Dr.-Ing. Dipl.-Theol. Michael Plitzner

Bells are subjected to considerable strain when they are rung. Every year, valuable bells have to be repaired due to fatigue cracks – a costly procedure that often also destroys inscriptions or decorative features. The main cause of cracks is material fatigue resulting from the clapper striking the bell. To prevent this, ECC-ProBell has developed methods and procedures to ensure that bells are rung gently whilst still producing a rich, full sound. The presentation will explain what needs to be taken into account when monitoring and assessing bells, and how bells can be sustainably restored from a heritage conservation perspective.

In order to detect damage to bells at an early stage, ECC-ProBell has developed the ‘musical fingerprint’ method for bells. This makes it possible to identify cracks even before they lead to audible changes in tone, meaning that remedial action can still be taken. The method uses audio recordings that can be made by anyone, thereby keeping the effort involved to a minimum. It is not only suitable for analysing the condition of bells, but also enables the documentation and digitisation of this valuable cultural heritage, whilst offering the possibility of monitoring bells that have already sustained damage.