A reclined version of the "International" tubular bell set, specially developed for virtuoso playing such as in the opera "Saint François d'Assise" by Olivier Messiaen:
The instrument can be played either standing or sitting (playing height approx. 80 cm). This innovation offers the musician a unique level of performance comfort with the additional advantage of being able to keep both the music and the conductor easily in sight. The tubular bell set is mobile in both the reclined and upright position, and can quickly and easily be moved to a new position by two people.
Tonal range c2 - f3 (1.5 octaves, international C5 - F6)
Pitch 443 Hz (other pitches available on request)
Tube diameter 38 mm/1.5" (international standard)
Material exclusive bell brass
Surface variations: - Standard: lacquered
- Additional charge high-gloss chrome-plated
Stand dimensions (WxDxH) 95 x 51 x 160 cm
Stand dimensions reclined (WxDxH) 160 x 103 x 94 cm
(with music stand 125 cm)
Bells
The "International" tubular bells with their clear tonal properties are ideal for use in transparent contemporary music. The very strongly rounded contact head provides the bell hammer with an enlarged contact surface, creating a warm and clear tonal character and ensuring excellent tonal quality. The bell's carrying sound is further enhanced by the especially thick tube walls. All "International" tubular bells in the f1 - f3 (F4-F6,2 octaves) range are also individually available. Upon request bells can be custom made in the range from c1 - e1/C4-E4 and f#3 - c4/F#6-C7.
Note on pitch/notation
Notation: f - f2/F3-F5
Pitch: one octave higher (f1 - f3/F4-F6)
From Karl Peinkofer in the "Handbuch des Schlagzeugs" (2nd edition 1981, pg. 75): "The definition "pitch as written" refers to the reverberation sound, as in the tonal blend of the attack the upper octave dominates."
Quality features
The contact head of the bell is connected to the tube by a special process meaning that it cannot become loose through vibrations occurring during playing, causing disturbing noises or becoming detached. The particularly strongly rounded, therefore increased contact surface of the bells and the unusually large wall thickness (2.5 mm) allow the excellent tonal quality and volume of the Kolberg "International" tubular bells.
Tubular bell suspension
We use specially woven, heavy duty nylon cords on all of our products, which are produced exclusively for Kolberg Percussion. These special, high quality cords do not cause any vibrational noise, are extremely durable and convenient to use.
Tubular bell stand
- Two column, stable construction from square tubular steel, scratch and impact resistant black-silver powder-coated
- All structural components are welded and therefore completely connected ensuring they do not warp or vibrate. The sound of the bells can develop freely and is not affected by unwanted noises caused by the stand.
- Stable, fully locking swivel casters with a solid rubber surface
Damping
A speciality of the Kolberg tubular bell sets is the very effective and reliable damping system. Large damping surfaces made from thick, very sound absorbing wool felt plates in front of and behind the bells allow a fast and instant damping of the bell sound after pedal use. The damping system is completely silent and remains maintenance free over a long period of time.
In order to achieve optimal sound even in reclined position, the lower ends of the bells lay on special cords. Dampening as with hanging tubular bells is only possible to a limited extent due to the physical conditions. The tubular bell set "Messiaen" is therefore ideal for performing virtuoso legato passages and less suitable for harmonic damping (such as with a glockenspiel with pedal).
Pedal
The wide damping pedal on the upright instrument can be individually height adjusted. Stable, soft rubber buffers on the damping bar eliminate noise transmission to the ground. In sitting the damper is applied with a wide pedal plate. Readjustment can be done easily.
Accessories (included)
- 1 height adjustable music stand with mounting, can be used sitting or standing, allowing the musician to have both the music and conductor in sight at all times.
- 1 pair tubular bell hammers ES843H
