When the keyboard is too far from the bells, the mass of long wires keeps the clapper against the bell too long, deadening the sound. While at first glance it may seem that an electric mechanism may be better than a mechanical action, no electrical system has yet been developed which permits expression through variation of touch, as required for proper musical performance. Electrical strikers hit the bell with the same force every time, so none of the great dynamic range of the bell is available to the performer. In addition, such actions are less reliable, and more expensive, than mechanical action. Some carillons have automatic mechanisms that act as clock chimes, playing the Westminster Quarters or other tunes and striking the hour.
Electric action is well suited to such simple tunes.
Occasionally, three to five bass bells are arranged to swing in a peal. The sound of such a peal is glorious, but outside clappers must then be used for the carillon action. If this not done carefully, these bells can be more difficult to play than the rest of the carillon. Copyright 1999 by Carillon. All rights reserved.