Clocks, Watches/chime tubes

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Expert: - 3/12/2009


Question

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Hello, I just received a ridgway grandfather clock serial number 65815 uw/18a 5 tubes movement.it is in really nice condition . My problem is the tubes are missing i am trying to locate tubes but haveing no luck . i was told i could make some out of 1" bass tubing. any help would be helpful thanks jp

Answer
I don't know of anyone that has done this but I don't know why it would not work. You would have to tune them though. The shorter the pipe length, the higher the pitch. If you could get the measurements from an original set it might be helpful in this process.
I don't know what note the longest rod uses for the hour but the upper 4 could be the 5th, tonic, second and third of a major musical scale. If the set were in the key of F, they would be C, F, G and A from low to top.
I have not been able to find any information on the note of the longest tube.
I hope this information is helpful.
Michael
norkro.com  

Michael Radi

Expertise

Clock repair and clock parts questions

Experience

I have been professionally repairing clocks for 11 years. I owned and ran a clock shop for 6 years. I have been the owner of a clock parts supply company for the past 11 years.

Organizations
National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors

Education/Credentials
High school graduate, some college, graduate of Niles Bryant School of Piano Tuning and repair.

Past/Present Clients
I perform about 20 clock repairs per week.

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