Bass chime tone comparisons - tubular bells of different materials and sizes by Matt Nolan

1.5, 2 and 3 inch bass tubular bells in Brass and Aluminium made by Matt Nolan. www.mattnolancustom.com/

[@Gk2003m]

2” brass. The lower overtones are more evident than the 1.5” AND the overall tone is much clearer than either of the aluminum tubes. They sound dull and muted by comparison. I made a set from the brass rail available at Home Depot. Not optimal, but great at the price point. Far better than similar aluminum.

[@nickymooncymbals]

Beautiful. 2” aluminum is my personal favorite.

[@MBulteau]

Is there such a thing as 3'' brass? I like the overtones of brass better, they're more bell-like, but am worried it might not be heard over an orchestral tutti with singers.

[@MattNolanCustom]

3 inch brass would be prohibitively expensive and brass tubular bells have more of a tendency to sound like scaffolding poles when struck very hard. My 3 inch aluminium design is resistant to this effect and is the choice of leading opera orchestras in multiple countries

[@mathias841]

How are these tuned ? I prefer the 2nd one (very clear and lasting fundamental)

[@blasphemer]

I prefer the aluminium.