Expert: William J Perkins - 7/21/2008

Question
QUESTION: One or two of the hour chimes is badly out of tune. Sounds flat to me. I see that the rod unscrews from the top of the sound box, but what can be done? Thanks
Dianna

ANSWER: There are a number of things that could contribute to, "Sounds flat", 1). The hammers are not striking the rods properly, in which case you would adjust the hammer position to its chime rod.  You correct this condition by bending the hammer handle so that is square to the rod and bending it back or forwards to achieve the tone you desire.  2).  The chime block, (the thing the chime rods are screwed into, is loose.  You correct this by tightening the chime block to the case.  3).  One or more chime rods are loose in the chime block, simply tighten to correct.  4).  One or more chime rod is touching or touches something during its vibration.  This is correctable by bending the chime rod away from the obstruction.  Regards WJP.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I didn't consider the word "flat" having more than one meaning.  I was talking about the chime being flat as in out of pitch.  Not that it sounds "dull".  If I strike the single rod with something like a small hammer, it sounds out of pitch, not in tune with the other chimes.  
Thanks,
Dianna

Answer
Exactly.  One or more of your chime rods is not vibrating as it should.  The conditions and solutions I outlined are probable causes.  
I gather you cannot make the corrections I suggest.  The alternative are;
1) replace the offending chime rod,
2) replace all the chime rods,
3) replace the entire chime block and rods.  
I would discourage attempting the first alternative.  The tuning of a single chime rod to the remaining pieces of the original set is, to say the least, very time consuming.  First you would have to find a rod pitched just slightly lower than the desired note then commence a trial and error process of tuning the rod to the note required.  This is done by removing, filing or grinding, small amounts of metal from the free end.  Without the aid of an oscilloscope this can go on, for what seems, forever.  
Alternative 2 is the least expensive practical solution.  
3 is the best and fastest, albeit more expensive solution.  
You can obtain the parts you will need through TimeSavers, a major clock materials house.  To access their on line catalog goto <timesavers.com>  Search for chime rods/chime rod assemblies.  Look at the options, then call a counterman at TimeSavers and ask for assistance for fulfilling your needs.
Regards WJP