Expert: William J Perkins - 12/7/2009

Question
I just purchased a Howard Miller mantle clock circa 1983.  It has triple chimes - the problem being when it chimes it sounds horribly flat - not like it should sound at all.  I have another Howard Miller with Westminster chimes that sounds great.  What could the problem be?  Could it be some kind of defect?

Answer
The very first thing you must do is to stop the clock so you can examine and work on the clock without causing harm.  The first thing I would suspect is that the chime rod base is loose.  Make sure it is bolted tightly to the case.  The next suspect would be that something is touching the chime rods, examine for this very closely. If indeed this is the problem, loosen and move the chime rod base to a position of no contact for the rods.  Tighten down the chime rod base.  If after eliminating the forgoing the chimes are still clunky you will need to reposition the hammers.  Since the sound is now flat the hammers must be setting to close to the chime rods.  With this condition the hammers remain in contact with the chime rod preventing it from vibrating. You will need to raise the hammers to correct.  Do this with a pair of pliers.  You will need to bend the hammer handles slightly up to cause rise to the hammer.  Perform the routine, one hammer at a time until they are all producing a pleasant sound.  When you have done the first hammer, using your finger, raise the hammer about 3/4" and let it drop.  If the resulting sound is still flat bend the hammer up a bit more until it sounds pleasant.  Should the resulting sound been to soft you would have needed to bend the hammer handle down.  Anyway what you need do is to bend all the hammer shafts to a position to where the hammers produce a satisfactory sound.  Once you have achieved a satisfactory melody.  Start your clock, set it and let 'er rip.  Regards WJP