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| Classification | Percussion instrument |
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| Other names | Chimes |
Tubular bells (also known as chimes) are musical instruments in the percussion family. Each bell is a metal tube, 30–38 mm (1¼–1½ inches) in diameter, tuned by altering its length. They range from C4 (middle C) to F5. Tubular bells are often replaced by Studio Chimes which are a smaller and usually less expensive instrument. Studio chimes are similar in appearance to tubular bells, but each bell has a smaller diameter than the corresponding bell on tubular bells.
Tubular bells are typically struck on the top edge of the tube with a rawhide- or plastic-headed hammer. Often, a sustain pedal will be attached to allow extended ringing of the bells. The bands of the Indian Army use these bells when playing the hymn "Abide With Me". Tubular bells are used in popular music, as well.
Tubular bells have been popularized in western culture by the song "Carol of the Bells", and the Mike Oldfield album Tubular Bells and its sequels.
The tubes used provide a purer tone than solid cylindrical chimes, such as those on a mark tree.
The animated television series Futurama's theme is played on tubular bells. The "funding for this program provided by..." rider that followed the end credits of the children's television show Sesame Street also prominently featured tubular bells in the 1980s.
See also
- Chime (disambiguation)
- Wind chimes
- Mark tree
External links
- Information about tubular bells - Vienna Symphonic Library
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