Hells Bells!!! - which ones? [Archive]

Debbie

12-10-2004, 01:55 PM

Okay everyone which ones are good and which ones are rubbish?

What makes a good bell anyway?

I have used bells in costumes and on toys etc and they seem to be just fine and only cost a quid max. They last for years and weeather well and still jingle :)

Just saw some on Ebay for £20.

I know it seems I am always looking for alternatives but in once sence I am but in another I am just asking questions which others may fear to post :oops: :roll: :lol:

I myself will pay the earth and travel miles to get the right thing so I am no skin flint and go to further extremes then say most: eg I drove 182 miles to get my kitchen floor tiles :roll:

But whats the difference :?:

Thank you

Debbs

Ian Wileman

12-10-2004, 02:10 PM

Tone and longevity of it. Quality fo metals. Loudness of bell itself. A good bell cn be heard a long way off. Not sure about a cats bell, or one used in costume?

Falcon

12-10-2004, 02:37 PM

Ditto to what Ian and Andy have said before!

Hawkmaster

12-10-2004, 02:59 PM

What we should be is a recording of the two. Anyone got both kinds?

Darren

12-10-2004, 03:28 PM

Them Andy Peel black bells look cool

Ian Wileman

12-10-2004, 03:31 PM

Had a with the music teacher in school......she explained it like this......

Have you ever listened to music played by Venessa Mai, Santana, James Gallway or ANY other world class musician? Do you think they bought a cheap instrument to play the music they play? Why not?

DONT skimp on the safety of your birds......cheap bells are like anything cheap.......inferior. Hand made bells are exactly that.....hand made! How much do you charge for your time?

Sparrow Hawker

12-10-2004, 04:23 PM

Hi,

What makes good bells Andy Peel making them of course :D

Theres a lot of skill involved in the production of bells and this is why the cost of them may seem high to some people.

The majority of the well known bell makers use machines while all of Andy's bells are hand made. The material he uses is beryllium which is long lasting, tough and has a great tone/volume. I think it's stated you should be able to get around 4 seasons use out of them, that's if you look after them properly, which is a fantastic life-span.

I suppose bell choice is a personal thing as everybody hears differently, one tone may suit one person better than another. Theres lots and lots of materials to choose from and all will give a different tone and volume etc.

As Ian points out there's plenty of cheap bells around but these rarely last long and there tones are generally poor.

At the end of the day it's down to personal preferance and what people prefer - Ding Dong :lol:

All The Best,

HH

Milsbon

12-10-2004, 04:33 PM

all good quality bells wont have a round pea in them, a quality bell should have a hammer head shaped ringer inside it.
and allways get 2 that are at least a semi tone different in sound, so one bell will carry through the air at a higher pitch and one that carries at a slightly lower pitch

Jiff

12-10-2004, 09:41 PM

Bill

12-10-2004, 10:13 PM

ok guy's bells.....i bought andy peels bells ages ago,long before i had a hawk,i would suggest cheap alternatives lahore bells can be bought for as little as 8 quid a pair,use these on new hawks,the more expensive bells which look great,to be attached after the innitial maddness of tamming and manning.

I see where you're coming from on this but when do you change them and what sort of disturbance is that on a newly trained hawk. Possibly only a couple of weeks after fitting in the case of a harris.
Also think about the situation where a hawk escapes during training (I know it shouldn't but it does). Do you want to search for it with good quality bells or cheap ones.

They're not going to wear out much during training unless the hawk has a real thing against bells and then it will probably manage to tear the bewit.

IMHO.

Jiff

12-10-2004, 10:27 PM

i've had my hawk for six and a half day's she was fitted with andy peels bells,she tormented the leather bewits,and made a mess of them,yesterday while she was sat on the fist i cut the old ones off and with the help of my wife fitted new bewits,no hood no casting just slow and dilliberate movement,and she was crazy last tuesday,the bells i fitted were very good looking brass and gold finnish,she's been at them relentlessly,when ever she has the chance,they look good still but i wish i,dd fitted cheaper ones to start with,she used to pick at every thing tugging and pulling,it's all ailian to her,at the moment she's left her feet alone and turned her attention to the tail bell and mount.when she gets sick of doing that i hope she leaves well alone.

