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Introduction
Welcome to the growing Schulmerich family! We put a lot
of ourselves into our handbells, and it delights us to know
that you will soon be using them to make beautiful music,
enjoy team building and have great fun.
Your new handbells are American made, warranted for life,
and the finest handbells available anywhere. Schulmerich’s
Lifetime Warranty covers the entire handbell, from the
tuned Bell Casting and the Clapper Assembly to the Handle.
We will give you the service and support you need, for as
long as you own your Schulmerich handbells. No wonder
Schulmerich handbells are played by more churches,
schools and institutions than any other. We are the oldest
existing manufacturer of English handbells in North
America, having started in 1962. We are proud that you
have chosen to play them, too.
---- Team Schulmerich
To help you learn more about the care and maintenance of your Handbells, we have put together
the following download-able Schulmerich Handbells Care and Maintenance guide [PDF]
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INSPECTION UPON RECEIPT
Please take a few minutes to check your new handbells for
shipping damage. It is the responsibility of the recipient to
file a damage claim if such is necessary. A tool kit and a
specially treated polishing cloth in a plastic container are
also included, with complete sets of handbells. We suggest
you review this instruction bulletin, and note pages of helpful
illustrations. A parts diagram is included for your ordering
convenience, should the need arise.
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CARRYING CASES
Your cases are beautifully designed to transport or store your
handbells. They also provide additional storage space for
maintenance tools and materials furnished with your handbells.
Although your handbells are received in plastic bags,
please do not use these bags for continued storage as this
may harm the highly polished finish on the handbells. To
maintain this jewel-like finish on the outside of the handbells,
it is important to avoid contact with rough or coarse
materials, or touching them with the bare hand. If you do not
own Schulmerich custom-designed carrying cases, we recommend
that storage bags or pouches of soft materials, such
as pacific cloth, flannels, or velvets be made for your handbells.
We also recommend that your cases be aired (in a dry
environment) once a year.
Innovative Ring ‘N’ Roll Handbell cases are now provided
on the first, second, lower third, lower fourth, and lower fifth
octave cases.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR HANDBELLS
As you examine your handbells, set a large one aside (a G4
provides good visibility of the internal parts and construction),
so you can become familiar with some of its unique
parts and features.
The Soft Touch™ Plastic Handle of polypropylene features
inlaid enharmonic musical note designations and a campaniform
(bell silhouette). The campaniform shows the strike
point side of the handbell, and is also used for rapid identification
for those who use uneven Restraining Spring tension
adjustment. Two locating pin holes in the Yoke Block, to
which the Handle is securely riveted, indicate the relationship
of the Handle to the striking plane of the Clapper Head.
The striking plane of the Clapper Head (selected at the factory
as the point of "best response" which, when used as the
strike point, creates the clearest tone) is fixed by an
Indexing Pin in the casting to a hole located in the Clapper
Yoke. As each handbell is individually tuned, the optimum
striking plane is permanently recorded by scribing an index
mark along the inner surface of the bell casting.
Schulmerich handbells provide an Indexing Pin (a Schulmerich exclusive), inlaid enharmonic note designations
with campaniform marking and Soft Touch™ durable
Handle.
Note the raised crown, or bell "tang," at the top of the
handbell. This Schulmerich exclusive helps produce greater
amplitude.
Next examine the plastic Handguard (Master Touch™ Disc)
and notice that it carries the same plastic-coated note designation
as does the Handle. This permits identification of the
handbell, whether the playing preference is to lay the handbells
on their sides or to stand them upright on their mouths,
or by reading from the Handle or Master Touch™ Disc
respectively. This musical note system is in direct reference
to that of the piano keyboard. (Example: Middle C is C5)
Now look into the mouth of the bell casting and notice the
unique Select-A-Strike™ Clapper Head that allows you
nearly unlimited freedom for voicing your handbells. (Or,
you may have selected the Quick-Adjust™ Clapper Head,
which can be easily hand adjusted for Soft, Medium or Hard
voice settings) See page 5 for a drawing of each Clapper
Head.
Select-A-Strike™ Clapper Heads are adjustable by securing
the Clapper Head against the casting wall, then rotating the
Clapper Screw slightly counter-clockwise until the Clapper
Head is free to rotate. Rotate the Clapper Head to the
desired position and secure the Clapper Head against the
casting wall while retightening the Clapper Screw. Quick-
Adjust™ Clapper Heads are adjustable without loosening
the Clapper Screw.
