5 octaves of bell plates

The unique sound properties, the wealth of colours, the infinite possibilities of articulation and a whole range of possibilities for expression make percussion instruments one of the most multidimensional media in the music world. Uniquely they are able to inspire the imagination of the listener with auditory associations.

Kolberg bell plates embody all these properties in a worldwide unique range of 5 octaves (C - c4/C2 - C7) and produce a fascinating imitation of cast church bells in the most prominent concert and opera houses worldwide.

Sound properties

The voluminous sound with a clear bell tone and rich resonance is characterized by its deep and noble timbre. Clear overtones are continuously audible even in prolonged reverberation.
Each bell plate is tuned with one pure octave overtone, which naturally emphasizes the basic tone colour.

The manufacturing process enables full creativity for the percussionist. A wide variation of timbres is achieved simply by choosing the point of attack. Particularly soft and deep tones can be created by an inclined attack angle on the upper or lower edge of the bell plate. In the middle, the resonant fundamental tone is more prominent and emphasizes the typical bell sound. However the overtones are more pronounced in the upper and lower third of the bell plate.

For maximum creativity in sound production there is a wide range of bell plate hammers listed below.

Manufacturing and References

The bell plates are manufactured by skilled and experienced craftsmen utilizing superior quality bell-brass and high precision machinery. In close cooperation with soloists and orchestral percussionists we have developed a sophisticated method of calculation for acoustic fine tuning. Thus we have an outstanding alternative to church bells with respect to sound, volume, ease of transport and cost efficiency.

A highly elastic lacquer, custom made for Kolberg Percussion protects the bell plates from stains, fingerprints and tarnish with no effect to the sound properties.

Here is a selection of our customers who have purchased Kolberg bell plates: Bolshoi Theatre Moscow, Bavarian State Opera Munich, ORF Vienna Radio, La Scala Milan, WDR Radio Symphony Orchestra Cologne, Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, University of Arts Helsinki, Fundacao Cas da Musica Porto, SWR Radio Symphony Orchestra Stuttgart, Ensemble Intercontemporain Paris, Sveriges Radio Stockholm, Turku Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale della RAI and many more.

The complete 5 octave Kolberg bell plates are also part of the renowned Vienna Symphonic Library.

Application

Kolberg bell plates can be used as an authentic imitation of church bells in the originally notated contra octave in compositions such as Giacomo Puccini's "Tosca" or Hector Berlioz' "Symphonie Fantastique" or Richard Wagner's "Parsifal".

On request we can provide complete sets of bell plates for the works mentioned above including the necessary stands and mallet material or for other compositions such as Pierre Boulez' "Pli selon Pli"

In solo compositions such as "Caprices 5 et 6" by Louis Nóon or "Scratch Data" by Raphael Scendo, the bell plates form an acoustic framework for the electronic sounds and enhance the performance with their immense variety of sound colours.

In works such as "Festin" by Yan Maresz, "Titans" by Yan Robin or "Con Luigi Dallapiccola" by Luigi Nono, the Kolberg bell plates harmonize perfectly with the sound qualities of the other instruments and blend into a unique unity to facilitate the most important idea of chamber music performance.

Pitch & Range

The pitches cover a world-wide unparalleled range of 5 full octaves. This allows for an accurate and authentic reproduction of even the lowest bell sounds. Regarding intonation, we will be glad to adapt to any of your special requests.

All bell plates can be delivered at short notice and worldwide.

Set-up

For the two-point suspension, specially braided nylon string is used, thicknesses vary according to the size of the bell plates. These highly durable special cords are manufactured exclusively for Kolberg Percussion. They are completely resistant to vibration noises so the sound of the bell plates can unfold freely. The material has proven to be extremely durable and long-lasting.

The balanced suspension system ensures an optimal vibration point in order to obtain the best sound qualities from the full surface of each instrument. The depth of suspension protects each bell plate from over-swinging by strong attacks or by accidental contact.
The edges of the bell plates are rounded, which makes them user-friendly and facilitates easy and safe storage. This also allows for extremely accurate intonation using our precision machinery.

Please note: we would like to caution you explicitly on the use of sharp-edged bell plates, as they represent a significant handling hazard and higher risk of injury. Please keep in mind that wear and tear of your storage material also increases substantially. According to Kolberg research, sharp edges or cut-outs in the form of the bell plate do not lead in any way to verifiable improvements of sound qualities.

Accessories (additional price)

Stands

Bell plates can be used in any number or combination with other percussion instruments. The Kolberg combination stand system offers a host of variants that meet all and any of your needs or specifications.

As a percussionist you benefit from the tried and tested constructional stability of all Kolberg products. You have maximum durability, utmost mobility and unsurpassed space efficiency. Our experts will be happy to answer any questions you may have and make suggestions on your order to recommend the best stands for your individual needs.

Kolberg suggestions

• For several bell plates: Combination stands PGST (300 series)
• Multifunctional stand and hook system in heavy-duty construction - ideal for heavy
  instruments such as bell plates, gongs and tam-tams | easy to transport, collapsible, height adjustable and expandable up to 3 manuals
• Kombination stands in horse-shoe form for Turandot-Gongs TGSTGR (300 series)
  Also ideal for several bell plates - multifunctional stand and hook system in
  horse-shoe form for a space-saving and player-friendly set-up | easy to transport,
  collapsible and height adjustable
• Large mobile combination stand, with telescopic extension for c2 - b2 or c3 - c4 XV
  Multifunctional stand and hook system - ideal for smaller bell plates, gongs and effect instruments | easy to transport, collapsible and height adjustable
• Single bell plates: combinations X - XII

Mallets

In order to obtain the optimum sound quality of these bell plates, there are four models of bell plate hammers available that are made exclusively in our factory (846 - 849). The degree of hardness, size and weight are precisely matched to produce the characteristic bell sound in all octaves. All hammers feature a hard and soft playing surface.

Kolberg recommendations

The use of metal mallets, rubber sticks, triangle beaters or yarn-wrapped rubber mallets opens up an infinite galaxy of sounds, particularly in contemporary music context and in your quest for sound originality.

Transport / Storage

For transport and storage, we manufacture individual or custom-made flight cases and transport trolleys on request.