Expert: William J Perkins - 11/22/2009

Question
Hi! I RECENTLY BOUGHT A SET OF 5 WESTMINSTER COILED GONGS AND I´M PLANNING TO BUY A FHS WESTMINSTER CHIME CLOCK MOVEMENT FOR MY PROYECT OF MAKING A CLOCK CASE. SO THE QUESTION IS IF THE HAMMERS OF WESTMINSTER CHIME HERMLE MOVEMENT ARE STRONG ENOUGH TO PLAY EACH OF THE 2 MILIMETERS OF WIRE OF EACH COILED GONG. I WAS THINKING ON TAKING OFF THE RUBBER PART OF EACH HAMMER AND PLACE A SCREW THAT WOULD FIT ON IT INSTEAD OF THE RUBBER. BECAUSE I HAVE A COILED GONG CLOCK AND THE HAMMER IT´S ALL BRASS MADE NO RUBBER ON IT. PLEASE TELL ME IF THIS WOULD WORK OR WHAT CAN I DO. THANK YOU! BEST REGARDS!

Answer
It would work, but frankly I believe it would sound like hell.  I don't understand why you are using coiled gongs instead of chime rods.  If it is a matter of space, I would suggest you consider a nesting of bells.  This would require even less space than a set of coiled chime rods.  I could better advise you if I knew the exact movement you propose to use and what sort of case you are entertaining.  Regards WJP