Ever wondered why some handbells sound pure and brilliant, while others fall flat? Choosing the right manufacturer makes all the difference, whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting your handbell journey. The best factories use top-tier materials and skilled craftsmanship, ensuring every ring is clear and lasting. Want handbells you’ll love to play for years? Dive in as we compare the top USA handbell manufacturers—your perfect set could be just a click away!
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Schulmerich Bells – Schulmerich Bells, LLC
Product Details:
Schulmerich Bells manufactures handbells, MelodyChimes, accessories, parts, sheet music, and offers refurbishment services. Their products include handbell sets (up to 7 octaves/85 notes, C2-C9), MelodyChimes (various octaves), specialized packages (Enhanced Handbell Packages, Bell Matrix System), and ornaments. They also provide professional refurbishment by trained craftsmen and rental options.
Technical Parameters:
– Handbell range: up to 7 complete octaves (C2-C9), total 85 notes
– MelodyChimes available from 1st to 4th octave (G3-G7, C4-C7, C5-C6, etc.),
– Bell Matrix System (specific set C5-C7)
– Products crafted with a blend of tradition and technology by artisans
Application Scenarios:
– Use in musical ensembles and institutions worldwide
– Church choirs, schools, and professional bell choirs
– Music education and performance settings
– Customization and refurbishment for aging handbell sets
Pros:
– Over 50 years of experience and credibility in manufacturing handbells
– Comprehensive product range (bells, chimes, accessories, parts, sheet music)
– Craftsmanship combining tradition and modern technology for quality and
– Professional refurbishment extends product lifespan; support for over a million
Cons:
– Premium price points (handbell packages start at $1,850 and above; Bell Matrix
– Refurbishment service available only at Authorized Centers, which may limit
Handbell Manufacturers: Top Companies and Industry Insights – AOHR
Product Details:
A list and overview of major handbell manufacturers globally, providing handbells and related equipment for performance and practice.
Technical Parameters:
– Manufacturers offer handbells made from materials such as bronze alloys and
– Available handbell ranges typically span C3 to C8.
– Products include both English handbells and cup bells in various sizes.
– Manufacturers may provide tuned handchimes in addition to handbells.
Application Scenarios:
– Church music and worship services
– School music education programs
– Professional and amateur handbell ensembles
– Community performances and festivals
Pros:
– Wide variety of handbells and related equipment available from multiple
– Handbells and chimes are precision-tuned for musical accuracy.
– Suitable for groups ranging from beginners to professional ensembles.
Cons:
– High-quality handbells can be expensive.
– Some specialized models may have long lead times or limited availability.
Malmark – Bellcraftsmen. Handbells & Choirchimes
Product Details:
Malmark offers handcrafted handbells and Choirchime instruments, as well as accessories, percussion items, and a specialty LoraBell Lifestyle Collection. Services include refurbishment and educational programs. Custom engraving and fundraising kits are available.
Technical Parameters:
– Handbells and Choirchimes made by skilled craftsmen to ensure long-lasting
– Custom engraving available for select products
– Refurbishment services following a detailed 55-step process
– Instruments and accessories suitable for group or individual use
Application Scenarios:
– Starting or expanding handbell music programs (e.g., in schools, churches, or
– Special occasion gifts through the LoraBell Lifestyle Collection (weddings,
– Maintenance and restoration of existing handbells and Choirchimes
– Educational programs for handbell directors and ringers
Pros:
– High-quality craftsmanship and durable construction
– Comprehensive refurbishment and maintenance services
– Fundraising kits and learning resources support program launch and growth
– Personalization through custom engraving and unique gift items
Cons:
– Specialized equipment may require significant investment for new groups
– Refurbishment requires scheduling and may result in temporary lack of
Bevin Bells
Product Details:
Bevin Bells manufactures American-made bells, including cowbells, sleigh bells, desk bells, and hand bells, suitable for events, home decor, safety, and promotional uses. Their bells are made from steel or brass and available in multiple sizes, shapes, and finishes. Customization options such as imprinting and personalized designs are also offered.