Debbie

12-10-2004, 10:35 PM

Thanks guys some really useful answers.

Tone is crucial speaking from someone who is abit deaf and as Harris Hawker points out its got to be one you can hear.

Milsbon the two differing tones cracking idea :D

Debbs

Bill

12-10-2004, 10:37 PM

Hi Jiff,
I noticed from your diary that you are keeping Sky hooded a lot of the time. I haven't ever trained a harris to the hood but I'm not sure of why you need to keep her hooded for long periods.
I suspect while hooded she is very aware of the bells and tail bell because she has nothing else to focus on. A free lofted HH can spend time taking in the surroundings and won't be so aware of bells etc. They can still be trained to the hood.
Has anybody had any experience of hawks pecking out a tail bell and feather?

Milsbon

12-10-2004, 10:42 PM

in all fairness its best to put the best bells on from day one really, for the simple fact that when you buy new bells they will take a couple of weeks to "bed" in, as they are usually still full of polish ect on the inside, so this has to be worn away before the true tone of the bell is heard,

North East Harris Hawker

13-10-2004, 02:33 PM

laherde are nice bells

Hawkmaster

13-10-2004, 02:45 PM

Laherde??? Never heard of them, can you tell us more?

Red Sheridan

13-10-2004, 11:09 PM

Sounds like we're into hybrid bells now. Could this be a Velarde x Lahore hybrid. If so I'd like to know who collected the Velarde sperm?

On second thoughts..................

Red

Hawkmaster

14-10-2004, 11:27 AM

And theres me thinking I am missing out? lol

Kornie

14-10-2004, 04:21 PM

I bought me a pair of acorn bells. Gutted i was to find that they a bit grubby soming out the oacket. I expected the most brand spanking new polished bell but it had a bit of dirt on it.

Hawkmaster

14-10-2004, 05:10 PM

Someone on here said toss them in COKE, I am going to try this too. I will show the pictures of it.

North East Harris Hawker

14-10-2004, 06:39 PM

my apologies velarde is what i meant, whats all this about dipping them in coke? send them to me and ill push them up my nostrils, they should come out gleaming!
heheh

Saker-Clive

14-10-2004, 07:13 PM

I use Dave Nobel bells.

Nice tone and pitch and not too expensive.

Ian Wileman

14-10-2004, 08:09 PM

DOnt drop them in coke........I think it was me who read it in an article.....my mate tried.........came out gleaming! ****ing shat sound though!

Johnny

14-10-2004, 08:11 PM

At least you could lick them when your tired ,the sound should be cracking then ,lol

Wightwings

14-10-2004, 09:59 PM

posted twice there Ian looks like you've been dipping something into the coke!! :shock: ....................................acola i meen :roll: :lol:

Ian Wileman

14-10-2004, 10:08 PM

no. just wanted to make my point.

Sprout

08-05-2005, 07:03 PM

JUst been sorting my falconry equipment out post falconers fair and realised all my bells are complete cr#p, wouldn't out them on a cat. Only one decent one between them and can't even remember who made it to get more.
So who makes the best bells now then?

HawkMan

08-05-2005, 07:26 PM

I got some nice bells from ben long at the falconry fair ,
Ill be fitting them once me reds finished the moult .
You cant beat a good set of bells i remember when i lost me red just after training him up and i only found him through listening for the bells .
Hunch back of notrodamus eat your heart out

Falconry Equipment International

08-05-2005, 07:41 PM

Miguel Gomez

08-05-2005, 07:47 PM

Does anyone know if Andy Peel had a stand at the falconry fair, I went on the Monday.

Regards,

HH

Kevin Massey

08-05-2005, 10:21 PM

i do like noble bells

kev

Sprout

08-05-2005, 10:25 PM

Seem to be a popular choice Noble bells but what are Andy Peels like in comparison? Heard quite a lot about a new black bell??