On all bells C8 and below in pitch, three decidedly different
impact tones (timbres) can be achieved. This permits a
selection of mellow or brilliant tones to be generated in your
handbells, according to your tonal preference. These options
provide a soft mellow strike tone designated by the letter
"S" imprinted on the Clapper Head insert, a medium tone
designated by "M" on the insert, and a strong brilliant tone
designated by "H" on the insert. Try it!
It is far better to have handbells which musically have the
same timbre than to have handbells which are set on similar
Clapper Head settings to achieve a special effect.
Try our Clapper Head and listen for these differences in
timbre. First, with the felt material (G#4 and lower bells)
ringing the bell (the "S" plane of the Clapper Head in the
striking plane), ring the bell softly and then with a hard
strike – while noting the low, mellow tones which result.
Next, loosen the Clapper Screw which holds the Clapper
Head, using the screwdriver furnished for this purpose – or
just rotate it, if you have Quick-Adjust™ Clapper Heads –
and turn the Clapper Head so that the "M" plane of the
Clapper Head is oriented to the strike point. Adjust the
Clapper Head so that the center of the slot or hole in the
"M" plane will contact with the side of the bell casting.
Then tighten the Clapper Head securely and again strike the
bell casting softly and then with a hard strike, and note the
medium, mellow tones which result. Now, loosen the
Clapper Head again, align the "H" plane to strike, tighten
the Clapper Screw, and again strike the bell and note the
hard, brilliant tones which will result.
Handbells higher in pitch than G#4 are equipped with
Clapper Heads whose design does not include a felt striking
position. As we progress higher than G#4, it is necessary to
use harder impact materials to excite the higher tonal frequencies.
Therefore, in ascending order, the Clappers Head
contain smaller slots or holes, or none at all in bells C#8 and
above, in order to generate these higher frequencies. This is
opposed to that of the larger handbells where the purpose of
the felt is to subdue the extraneous higher partials and thereby
achieve a dominant strong fundamental and twelfth partial.
Even in smaller handbells, small changes in strike tone
can be achieved by striking on the thicker or thinner areas of
the Clapper Head since the thicker areas, being more
resilient, provide a softer striking surface.
Now, look further down into the handbell and examine the
unique Micro-Adjust control at the bottom of the Clapper
Shaft. Note the two Stop Nuts (a type of high-friction nut
that holds the position to which it is turned) which restrict
the movement of the Pellethane® Restraining Spring secured
to the bottom of the Clapper Shaft.
Move the Clapper Head lightly to one side of the handbell
and, using the appropriate nut driver furnished (bells G2-
F#3 use 3/8", bells G3-B5 use 5/16", and bells C6-C8 use
1/4" nut drivers), turn the Stop Nut (the Stop Nut nearest
you when holding the handbell in the proper ringing position) counter-clockwise and you will notice that the
Clapper Head moves closer to the side of the bell casting,
thus requiring less effort to strike the handbell. Now release
the Clapper Head and turn the Stop Nut clockwise (downward)
and you will see the Clapper Head move away from
the side of the bell. The purpose of adjustment is to permit
the selection of the desired Clapper Head restraining action
to suit the touch or feel of any handbell ringer. Uneven
adjustment of the Stop Nuts can be utilized to give an easier
forward strike, or restrict the backstroke to avoid unwanted
back rings.
Obviously, excessive downward adjustment of the Stop
Nuts will require excessive effort to strike the handbell
since the Clapper Head is held too far from the side of the
bell casting. Excessive downward positioning of the nuts
can overstress the Pellethane® Restraining Spring to a point
where failure could occur. Position Stop Nuts downward
only as far as necessary to effect a smooth, easy and controlled
strike. To achieve uniform tension settings throughout
the handbell set, it is generally better to adjust for what
is best for the handbells, instead of what is preferred by
individual ringers. Whatever method you use, make certain
that each handbell can pass the following tests:
- Check for a full dynamic range
- Check back ringing
- Check the "shake" technique (not applicable to bass bells), performed by striking the Clapper Head against both front and back casting walls
- Check that the Clapper Head strikes only once when playing a Martellato (table technique)
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CARING FOR YOUR BELLS
The following suggestions will help you get a lifetime of
satisfaction from your Schulmerich bells:
Never put your handbells away after playing or handling
them without first having wiped them clean with the specially
treated polishing cloth furnished as part of your
accessory kit. Make this a rule and a habit. If left on, finger
and hand marks, due to body salts and acids, will quickly
etch and mar the bright, polished finish. The handbell
should be dry before using the polishing cloth. If the handbell
is badly tarnished, a slight moistening of the tarnished
surface by blowing on it will help. Rub the surface briskly
with the outside of the polishing cloth, and then with the
brown cloth, using the hands against the outside chamois
section of the cloth to protect them from jeweler’s rouge.
