chime

A chime or set of chimes is a carillon-like instrument, i.e. a pitched percussion instrument consisting of 22 or fewer bells. Chimes are primarily played with a keyboard, but can also be played with an Ellacombe apparatus. Chimes are often automated, in the past with mechanical drums connected to clocks and in the present with electronic action. Bellfounders often did not attempt to tune chime bells to the same precision as carillon bells. Chimes are defined as specifically having fewer than 23 bells to distinguish them from the carillon. American chimes usually have one to one and a half diatonic octaves. According to a recent count, there are over 1,300 existing chimes throughout the world. Almost all are in the Netherlands and the United States, with most of the remainder in Western European countries. Etymology The word chime dates back to the 14th-century Middle English word , meaning 'cymbal'. It probably originates from the Old French or directly from the Latin . The Latin word was shortened in Old French and misinterpreted as in Middle English, where the meaning shifted by the mid-16th century to "set of bells in a church or clock tower, apparatus or arrangement for striking bells". Characteristics Construction There are several mechanisms of action for chimes. From the 13th century, chimes were connected to a system of ropes, which is rarely seen today. In the 19th century, many newly-constructed chimes were connected to a large wooden keyboard called a "chimestand." These resemble the console of a carillon, but with much larger keys, essentially handles, which are depressed a greater distance. In the 20th century, it is more common for chimes to be connected to an ivory piano keyboard with electronic action, often paired with automatic playing. Chimes may alternatively be connected to and played with an Ellacombe apparatus.