The Zimbelstern for Creative Church Music

Der Zimbelstern

The Zimbelstern for Creative Church Music

W240 N6532 Ash Street Sussex, WI 53089-3016 1-877-240-8233

Zimbelsterns – Features and Specifications

All of the Zimbelstern models produce the same exceptional sound using quality tuned handbell castings for a delightful musical sound. They are pitched at D7, F7, G7, A7 and C8 so as not to create a tonal center. At this concise range they are able to be balanced better in volume and pitched high enough to sing out above many organ registrations. Special strikers produce a brighter sound than regular handbell clappers so the bells can be heard clearly. Staying with this range of five bells keeps the unit at a practical size and price. The bells are rung in a random sounding sequence of 16 notes over the five bells which does sound repetitive like Zimbelsterns rung in a circular pattern may become.

The bell frame unit is 17.5” long, 7.75” high, and 7.25” deep to allow it to be placed inside an organ case, or on a walkboard, or on a case roof. At least one unit was set way up on the beams inside a church.

The circuit board assembly is 6” x 9” (11” long if reverser board is included) and has the reliable solid state circuitry with color coded terminal connections for the three controls, outputs to the bell frame, DC power and desired switch or piston / toe stud. The Zimbelstern can use the organ’s 12 to 18 volt DC power, but for an instrument with no DC power or with a 24 volt DC system or where the power supply is inconsistent (with voltage changes when more stops and/or notes are played or when combination actions are engaged) a small, plug-in AC transformer would be needed. (Add “PS” for Power Supply to the model name.)

The Delay, Speed and Volume controls, indicated by the letters “DSV” in the model names, are usually mounted together (1.75” x 4.5”, usually horizontally but could be vertically) or can be mounted individually (1.75” x 1.75”), most often toward the left side of the console for more convenient adjustment by the organist during a hymn or other piece. The engraved plaques normally are white with black lettering, but gold with black lettering is also available upon special request. If space is a concern they could also be mounted under the keyboards. Sometimes they are also mounted with the circuit board assembly (“ACB” – at circuit board) which could be placed inside the console or within the casework, chamber, etc. The start-up delay can be adjusted from instantaneous to about seven seconds, but it does stop promptly. The adjustable speed creates a variety of effects to complement the mood or tempo of the music. The volume range from soft to loud works with the organ registrations, room acoustics and bell frame location.

The models are titled with “ZAV” (Zimbelstern, Adjustable Volume – which is how all current models come, with a volume range from soft to loud) and according to whether you want it to also come with a thumb Piston (“P”) and/or Toe stud (“T”) (both from Syndyne) and/or solid state Reverser (“R”). A thumb piston and toe stud used together offer the best versatility depending on whether a hand or a foot is available at certain times in the music. Of course existing or new console switching devices could be used instead.

Installation instructions and wiring diagrams are available at any time. Installation time will vary depending on the accessibility of console interior, whether there are existing spare wires between console and the location of the bell frame unit, and other details. A ‘normal’ installation consists of the delay, speed and volume controls mounted on the console, connected to the circuit board assembly mounted in the console. The desired switching device is also hooked up as well as the DC power. Six wires (at least #24, even better in pairs) run from the circuit board assembly to where the bell frame unit is placed. In rare circumstances the three controls plus pistons or switch may be located in the console and wires run back to the circuit board assembly located in the “chamber.”

The portable model, ZAVP-PTR, works independently of the organ’s DC power and needs no permanent installation. It has its own control box (approx. 9” x 4.5” x 4.5”, able to be placed next to the organist on the bench or at a convenient place on the console) with the delay, speed and volume controls, plus at least 50’ of cable and a power supply. It comes with a portable toe stud for use at the left end of a standard pedalboard. This model is excellent for traveling recitalists or special organ situation or when a Zimbelstern is desired before a new organ or rebuild is complete. The control box can be exchanged at a later date for permanently mounted controls for the organ console and circuit board assembly. This model may also be available from time to time as a demonstration model for a few weeks so the Zimbelstern can be played with the church’s organ for potential donors to hear its quality and see its versatility first hand. Reservations for this demonstrator need to be made as far in advance as possible.

The warranty is five years. Warranty and installation instructions are shipped with each unit or available upon request. These specifications are subject to change without notice.

Brochures and pictures are available to assist in presenting Der Zimbelstern to prospective donors, committees, and members.