M & J Raptors

08-05-2005, 10:40 PM

used noble for years, great bells,

Sparrow Hawker

08-05-2005, 10:42 PM

I can't vouch for Noble bells as I haven't used them before but I'm currently using a pair of Andy Peel's bells on my harris. I really like them, there very well made, great tone and there said to last for a good few years, if treated properley.

Regards,

HH

Wightwings

08-05-2005, 10:58 PM

bought a et of bells of the ibr stand, similar looking to the noble but cheaper.......they have a beautiful sound to them

OutFlying

08-05-2005, 11:05 PM

Larry Counce, I used two small bells (coopers hawk size) on my gos after he lost his center decks. Loudest and clearest sound I've heard, previously used noble and velarde - these were better by a country mile :lol:

Kevin Massey

08-05-2005, 11:22 PM

bought a et of bells of the ibr stand,

sorry we only speek english :lol: :lol:

( i had to do it)

Twang

NightOwl

09-05-2005, 09:36 AM

I've got two pairs of andy peel bells - one brass set and one black set.
The black set - in my opinion - have a far superior sound and tone to the brass set.

North East Harris Hawker

15-05-2005, 02:22 PM

i picked up a lovely set from the IBR at the 05FF, give em a bell or go to the website 8)

Gaz

15-05-2005, 02:48 PM

Larry Counce,the best...ill be drinking his whisky again at the Nafa meet....and bringing a load of bells back with me...so get your ackers ready :!: ..the best at the cheapest prices..... :mrgreen:
"SIMPLY THE BEST..BETTER THAN ALL THE REST..."

Shaun Byrne

15-05-2005, 05:54 PM

i do like noble bells

kev

:D

OutFlying

22-05-2005, 01:55 AM

Seem to be a popular choice Noble bells but what are Andy Peels like in comparison? Heard quite a lot about a new black bell??

sounds like a gimmick to me, what difference does colour make ?

Larry Counce is the man ....................... :shock: Real quality at real prices. I would pay as much as anyone asked for quality bells but yet to hear a better tone than Larry'd size for size.

North East Harris Hawker

22-05-2005, 06:37 AM

i nortmally bull my bells up with brasso wadding at the start of each season, apparently they can be soaked in a fizzy drink to clean em, never tried this myself tho

Xantara

31-08-2005, 07:55 AM

Black or brass ???

You there Andy is there a difference ???

xan

Wilfred

31-08-2005, 08:49 AM

I've got two pairs of andy peel bells - one brass set and one black set.
The black set - in my opinion - have a far superior sound and tone to the brass set.

well i'm very curious about the black bells of andy peels...just ordered some for my sparrowhawk i read on this forum they are great and on the website of andy it is mentioned also that the black set is better in sound and tone so that are the ones i ordered. If i have them i will give my opinion about them

HawkMan69UK

31-08-2005, 06:16 PM

got the black ones on my gos this will be the secound season the look good and sound great.. got andys new ones berilym i think 8) on my musket getting louder every day :prayer:

PeelsBells

31-08-2005, 10:08 PM

Gary can you give me a ring as i havent got your number as i need the ring numbers off you.

PeelsBells

31-08-2005, 10:10 PM

PeelsBells

31-08-2005, 10:29 PM

The difference between the black and the brass?
The black bells are made from a different gauge material and also have a stainless steel clanger which is turned on my lathe. The black bell is lighter in weight and will last longer than the brass. Once treated the material is taken to a high temperature and cooled by the plating material this is were the sound comes from. The black bells take a good 2 weeks to get the full sound potential as the coating inside the bells need to be worked and the clanger can start doing its job. There is less stress in the the black bell which helps to maintain the bell. All my bells can be heat treated when you think the sound has gone to tinny. If you don't like my bells i will always refund or give you another set. You cannot ask for more than that.
Also i guarantee my bells which i don't think any one else does?

