Orchestra bells imitate the effect of authentic cast bronze bells. The two types of orchestra bells are tubular chimes and metal bars. The chimes are usually from 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 centimeters) in diameter and vary in length with the pitch. They are hung from a metal frame, and are struck with heavy leather-headed mallets. Their sound is deep and resonant. The metal bars are of varying sizes, usually not more than 1/2 inch (13 millimeters) in thickness, and are arranged in rows much like the piano keyboard. They are struck with a hard mallet, and produce a ringing sound, more brilliant and higher pitched than that of the tubular, hanging chimes.
See also Glockenspiel; Xylophone.
