DESIGN COMPONENTS

1. The Steel 

The essence of the glockenspiel or orchestra bell tone is largely determined by the quality of the steel and dimensions of the bars. The great glocks made in the first half of the 20th century were made from absolutely the hardest steel available. Today, the major manufacturers start with a much softer steel that is easier to cut, tune and polish. However, a softer metal can never produce the crystalline tonal brilliance of the old formula steel.

2. The Suspension

Many glockenspiels made today still have the bars attached to the frame with screws. Hardly anything could dampen the vibration of the bars better! Other makers have the steel bar lay across a felt pad or string, similarly stifling the tone. The ideal support system allows each glockenspiel bar to ring freely, almost as if it were suspended on air.

 

3.  The Frame/Case 

Glockenspiel cases are an integral part of the acoustics of the instrument, greatly amplifying the volume, reinforcing the fundamentals and adding to the ring time. The construction of the frame/case has the most significant impact on the resonance and durability of the instrument.

References:
Campbell, Murray, and Clive A. Greated. The Musicians' Guide to Acoustics. New York: Schirmer Books, 1988.
Hopkin, Bart, and John Scoville. Musical Instrument Design Practical Information for Instrument Making. Chicago: See Sharp Press, 1996.