Chimes

Chimes, also called tubular bells, are a percussion instrument that consists of 18 to 20 brass or steel tubes hung on a frame. The tubes have a range of 1¹/₂ octaves. The tubes are arranged with low notes on the left and high notes on the right. The player strikes the tubes with one or two mallets that are made of pressed leather. The chimes produce deep, ringing sounds. The musician can sustain the sounds by operating a sustaining pedal with the foot. Chimes made of stone were used in the Far East as early as 2300 B.C. In 1885, John Hampton of Coventry, England, developed the kind of chimes used today in bands, orchestras, and other musical groups. See also Bell (Chimes and carillons).