Expert: William J Perkins - 11/13/2009

Question
One of the rods on a Sessions Banjo clock with two tone Bim-Bam hour strike is a dull thud. The other seems to be close to right but has an extra light rattle to it. I saw your answer to the woman who had a similar problem. The hammers seemed to be striking properly, not too close. Her clock had screw in rods. These are tapered at the end going into the chime block. I tried tapping them in tighter with some slight improvement and then continued tapping in further. At one point I decided I had gone to far and backed the rod out. Did I expand the hole too much? Is there a filler material? Do I need a new chime block or what?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Answer
It sounds like one of the rods is touching something, preventing it from resonating.  Perhaps there is contact between the rod and the case.  Another probability is that the rod is touching on the inside of the chime bar, i.e., the item by which the rods are help in place.  You are on the right track to tighten the fitting of the rods into the chime bar.  Examine these items vary carefully for contact with another surface.  If you find such contact, bend the rod to where it clears.  Otherwise the rod is dead and needs replacing.  Parts are available to do this from clock materials houses.  I suggest you go on-line to TimeSavers to seek out what you need.  TimeSavers sells to the public as well as to the trade and WILL HAVE what you need.  Use their 800 number to contact one of their reps for guidance in ordering the right part or parts.  TimeSavers e-mail address is <www.timesavers.com>  Regards WJP