Coloring on the hands is harmless and is easily washed off.
Should a handbell become so badly tarnished that it cannot
be cleaned with the polishing cloth, cleaning with a polish
such as Simichrome®, available from Schulmerich, will
remove most stubborn tarnish. When using polish, apply
with a clean soft cloth or cheesecloth. Do not allow the
polish to dry. Remove immediately following application.
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DISASSEMBLY
If disassembly of a handbell is necessary or desired for
some reason, the hex ball driver furnished is the only tool
needed. A look at the diagram on the opposite page shows
that the entire handbell assembly is held together by means
of one Handle Cap Screw through the Handle Block,
through the top of the Handbell, and then into a threaded
hole in the Yoke. Disassembly is performed by inserting
the ball driver into the socket of the Handle Cap Screw
above the Handle Block and turning the Handle Cap Screw
counter-clockwise until its threads are free of the threaded
hole in the Yoke.
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REASSEMBLY
To reassemble (see page 5), replace the parts in the order
illustrated in the diagram. Insert the Handle Cap Screw
with the Clapper Lock Washer beneath its head, through the
center hole in the Handle Block. Place the Yoke Spacer
over the extension of the Handle Cap Screw and, holding
the Yoke Assembly by its shaft, turn the Yoke Assembly
clockwise, thereby drawing the screw extension into the
threaded hole in the Yoke. With these parts engaged, align
the hole in the yoke with the extension of the Indexing Pin
beyond the inside of the bell. Push the parts together, so
that the Yoke and Handle are indexed by the pin and complete
the tightening of the Handle Cap Screw until it is
drawn snug. Note: Over-tightening of the Handle Cap
Screw may (especially in the higher range of handbells)
result in a deadening of the bell tone – so draw the Handle
Cap Screw up snug, but not so tight as to deaden the tone or
to bind the Yoke Assembly.
Should the Handle become gummy from dirt accumulation
after a time, clean with a cloth moistened with a lukewarm
solution of water and mild detergent. The plastic material is
unaffected by almost all strong chemicals and cleaning agents
except benzene and carbon tetrachloride, which will affect the
plastic only after long contact with it – avoid their use.
In addition to the type of plastic used in the Handle, your
Schulmerich handbell may use as many as four additional
types. Different types of plastics are more or less susceptible
to reaction with different types of chemicals and to different
degrees. Many of today’s better products include
plastic parts and assemblies for the added advantages that
plastics offer, and most reliable manufacturers caution
against the use of various chemicals on their plastics.
Schulmerich therefore recommends against the use of any
chemicals either on its handbell assemblies or in the storage
container with the handbells. In a closed container such as
a carrying case, under certain conditions, a stored chemical
can give off a gas that could react injuriously with one or
more of the plastics. For example, the fumes given off by
ordinary mothballs can have damaging effects on plastic.
So, play it safe, and don’t put chemicals into your handbell
storage cases and follow the Schulmerich instructions for
cleaning.
No special care is needed for the ruggedly built
Schulmerich handbell carrying cases. The plush-lined, profiled
recesses for the handbells in each of the available cases
provide excellent resistance against abrasion and wear. The
tough, black leatherette covering bonded to the exteriors of
the cases will stand considerable abuse. Scuff marks on the
finish, resulting from rough handling, can be simply
touched-up with an application of one of several black selfshining
liquid shoe polishes on the market.
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VOICING YOUR HANDBELLS
Definition of Terms:
Voicing: The process of blending the tonal qualities (sound) of the bells together to bring about a consistent color or timbre
Voice Break: All octaves of handbells contain a variety of clapper sizes and density. The voice break is located where the clapper size, weight, and/or design changes, producing a timbre change.
