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Clocks, Watches/Tone of coil chime in clock

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Expert: Martin Meyer - 8/7/2008


Question

Pendulum Clock
My husband bought me a lovely pendulum clock, but unfortunately the chime does not sound lovely -- it's sort of a tinny sound. The hammer hits a coil which is about 4 inches in diameter. Is there anything we can do to make it sound more like a chime?
Thank you for any help you can give...


Answer
Hi Rosemary,

Coil gongs often have a very "unmusical" tone. First, you should check that the gong hammer is lined up squarely with the gong, and has an at-rest clearance of 1/16" to 1/8" from the hammer. If the hammer is contacting the gong in its at-rest position, the sound will be "dead".

You may be able to replace it with a better-sounding coil gong. Gongs of both types are available from clock supply houses like Timesavers, Merritts Antiques or Empire Clock. Unfortunately, there is no way to tell in advance how a new gong will sound. In general, coil gongs with a heavier and/or flat coil wire sound better than smaller ones, with a round coil wire.

Your main consideration in replacing the gong is if it will fit in the clock case without hitting either the pendulum, the weights or the movement. It also must be mounted so that the hammer hits the gong. The hammer wire can usually be bent to position the hammer precisely. You will probably need to replace the gong mount as well, which will require drilling new mounting holes in the case back, but you may be able to remove the center screw on the existing mount and exchange the coils.  http://www.clockmasteronline.com  
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    Commentthanks so much....we'll look it over and see what we can do!!


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Martin Meyer

Expertise

Can answer repair and service questions for most types of clocks, antique and modern, mechanical and battery. NO watches, appraisals, identification, history, dating, or questions about cuckoo clocks. Website for Modern and Antique Clock Repair: Clockmasteronline.com

Experience

24 Years as owner and repairman of clock repair business, 28 years in the field. Factory Independent Service Center for Howard Miller, Ridgeway and (formerly) Sligh Clocks. Specializing in Fine Antique Longcase (grandfather) clocks. Clock repair Website: (Please remove "Not" from the address - this is a spam protection): www.NotClockmasteronline.com

Organizations
AWCI (American Watchmakers and Clockmakers Institute) and NAWCC (National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors)

Publications
Am also an Expert in the "AllExperts-Antiques-Antique Clocks" Category.

Education/Credentials
Trained by a former Rolex Asia watchmaker, and by a Master Watchmaker/Clockmaker.

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