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Hey Kids, It's the Chimes
from the Hey Kid's, Meet the Orchestra Index
Chimes, also known as tubular bells, are a member of the percussion family. Unlike most percussion instruments, they produce a pitch when struck.
How It's Played
Chimes are played by striking the top edge of the metal tube with a rawhide or plastic hammer. The player may control the length of the ringing with the damper pedal.
How It's Made
Chimes begin in a metal shop where 1.5" diameter brass tubes are cut in various lengths. The longer tubes play the lower notes while shorter tubes play the higher notes. After the tubes are carefully tuned, they are arranged like a piano keyboard, from largest to smallest, and suspended vertically from a large frame. Damers and a damper pedal are then added to control how long the chime tubes will ring.
The Percussion Family
Chimes are a member of the percussion family. The percussion family includes the timpani, snare drum, bass drum, xylophone, glockenspiel, chimes, gong, cymbals, and many smaller percussion instruments.
Fun Fact
In 1950, NBC filed with the U. S. Patent Office to make their three note chime tune a registered audible service mark. It was the first time a 'tune' was filed with that office. The following is the record from the Patent Office:
Serial Number : 72-349496
Type of Mark: SERVICE MARK
Mark Drawing Code: (6) NO DRAWING
Description of Mark: THE MARK COMPRISES A SEQUENCE OF
CHIME-LIKE MUSICAL NOTES WHICH ARE IN THE KEY OF C AND SOUNDED THE
NOTES G, E, C, THE "G" BEING THE ONE JUST BELOW MIDDLE C, THE "E" THE
ONE JUST ABOVE MIDDLE C, AND THE "C" BEING MIDDLE C, THEREBY TO
IDENTIFY APPLICANT'S BROADCAST SERVICE.
Owner Name: NATIONAL BROADCASTING COMPANY, INC., The
Owner Address: 30 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA NEW YORK NEW YORK
10112 CORPORATION DELAWARE
The NBC chime tune was discontinued in 1971 and then returned in 1976 on the anniversary of the network's 50th year in broadcasting.
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