Expert: William J Perkins - 12/15/2007

Question
I just picked up my grandfather clock from having it repaired, it has 8 chiming rods and 4 striking rods. Starting from the front of the face the eighth rod sounds really out of tune. it seems to strike a little harder and sounds flat. I have tried to adjust it but can't get it to sound right. I thought my repair guy would have tuned it but I think I was overcharged and under serviced.It has the 3 weights and keeps pretty good time. It also has 3 different chiming tunes. West minister does not use this particular chiming rod but i like the other settings that do . I sure would like your feedback on this problem , thank you.

Answer
Final tuning of a tall clock can only be done on site, this includes chiming ad final timekeeping adjustments. Normally, before exiting, the clock maker would explain to the owner how to maintain his clock.  Since this was not done you are left to your own devices to finish the job.  If your clock is in proper condition it should keep reasonable chime an all you should need do is to make adjustments to its time keeping by raising or lowering the pendulum bob.  To do this simply turn the adjustment screw at the bottom of the pendulum.  If the clock is running slow, turn the screw to your right.  This will raise the pendulum disk, causing the clock to run faster.  If the clock is running fast, turn the screw to the left, this will lower the pendulum disk causing the clock to run slower.  In either case, make gradual adjustments until your clock is keeping good time.  
Now as to the chiming problem, there could be a number of problems.  One, the offending chime rod might be loose is the chime rod base.  In that case you would need to tighten the rod.  There is a slot at the rode end to which you can insert a slot screwdriver and tighten.  Two, the chime rod is being touched by the case, another rod etc.  To correct bend the rod to break the contact.  Be careful not to break the rod.  Three the hammer is not properly contacting the rod.  If this be the case you will need to adjust the hammer so that is falls squarely upon the rod.  To adjust resonance adjust the at rest space between the hammer and the rod.  To begin with set the hammer 1/8" from the rod.  Cause the hammer to fall, if it sounds okay, that would be it.  If the hammer chatters on the rod or is to load, bend the hammer back a bit more until you get the resonance you wish.  If the hammer blow is to light, bend the hammer forward until.  Forth, the rod has been replaced with one that is improperly tuned.  In that case you would need to replace the rod.  I hope this solves your problem.  If it does not, write me again.  Regards WJP