Technical Parameters:
– Available in various sizes (mini to large, e.g., 1.5″ to 10″)
– Constructed from steel or brass with multiple finish options (e.g., polished,
– Custom imprinting and engraving available
– Fitted with metal or wooden handles, with some models offered with or without
Application Scenarios:
– Sporting events (cheering bells for fans, finish line bells for races)
– Decorative home accents (doorbells, seasonal decor with sleigh bells)
– Safety uses (animal bells for livestock, fire truck bells)
– Promotional products for businesses and personalized gifts
Pros:
– Made in the USA with high quality standards
– Wide range of product options for various uses
– Highly customizable (imprinting, colors, finishes, sizes)
– Durable construction suitable for repeated use
Cons:
– Customization may require larger order quantities or added lead time
– Limited to bell-related products without broader variety
Manufacturers | Handbell Industry Council
Product Details:
The document provides a collection of resources, suppliers, and information related to handbells and handbell accessories, including handbell refurbishing services, mallets, gloves, tables, music, music accessories, and educational materials.
Technical Parameters:
– Handbell refurbishing and tuning services available for various brands and
– Mallets offered in multiple weight and hardness options for different handbell
– Table pads and foam thickness available for optimal sound dampening
– Gloves in various sizes and materials to suit player preference
Application Scenarios:
– Use in church music programs and worship services
– Performance by school handbell choirs and music classes
– Community handbell ensembles and workshops
– Educational handbell ringing and teaching
Pros:
– Wide variety of accessories and maintenance services to support handbell
– Comprehensive list of vendors and sources for equipment and music
– Products and services designed to prolong handbell lifespan and enhance
– Resources for both beginners and advanced handbell choirs
Cons:
– May require purchasing from multiple vendors for different accessories
– Some products and services may have limited availability or long lead times
– Costs for equipment, maintenance, and music can add up for organizations
Heitz Handbells and Music – Over 30 Years
Product Details:
Heitz Handbells and Music offers new and vintage handbell music as well as related accessories and instruments. They feature Malmark products, mallets, gloves, bell tree accessories, handbell maintenance supplies, and gifts for handbell enthusiasts. The company has been in business for over 40 years and serves as a retailer for both printed and digital handbell music, categorized by levels, octaves, seasons, events, composers, and instrumentation.
Technical Parameters:
– Handbell music available for varying skill levels and multiple octaves
– Products include Malmark-branded equipment, mallets, gloves, and maintenance
– Music categorized by title, composer/arranger, octave, level, season, or
– Offers both digital music and physical accessories
Application Scenarios:
– Church music programs and seasonal worship services
– Handbell choirs, ensembles, and solo ringers
– Music education and instructional settings
– Gift-giving for handbell enthusiasts
Pros:
– Extensive experience with over 40 years in business
– Wide selection of new and vintage music and accessories
– Easy-to-search website with various filtering options
– Supportive customer service for help in finding products
Cons:
– No mention of international shipping or non-US availability
– No detailed product technical specifications provided on the page
2024-2025 Business Members Buyers Guide | Handbell Musicians of America
Handbells – Schulmerich Bells, LLC
Product Details:
Schulmerich Bells, LLC offers a range of handcrafted handbells, including complete sets, individual bells by octave, Silver Melody Bells sets, Bell Matrix systems, and gift/ornament items. Complementary products include MelodyChimes, accessories, replacement parts, sheet music, and refurbishments. Handbells are available individually from the 1st to 7th octave, and full or enhanced packages and cases are also sold. All handbells are made by artisans with a focus on tradition and precision craftsmanship.
Technical Parameters:
– Handbells available as complete packages or as individual bells spanning 1st to
– Individual prices range from $380 (5th-7th octave) to $525 (1st octave);
– Optional cases available with sets and as add-ons.
– Bell Matrix System covers C5-C7 and is available from $7,850.
Application Scenarios:
– Church choirs, handbell ensembles, and musical performance groups.
– Educational music programs and schools.
– Gift-giving (Silent Bell Gift, Bell Ornaments).
– Professional musicians requiring specific octaves or expansion of ensemble
Pros:
– Wide range of products: full sets, individual bells per octave, and specialized
– Crafted by skilled artisans combining tradition and modern technology.
– Available refurbishment and replacement parts services extend product lifespan.
– Ongoing promotions, such as a 10% discount on new handbells and MelodyChimes.
Cons:
– Premium pricing, with a significant investment required for full sets or
– No detailed technical specifications (e.g., weight/material per bell) provided
Malmark vs. Schulmerich Handbells: The Ultimate Comparison – AOHR
Product Details:
Malmark and Schulmerich are leading manufacturers of handbells and related products such as handchimes. Malmark offers handbells, Choirchimes®, and the MelodyChime® line; Schulmerich produces handbells, handchimes, and incorporates patented technology such as digital audio embedding. Both companies offer a range of ringing accessories and maintenance supplies.
