How do tubular bells imitate the sound of traditional bells?

Tubular bells imitate the sound of traditional bells by utilizing a series of tuned metal tubes—originally bronze, now typically brass—that are struck with wooden hammers to produce a resonant, ringing tone.12

When first developed, large tubular bells were specifically designed to serve as substitutes for cast church bells in towers. In an orchestral setting, these instruments are valued because they offer greater rhythmic precision and a clearer tone than traditional bells, as they emphasize fewer higher harmonics.12

While they effectively mimic the ringing quality of bells, they differ from traditional flared-mouth bells in their physical construction and acoustic behavior. For instance, the partials of a traditional bell decay at independent rates, a complex characteristic that is not fully replicated by the vibrating tubes of the tubular bell. Smaller versions of these tubes, often called chimes, are also used in orchestras or controlled via organ manuals to provide similar bell-like effects in a more compact form.21