About the Handbell

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What are handbells? A handbell, as we refer to it, is a tuned bell designed to be rung in the hand. In the United States we call all handbells English handbells, although two of the most popular brands of bells are made by either Malmark or Schulmerich, both in Pennsylvania in the United States. The other popular type, Whitechapel, is made in England.
 

English handbells are characterized by two main features; the clapper mechanism, and the overtones of the bell. The clapper mechanism is a single-axis hinge, meaning the clapper can only move forward and backwards, unlike other bells with which you may be familiar. Additionally, the clapper has a spring mechanism that prevents the clapper from resting on the casting of the bell, allowing the bell to ring freely after it is struck. And, perhaps the most important feature, the overtones of an English handbell are a 12th (an octave plus a perfect fifth) above the fundamental note.

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