sounds (marting, plucking, etc).

        Use proper hand/handle grip and proper mallet technique (if using

        mallets).

It might be interesting to see what suggestions Schulmerich would give you.

Barbara

Boise ID