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On Friday, September 30, 2005, we departed from our pursuit of the theatre
organ and toured the Schulmerich Carillon Company's factory in Sellersville,
Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia. They manufacture bronze handbells, electronic
carillons, and cast bell carillons, among other bell related products,
including bell towers and animated figures. It is only one of two companies in
the United States and two companies in England that does this activity.
We were guided through the plant by Phyllis Hence, who first took us to
their showroom. There we saw their newer electronic products, including a
three manual carillon which controls eight different sets of bells and
electronic handbells and chimes. Then, we went on to the handbell part of the
manufacturing operation.
These bells are forged rough by an independent contractor nearby and sent
to Schulmerich for final finishing, tuning, and delivery. These operations
like anything else involve computers, but the final tuning is done by ear on
the part of a "very valuable" employee. He trims the inside of each bell to
be sure its pitch is correct per a computer. It is a very exacting operation.
It was an extremely interesting tour, because there are so few firms in
this field. If you are in the area, take time to make a visit.
Many thanks go to the Schulmerich Carillon Company and to Phyllis Hence for
a very interesting afternoon.
Dick Auchincloss
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or email to
2010-03-01 15:56:56 -0500
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