Expert: Kenneth Saunders - 4/29/2008

Question
Hi,
I am a woodworker, and am considering installing Hermle or Kieninger
movements into my mantle pieces. Before I purchase a movement, however, I
would like to be able to hear what these movements sound like. I cannot
seem to find anywhere on the net a place where I can buy a movement that I
can first listen to. Do you know of any such place, or have advice otherwise?

THanks,

Patrick

Answer
that is kinda like wanting to buy violin strings based on how they sound on a violin- depends entirely on the violin itself how they will sound! Same with your clock. The brand of mechanism will make NO diference in the sound. The chime rods and their mounting bracket AND the case they go into and how it is constructed and how the part of the clock that the mounting is bolted to (the sounding board) WILL make ALL the difference.
  Are you making clocks or "mantle pieces" ? whatever they are?? a long hollow shelf that goes over a fireplace with a clock built into it???
  Given the size of your space to put the chime rod set will determine which chime unit will fit. Unfortunately most modern German chime rod units are about the same in design and quality- heck probably all made by the same company. If you really want to experiment with sound, buy a chime rod unit that will fit (maybe a clock repair shop will have a scrap unit you can get cheap?)and try building different case designs to improve the sound. (different materials, thicknesses, construction methods, etc.)
  Stop in at any big clock shop and listen to modern mantle clocks- they will all sound different even though many will have the exact same mechanism in them.