Understanding Basic Patterns of Handbell Sound:
1. As pitch rises, clapper get smaller and harder.
2. As identical clappers proceed up the scale, the sound tends to become softer.
3. Bells below the voice break tend to be darker/weaker in color and those above tend to be brighter/stronger. (There are some exceptions)
Voicing Procedures:
All handbell mechanisms — yoke assemblies/clapper assemblies — must have proper tension settings.
1. Set all clapper heads at “Medium.”
2. Beginning at the lowest musical pitch, work your way to the right playing at least 4-5 chromatic bells up the scale and then back down and past the handbell being voiced.
3. Listen for weak or strong handbells.
4. Rotate the clapper heads accordingly. Note: Not all bells will be at the same setting.
5. For a more consistent sound and feel, use the same hand in voicing your bells.
Rotation of Clapper Head:
Select-A-Strike™ Clapper Heads use the entire 360° of the Clapper Head. Even a slight adjustment to the left or right of a particular setting will make a difference.
Caution should be used when using the older style lower 5th, 6th and 7th octave Clapper Heads. Do not play at a Clapper Head corner (apex). Large castings could crack when too much force is applied while ringing.
For bells with Quick-Adjust™ Clapper Heads, rotate the Clapper Head clockwise as desired.
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REPAIRING YOUR BELLS
There need be no reluctance in disassembling your handbells.
They have been designed so that you, the customer,
can do repair work that will have no effect on the precision
tuning of the bells.
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CHANGING RESTRAINING SPRINGS
(for bells with Select-A-Strike™ Clapper Heads)
Tools Needed:
1. Handbell toolkit provided with original set of handbells
2. Fine file or emery paper
Part Needed:
New Pellethane® Restraining Spring
Procedure:
1. Using the hex ball driver supplied, remove the Handle
Cap Screw located at the Handle Block. This completely
disassembles the handbell. Be careful not to lose any of
the parts, particularly the Yoke Spacer that goes between
the Yoke Assembly and the casting. Failure to reinsert
this Yoke Spacer could result in a tonally "dead" bell.
2. Using the screwdriver, remove the Clapper Head and
Clapper Lockwasher and set aside.
3. Using the adjustment wrenches supplied, remove Stop
Nuts, Neoprene Bumpers and Anti-Friction Washers.
(rotate rather than pull)
4. Remove the damaged spring by sliding toward the Clapper
end of the Shaft. (note Restraining Springs fit snugly)
5. Inspect the Clapper end of the Shaft. If there are any
sharp edges or burrs, remove them with a fine file or
emery paper.
6. Place the Pellethane® Restraining Spring with flat center
portion on a board or other hard surface, and push down
on the ends of the Restraining Spring to open up the
center hole. Insert the end of the Shaft through the center
hole, reverse the Yoke and continue to push the
Restraining Spring down fully to straddle the Yoke
Block and be parallel with the sides of the "U" channel
so that the Studs are free from the sides of the slots.
For easy replacement Pellethane® Restraining Springs are
numbered directly on the spring!
#8 C2 thru B2
#7 C3 thru F#3
#1 G3 thru C#4
#3 D4 thru G#4
#4 A4 thru B5
#5 C6 thru C7
#6 C#7 thru C8
7. Replace the Anti-Friction Washer, Neoprene Bumper
and Stop Nut on each Stud. Hand tighten now and then
adjust when the bell is together.
8. Bell reassembly: Please refer to Reassembly on page 4.
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CHANGING RESTRAINING SPRINGS
(for bells with Quick-Adjust™ Clappers)
Tools Needed:
1. Small vise (if available)
2. Short Arm 5/32" hex key (bells created January 2003 and later)
3. Fine file or emery paper
Part Needed:
New Pellethane® Restraining Spring
Disassembly Procedure:
1. Remove Quick-Adjust™ Complete Assembly from bell following the directions in the Care & Maintenance Manual. (See page 5 drawings in this bulletin for reference to part names.)
2. Secure Clapper Shaft in the vise by clamping on to parallel flats.
3. For bells with a hex head Shoulder Screw insert the 5/32" hex key in the head of the Shoulder Screw and turn in a counter clockwise direction to remove the Shoulder Screw. Once the Shoulder Screw is free from the Clapper Shaft, grasp the threaded portion of the Shoulder Screw, and set the Shoulder Screw with all of the clapper components head down on a flat surface. This keeps all the components together and facilitates the assembly process.
