Why Bronze, not brass is best for bell making Why Bronze is the Best for Bell Making
Our bells are made from pure bell bronze. The words "brass" and "bronze" are often used interchangeably, but they are very different metals.  Both are alloys and both contain a lot of copper - but that is where the similarities end. 

 

 

Comparatively, brass is a very soft metal. For example, it is used for plumbing fixtures because it is easy to work with and easily tooled. Brass is not as hard as bronze.  Brass  is also prone to corrosion, so most plumbing fixtures are coated with another metal such as chrome to make it more durable.  You will find that a brass bell does not sound as pure as a bronze bell.  Brass bells have a "clangy" or "brassy" sound to them.

Bronze on the other hand is very hard and can last forever.  In fact, there are several grades of bronze. A type called  admiralty bronze was used for cannons and is used for propellers on boats.  

Bell Bronze is the purest type of bronze in the bronze family.  Not only is the copper content higher than traditional bronze itself (traditional bronze is 80% copper, 20% tin), there is no contamination from other metals in the alloy.  This is the reason that a bronze bell rings with perfect tone and clarity.  

 

Personalized bronze bell.  Why Bronze not brass is best for bell making.

We recommend simple periodic maintenance for your custom cast bronze bell. Click here for some advice on how to care for your bell over time.
Scanmix Corporation