Tubular bells facts for kids
Chimes/Tubular Bells (by Yamaha)
|
|
| Other instrument | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Chimes |
| Classification | idiophone |
| Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 111.232 (Sets of percussion tubes) |
| Playing range | |
| C4-F5 standard; extended range can include C4-G5, bass F3-B3, but can vary | |
| Builders | |
| Deagan, Adams, Yamaha, Jenco, Premier Percussion | |
Tubular bells, also known as chimes, are a special type of percussion instrument. They are designed to sound like church bells. When you hit them with a mallet, they make a clear, ringing sound. You might have heard them in songs, movies, or even in an album like Tubular Bells by Mike Oldfield.
Contents
What Are Tubular Bells?
Tubular bells are part of the idiophone family of instruments. This means they make sound mainly by vibrating their own material when struck. They look like a set of long, metal tubes. These tubes are usually made of brass and are hung vertically on a frame.
How They Work
Each tube is a different length, which gives it a different musical note. Shorter tubes make higher sounds, and longer tubes make lower sounds. To play them, musicians use special mallets, often with a hammer-like head. When a mallet hits a tube, the tube vibrates and creates a bell-like tone.
Where You Hear Them
Tubular bells are often used in orchestras and concert bands. They add a grand, majestic sound to music. You can also find them in:
- Film scores, to create a dramatic or magical feeling
- Musical theater productions
- Some rock and pop songs, for unique effects
- Classical music pieces, especially those that want a bell sound
They are a versatile instrument that can add a lot of character to many different kinds of music.
Related Instruments
Tubular bells are related to other percussion instruments that make sounds by being struck. Some of these include:
- Glockenspiel: A smaller instrument with metal bars that produce high, clear tones.
- Vibraphone: Has metal bars like a glockenspiel, but also includes resonators and a motor that creates a vibrating sound.
- Xylophone: Uses wooden bars to make a bright, sharp sound.
- Marimba: Similar to a xylophone but with larger wooden bars and a warmer, richer tone.
Images for kids
-
Adams Bass Chimes, range F3–B3
-
Chimes/tubular bells
See also
In Spanish: Campanas tubulares para niños