4. Remove the Detent Plate from the Clapper Shaft and place it on the Shoulder Screw.
5. Using the appropriate nut driver, remove the Stop Nuts, Neoprene Bumpers and Anti-Friction Washers.
6. Slide the old Restraining Spring off of the Clapper Shaft.
Reassembly Procedure:
1. Check the end of the Clapper Shaft for burrs and sharp edges and remove either or both with a fine file or emery paper.
2. Slightly rounding the sharp edges on the ends of the Clapper Shaft will facilitate installing the Detent Plate and Restraining Spring.
3. Position the new Restraining Spring on the Clapper Shaft and push it on until it bottoms on the Shaft Block.
4. Reinstall the Anti-Friction Washers, Neoprene Bumpers and Stop Nuts.
5. Carefully screw the threads of the Shoulder Screw (With the Wave Spring, Bushing, Clapper Head, and Detent Plate stacked on the Shoulder Screw) into the end of the Clapper Shaft until the three tabs on the Detent Plate touch the end of the Clapper Shaft. Then turn the Shoulder Screw another quarter turn.
6. While holding the Clapper Shaft in hand, rotate the Clapper Head slightly back and forth until the three tabs in the Detent Plate fit over the end of the Clapper Shaft and the end of the Clapper Shaft is sitting on the bottom of the Detent Plate.
7. Turn the Shoulder Screw until it bottoms out on the Detent Plate and then use a moderate amount of pressure to tighten.
8. Reinstall the Quick-Adjust™ Complete Assembly into the bell and adjust the Stop Nuts for the desired clapper setting.
Note: The low 5th, 6th, and 7th octave bells have two Anti-Friction Washers per Stud as shown in the drawing. All other bells with Anti-Friction Washers only have one per Stud,which is located next to the Pellethane® Restraining Spring.
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STICKING CLAPPER SHAFTS
If you encounter sticking Clapper Shafts on bells G3 - C8,
we recommend using the Yoke Adjustment Tool available
from Schulmerich Bells. It’s easy to use, provides the best
long term results, and is less likely to damage bell parts.
The Yoke Adjustment Tool is designed to spread the inner
walls of the Yoke Assembly outward, in order to free up any
binding which might occur. Disassemble the handbell
before attempting the following procedure
Gently insert the open ends of the Yoke Adjustment Tool into
both ends of the Yoke Assembly and gently squeeze (see diagram);
this applies outward pressure to the inside walls of the yoke assembly. It should not require a great deal of
force. If the Clapper Shaft does not free itself up after two
attempts, you might need professional assistance. Again, disassemble
the bell before attempting this procedure.
If a Yoke Adjustment Tool is not available, you may address
the problem by a less preferred method. Take a thin-bladed
long shaft screwdriver and place it between the Shaft Block
and the Yoke Channel and apply a moderate twisting
motion. If the shaft does not free itself, do not apply more
force. It is recommended to follow this procedure on both
sides of the Yoke Assembly. Take care not to cause damage
to any parts. It is not necessary to disassemble the bell for
this procedure. This method may not provide long term
results and should be viewed as a "temporary fix."
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LOOSE CLAPPER SHAFTS
Loose or wobbly Clapper Shafts can be detected by a rattling
sound heard when the handbell is struck. If you can hear a
rattle and feel excessive side to side movement, you can take
the following steps to correct it. (Remember that there must
be some side movement to permit the bell to strike.)
Remove the Yoke Assembly from the bell by loosening the
Handle Cap Screw. Place the Yoke Block on its side in an
open vise and gently tighten vise. Now reassemble the
handbell and you are ready to ring.
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REPLACING MASTER TOUCH™ DISCS
Tools Needed:
1. Handbell toolkit provided with original set of bells
2. Small hammer
Disassembly Procedure:
1. Insert hex key wrench into head of Handle Cap Screw
located in center of Handle. Turn counter clockwise
until Handle Cap Screw is disengaged from bell.
2. Remove Lockwasher and place Lockwasher on Handle
Cap Screw furnished with kit.
3. Set aside Yoke Assembly,Yoke Spacer, and Handle.
4. With a small hammer, drive Indexing Pin flush with top
of bell tang.
5. Place new Indexing Pin from kit above (atop) old pin.
Drive new Indexing Pin in as existing pin is driven out.
Stop when old pin drops out.
Reassembly Procedure:
1. Place new Master Touch™ Disc over bell tang.
2. Drive Indexing Pin further into bell until it is 1/8" above
top of Master Touch™ Disc.
