Chimes consist of up to and including 22 bells, enabling tunes to be played, the bells are hung for stationary striking and may be operated manually from a keyboard where levers (through a transmission system) pull wires attached to clappers, or from a piano type keyboard with electrical contacts which initiate electro magnetic hammers to strike on either the inside or outside of the bells.

Taylor Carillons
Carillons consist of at least 23 bells, arranged chromatically, and may have as many as 77 bells. The heaviest bell, which is called the Bourdon, can range from 300 pounds to over 20 tonnes in weight. The manual action is very similar to that of a chime (described above) but is usually more refined and sophisticated. The playing of the carillon requires an experienced musician and quite often organists undertake to play the carillon.

As an alternative (or an adjunct) the bells may be fitted with electro magnetic hammers and operated from a piano type keyboard but this is not strictly defined as a carillon. It does not enable music to be played as expressively and with "light and shade" as that with a true carillon keyboard but it does enable remote or timed playing of the carillon through computer control.

Taylor Carillon and Chime Bells
All bells are individually cast and tuned, extreme care being taken to ensure that each bell is completely in tune both in itself and with all other bells in the carillon or chime.

Taylor Carillon Structures
In spite of the fact that the bells hang stationary it is how much movement occurs in the bells and supporting structure when the carillon is played. This movement will affect the immediate clapper response to the bell and create difficulties in timing and percussive strength in playing especially with the smaller bells. Taylor structures are expertly designed and manufactured of substantial steel beams adequately braced to reduce movement to a minimum.

Taylor Transmissions
The connection between keyboard baton and pedal to their respective clappers is through wires and pivoted quadrants or pivoted bars with levers. It is important that at each connection the operation is smooth and noiseless and as friction free as possible. Taylor's have developed a system providing the most perfect action.

Taylor Keyboards The most visual part of a Taylor carillon is the playing keyboard. It is constructed from specially selected hardwoods and various metals to combine strength and rigidity. Accurately made and assembled with precision this provides lightness and quietness of action together with a maximum life and minimum maintenance.

Taylor Carillons and Chimes
Are installed worldwide, in Cathedrals, Churches, Colleges, Municipal buildings, purpose built towers in specific locations such as parks, as features on buildings, or as focal points in town and city squares and shopping malls.

Taylor Technicians
Taylor Technicians carry out a full installation and maintenance service of all new carillons and chimes wherever they may be situated. Taylors also specialise in the inspection, maintenance, refurbishment and restoration of old carillons and chimes all over the world, including those instruments manufactured by other bellfounders.

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