Octo Melody-Piccolo-Saucer Bells

Octo Melody Bells: Early 1960’s, USA. Rarest of the rare – only 2 sets known to exist. These are very unique, one of a kind bells made by Benard Mason of Glendale California. Benard Mason also made Tru-Sonic handbells and was in business some 10-12 years before any of the other U.S. handbell foundries, except Deagan and Mayland. Octo melody bells have a “perfect octave” overtone which produces a lovely tone. They are played by shaking instead of ringing like a handbell.

Piccolo Bells (sometimes called sheep bells): These were made probably 40 – 50+ years ago. They are a quality cast brass bell with a beautiful tone. They resemble a cowbell, but have a much higher quality of sound.

Saucer Bells: These bells were made some years ago by the Whitechapel Bell foundry. Originally, they were made to be hung on a rack and played with a mallet like a xylophone. We adapted 2½ octaves of them by fashioning a handle, attaching a marimba resonator to each bell and making clappers out of door stopper springs and wooden balls. They have a truly beautiful, different bell tone.