3. Orient bell with scribed line (inside bell lip) nearest you.
Orient disc with "SCHULMERICH" to your left.
4. Put Yoke Assembly,Yoke Spacer, and Handle in place.
5. Insert new Handle Cap Screw with Lockwasher and
tighten using hex key wrench or ball driver. Note: Overtightening
Handle Cap Screw may deaden bell tone.
6. General Notes: Use caution so as not to scratch or damage
the new disc.
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BUZZING TONE
This sometimes occurs in the larger bells. After determining
that the handbell is not cracked, ring the handbell and
apply pressure with your thumb to the top of the Master
Touch™ Disc. In most cases you will note the buzz is gone.
If this is the case, simply retighten the Handle Cap Screw.
If, after tightening the Handle Cap Screw, the noise still persists
when you remove your thumb from the Master
Touch™ Disc move Master Touch™ Disc slightly to one
side and retighten the Handle Cap Screw. This should correct
the problem.
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QUIETING A SQUEAKING YOKE ASSEMBLY
You may lubricate each end of the Axle with a single drop
of WD-40® or Super Lube® with Syncolon® (PTFE) in tube
applicator 51010. Allow penetration for several minutes
and then wipe off any excess. Do not use any other method
of lubrication. Do not mix lubrication products. (Super
Lube® is available from Schulmerich)
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CLAPPER & YOKE ASSEMBLY
(6th & 7th octaves, high range only)
1. Remove a bumper from supplied sheet with tweezers
and place in recess in slot on Yoke. Push edges to seat.
2. Install two Spring Plungers into Clapper Head with
screw head toward the Clapper Head and only the white
plungers extending out the bottom of the rocker end.
3. Slide Clapper Assembly into Yoke. Slide pin into side
hole of yoke and line up Clapper Head with pin. Drive
pin in with press until flush with side of Yoke.
4. Check Clapper Head for swing action.
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ADJUSTING UPPER 6th & 7th OCTAVE BELLS
1. When adjusting the Clapper Assembly, note that the
screw on the strike side controls the strike while the
screw on the backswing side controls the backswing.
Make small adjustments to each with a screwdriver until
the bell rings properly.
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TIGHTENING LOOSE HANDLES
(7th octave, low range only)
1. Remove the eight Handle Screws on the sides of the
Handle with the 3/32" T-handle hex wrench.
2. Tighten the main Handle Cap Screw with the 1/4" T-handle
hex wrench until snug and without a visible gap
between the base of the Handle and the Master
Touch™ Disc.
3.Replace the Handle Cap Screws securely. Note: Check
the Handle Cap Screws periodically for tightness.
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POLISHING THE HANDBELLS
Polishing is necessary especially after exposure to a corrosive
atmosphere such as salt air, etc., or having something
spilled on the bells.
Always make sure to polish under the Master Touch™ Disc,
but be careful to wipe away all polish residue. On the
smaller handbells this will require disassembly. If this is
not done, the handbells will continue to tarnish. If let go,
the tarnish will actually etch the bronze. If anything is
spilled on the handbells, clean it off immediately, as bronze
is easily etched.
We recommend the use of Simichrome® Metal Polish,
which can be purchased directly from Schulmerich.
Occasionally clean the inside of your bells with a clean,
dry cloth.
We hope the above will aid you and help you further enjoy
your Schulmerich handbells. If you have any further questions
please feel free to contact us at any time; we will be
glad to help you.
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INFORMATION OF INTEREST
Caution should be exercised when transporting handbells in
extremely cold weather. Allow sufficient time for all parts to
reach room temperature before the bells are struck.
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TROUBLESHOOTING COMMON PROBLEMS
Buzzing Sounds:
| 1) Master Touch™ Disc................................ |
Loosen handle and rotate disc |
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* Master Touch™ Disc will require complete removal of the handle |
| 2) Check Anti-Friction Washers..................... |
Replace |
| 3) Check casting for cracks.......................... |
Consult local handbell representative or Schulmerich |
| 4) Check Handle and Cap Screw.................... |
Tighten cap screw (do not over-tighten) |
| 5) Check clapper Head Screw........................ |
Tighten clapper screw |
Dull Tone Or Too Little Sound:
| Check Handle Cap Screw............................ |
May be too tight |
| Check for missing Yoke Spacer..................... |
Disassemble handbell and insert Yoke Spacer in proper location |
| Check Clapper Head................................... |
Rotate Clapper Head or replace |
Pitch Changes:
| Check for cracked casting......................... |
Send to Schulmerich or contact representative |
| Check room temperature........................... |
Allow handbells to reach room temperature before playing |
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Store handbells in more constant environment |
(Note: Cold days will cause pitch to rise, hot days will cause pitch to lower. Temperature variation also affects human
hearing.)