Technical Parameters:
– Handbells primarily made from bronze; handchimes made from aluminum by both
– Malmark features patented, adjustable clapper heads; color-coded handles for
– Schulmerich utilizes a patented clapper to reduce double striking; advanced
Application Scenarios:
– Used by handbell ensembles and choirs in performance settings
– Employed in educational environments and music workshops
– Popular in worship services, performing arts, and music education
Pros:
– Malmark: Durable construction, bright and clear sound, and beginner-friendly
– Malmark: Offers affordable options (MelodyChime®) with reduced maintenance needs
– Schulmerich: Rich, warm tone appreciated by musicians, innovative digital audio
– Both: Offer high-quality, precisely tuned products and a broad range of
Cons:
– Malmark and Schulmerich have had intense legal and competitive histories, which
– Schulmerich’s embedded digital technology might be less traditional for purist
Comparison Table
Company | Product Details | Pros | Cons | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|
Schulmerich Bells – Schulmerich Bells, LLC | Schulmerich Bells manufactures handbells, MelodyChimes, accessories, parts, | Over 50 years of experience and credibility in manufacturing handbells Comprehen | Premium price points (handbell packages start at $1,850 and above; Bell Matrix | schulmerichbells.com |
Handbell Manufacturers: Top Companies and Industry Insights – AOHR | A list and overview of major handbell manufacturers globally, providing | Wide variety of handbells and related equipment available from multiple | High-quality handbells can be expensive. Some specialized models may have long | www.artofhandbellringing.com |
Malmark – Bellcraftsmen. Handbells & Choirchimes | Malmark offers handcrafted handbells and Choirchime instruments, as well as | High-quality craftsmanship and durable construction Comprehensive refurbishment | Specialized equipment may require significant investment for new groups Refurbis | malmark.com |
Bevin Bells | Bevin Bells manufactures American-made bells, including cowbells, sleigh bells, | Made in the USA with high quality standards Wide range of product options for | Customization may require larger order quantities or added lead time Limited to | bevinbells.com |
Manufacturers | Handbell Industry Council | |||
The document provides a collection of resources, suppliers, and information | Wide variety of accessories and maintenance services to support handbell | May require purchasing from multiple vendors for different accessories Some | pccucc.org | |
Heitz Handbells and Music – Over 30 Years | Heitz Handbells and Music offers new and vintage handbell music as well as | Extensive experience with over 40 years in business Wide selection of new and | No mention of international shipping or non-US availability No detailed product | heitzhandbells.com |
2024-2025 Business Members Buyers Guide | Handbell Musicians of America | |||
Handbells – Schulmerich Bells, LLC | Schulmerich Bells, LLC offers a range of handcrafted handbells, including | Wide range of products: full sets, individual bells per octave, and specialized | Premium pricing, with a significant investment required for full sets or | schulmerichbells.com |
Malmark vs. Schulmerich Handbells: The Ultimate Comparison – AOHR | Malmark and Schulmerich are leading manufacturers of handbells and related | Malmark: Durable construction, bright and clear sound, and beginner-friendly | Malmark and Schulmerich have had intense legal and competitive histories, which | www.artofhandbellringing.com |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I find reputable handbell manufacturers in the USA?
Start by researching online directories, trade associations related to musical instruments, or recommendations from music educators and handbell choirs. You can also visit music trade shows or contact organizations like the Handbell Musicians of America for manufacturer lists.
What should I look for when choosing a handbell manufacturer?
Consider product quality, reputation, years in business, customization options, warranty offerings, and after-sales support. Checking customer reviews and asking for references can also help ensure you’re selecting a trustworthy manufacturer.
Can I request custom features for my handbells from a USA manufacturer?
Yes, many USA handbell manufacturers offer customization options such as engraving, specific tuning, or unique designs. Always discuss your requirements in advance to confirm feasibility, potential costs, and manufacturing timelines.
What is the typical production and delivery time for handbells from USA manufacturers?
Production times vary but generally range from a few weeks to several months, especially for custom orders. Ask each manufacturer for their current lead times and confirm shipping options to ensure the timeline fits your needs.
Are USA-made handbells more expensive than imported ones?
USA-made handbells may cost more due to higher material and labor standards, but they often offer better quality, durability, and customer support. Weigh the initial investment against long-term value and after-service availability when making your decision.