Wilfred

31-08-2005, 11:59 PM

Wilfred the bells are on the way i have made them today and are going for treatment tomorrow. So hopefully i will be posting them on Monday at the latest. Are you putting a telemetry on the spar?
If you have any problems dont hesitate to contact me.

Andy thanx a lot for making them that quickly i only ordered yesterday and i can imagine you do not put spar bells on stock and it is just better to make them after ordering. And yes i will put telemetry on the spar once i will fly her free. This will be within next 3 days. I have a very small sender for her and some friend of mine also has some small sender left i will also buy this sender as a spare one. For now i have bells on her small ones but i want better ones. In fact i had some falconer from south africa visiting me last year he is flying black sparrow hawk and african goshakw. I will try to find his adress again to recommend you also there for bells.
Thanx a lot for now!

Red Sheridan

01-09-2005, 12:07 AM

Oh Christ, this forum has now turned into a market place for all. I have spent months resisting the urge to use it in a likewise manner and will continue to do so but I am thoroughly sick to see how many times it is used simply to plug an individual's business.

Roll up, roll up get your finest quality, never-to-be-beaten, falconry equipment, books etc. from...........................

Goodbye,
Red

Kornie

01-09-2005, 12:23 AM

Well red, its quite public that andys bells...cant be beaten...

Renton

01-09-2005, 12:36 AM

Have never tried them. Have always used Dave Noble's: those black bells could be worth a try, given all these glowing reports!

Red Sheridan

01-09-2005, 11:08 AM

Andy - I was not aware that this trade situation existed.

Kornie - Andy's bells can't be beaten eh? A statement like that can only usually be made by somebody who has tried all other available bells. I can't say that I have done so but I have tried Andy's bells for a short time and I believe they can be bettered. That is not to say that they are not good but I don't consider them to be unbeatable.

We all are entitled to our opinions and I guess that is what makes us individual.

Regards,
Red

PeelsBells

01-09-2005, 11:37 AM

Thanks Red for the imput it seems you dont like my bells not to worry i will have to keep on trying to make better ones to beat the rest, Can you give me any imput on what i need to change to suit your requirements in a bell. I,ve still got a lot to learn but i believe i do make them out of the best material aviable which is out at this time.
Remember Verlardi and noble have been going for years and they have not changed there design for years as they are stuck with the way they make them as the are jigged up to making pressed bells. :oops:
Any feed back from the forum would be great because yes i do want to make the best bells and also make them to last the life of the bird. Thats my aim and goal!
Please forgive me for using the forum to sell my bells, Wilfred asked a question i have answered i will keep it to my own site (post).
I joined the forum to help people to make their own equipment and to tell them were to get cheap materials from, as you may be aware there is a lot of s..t out there which i would not put on my bird. :shock:
So sorry once again!!!!!

Hawkmaster

01-09-2005, 11:48 AM

Don't be sorry Andy!

I have used many bells and have many falconry friends that use bells from all over the world. Bare in mind that there are other bells makers on the forum and I WILL SAY THE BEST ONES ARE ANDY PEELS!

But don't take my word for it I am going to do a little showcase of them in a short while as soon as I get some time, obviously to convert the non believers :lol:

i will have to keep on trying to make better ones to beat the rest,
i do make them out of the best material aviable

No falconer can ask for more?

OutFlying

01-09-2005, 06:56 PM

You really notice the difference in quality of tone / clarity in a bell when you try them in spar or merlin size. I use Larry Counce bells and prefer the sound over Velarde or Noble bells - much clearer and louder. Last week I listened to a black Peels bell on a jack merlin - very good sound and will try one next season.

Jim.

Red Sheridan

02-09-2005, 12:15 AM

Well, no favouritism shown there then hawkmaster!!

Andy, I didn't say that I don't like your bells and trust that I would be a little more tactful if that were the case. I am only questioning anybody (Kornie) who makes the statement without having tried all available bells.

I would repeat that we are all entitled to our opinions but that makes none of us unquestionably right............ me included.

All the best,
Red