Yoke Assembly Problems:
| Inconsistent ringing .................................. |
Check tension adjustments |
| Back ringing............................................. |
Check tension adjustments |
| Uneven handbell shakes............................ |
Check tension adjustments |
| Slow moving Clapper Assembly.................. |
Spread Yoke Channel |
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Check Yoke Stud & Axle Spring alignment |
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Check and clean Axle |
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See local Schulmerich representative |
Broken Restraining Springs:
| Broken Restraining Springs......................... |
Replace |
Loose Or Rotating Handles Or Clapper Assemblies:
| Check for broken or missing Indexing Pins..... |
Replace |
| Check Handle Lockwasher........................... |
Replace |
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CARE & MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE GUIDELINES
Daily/Weekly
Wipe off handbell castings after use by polishing with polishing cloth.
• Minor marks can be wiped off with outside chamois section.
• If tarnish/fingerprints are worse, use the rouge section of the outside chamois section.
• Be sure to wipe off the red rouge from the castings and bell parts.
•Do not rouge inside the castings.
Report/Note any mechanical or audible changes to your Handbell Director.
Dry wipe inside the castings with a lint-free cloth.
Store handbells in a constant room temperature if possible.
Monthly
Snug/Tighten handbell handle screw with hex ball driver.(Do not over-tighten.)
Snug/tighten clapper head screws on Select-A-Strike™ assemblies.
Check operation of Quick-Adjust™ clapper head and tighten the clapper screw if necessary.
Adjust spring tension, especially if temperature changes have occurred.
Spot polish excessive tarnish or marks on casting exteriors.
Inspect all parts and mechanism alignments.
Bi-Annually
Polish castings with Simichrome® polish if needed.
Listen to the voicing of the clapper heads.
Check spring tension adjustments.
Clean yoke assembly parts with a brush.
Inspect all parts.
Yearly
Open cases, remove handbells, and air out cases for 40 – 48 hours.
Inspect cases for damage, and repair as needed.
Use ArmorAll or similar product on outside of cases. Touch up scuff marks with black shoe polish.
Repair damaged locks and latches.
Vacuum all cases.
Clean handles and discs in mild solution of water and soap with damp cloth.
Please note: Fingerprints and hand marks, if left on, will quickly etch the casting surface due to body salts and acids. This schedule is provided as a guideline. The activities undertaken may be adjusted depending on your use of the bells and the playing environment.
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THE SCHULMERICH WARRANTY
Schulmerich handbell instruments purchased after May 15, 1984 are warranted to be free from defects in material and
workmanship, covering all parts, for the life of the ownership of such instruments by the original purchaser. Defective parts
will be repaired or replaced, at Schulmerich’s option, provided such parts are returned shipping prepaid to Schulmerich
Bells, Carillon Hill, P.O. Box 903, Sellersville, PA 18960-0903. Proof of purchase (Schulmerich’s invoice) may be required.
This warranty is extended solely to the original purchaser, and is non-transferable.
This warranty is VOID in the event of abuse, accident, modification to parts, or improper handling, or repairs or alterations
made by the owner or third parties without Schulmerich factory written authorization. Parts will be considered abused if
they have been treated contrary to Schulmerich’s Care and Maintenance Instructions. Further, this warranty does not cover
any damage arising from nicks, dents or scratches.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rights which may vary from state to state.
With the exception of warranty of title, ALL OTHER WARRANTIES ARE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED, THUS THERE IS
NO WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. No one is authorized to
change these terms.
Schulmerich Carillons, Inc. • Carillon Hill
P.O. Box 903 • Sellersville, PA 18960-0903
800/772-3557 • 215/257-2771
www.SchulmerichBells.com
Pellethane® is a registered trademark of The UpJohn Company.
WD-40® is a registered trademark of WD-40 Manufacturing Company
Super Lube® is a registered trademark of Synco Chemical Corporation
Syncolon® is a registered trademark of Synco Chemical Corporation
Simichrome® is a registered trademark of Gebrueder Happich GMBH
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