Bell is an idiophone percussion instrument that is struck with a direct strike. Most chimes are shaped like a hollow cup, the edges of which create an effective resonator that, when struck, vibrates with a single powerful sound. Striking may be by an internal clapperboard or “tongue”, an external mallet, or – in small bells – by a small loose sphere (ringing bell) contained within the bell body.
Bells are usually cast from bell metal (a type of bronze) due to its resonant properties, but can also be made from other hard materials. It depends on the function. Some small bells, such as decorative bells or rattles, may be made from cast or stamped metal, glass, or ceramic, but larger bells such as church, clock, and tower bells are usually cast from bell metal.
Bells intended to be heard over a large area can range from a single bell suspended from a tower or belfry to a musical group such as an English chime tuned to a common scale, a carillon, or a Russian chime. placed in the bell tower. Many public or corporate buildings have bells as clocks, most commonly for ringing hours and quarters.
