handchime
Handchimes are musical instruments which are rung by hand, similar to handbells. Typically, they are tuned square tubes with an external clapper mechanism. Many handbell techniques can also be applied to handchimes, though some are more difficult (such as six-in-hand) or impossible (malleting).
handchime

Godofbiscuits · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Field
- idiophone.
VALÉORINE Encyclopedia
VALÉORINE documentary reading
Documentary summary
Handchimes are musical instruments which are rung by hand, similar to handbells. Typically, they are tuned square tubes with an external clapper mechanism. Many handbell techniques can also be applied to handchimes, though some are more difficult (such as six-in-hand) or impossible (malleting).
Admitted source layer · organised and presented by VALÉORINE
Note VALÉORINE
No house-authored Note is published until its assertions and sources pass the VALÉORINE evidence contract. The documentary article remains available in full while that enrichment is being consolidated.
Documentary enrichment in progress · no unsupported statement published
Reference Check
Propose documentary evidence for handchime. A contribution is never written directly as fact: identity, source, rights and evidence gates still decide.
Sign in to contribute
World of VALÉORINE
Documentary connections
Only confirmed graph relationships appear here. Images are shown only when their identity and reuse rights both pass the documentary gate.
Documentary evidence
Evidence Panel
wikipedia incomplete · checked 25 September 2026
- Identity
- resolved
- Independent source families
- 0
- Admitted assertions
- 0
- Open conflicts
- 0
Authority files
wikidata · Q1050106 · wikipedia · Handchime
In this article
Uses
Uses
On a music score, handchimes are indicated by a diamond shape on each note as opposed to an oval shape.
Handchimes were originally intended to be used as a training tool for prospective handbell ringers. They are cheaper, easier, lighter and more resilient than handbells, making them more accessible for school groups, church youth choirs and senior citizens' groups. They were originally based on bamboo instruments from Southeast Asia, with various American inventors iterating on designs. The first modern handchimes were produced by Malmark in 1982. Handchimes are also frequently rung in conjunction with handbells. Certain handbell pieces will involve playing handbells and handchimes at the same time, or alternating between the two through various sections of the music. Handbell ensembles will frequently have a collection of handchimes to use along with their handbells. Handchimes are also used in classrooms to teach music. Handchimes are proven to be helpful with teaching music theory and the responsibilities of playing an instrument to young children. It promotes teamwork among the students. This is because handchimes are played individually rather than in unison. Each student is responsible for the chimes assigned to him or her.
Manufacturers
Manufacturers
As of 2018, there are 3 manufacturers of handchimes in the United States: Malmark (Choirchimes) Schulmerich (bell maker) (MelodyChimes) Suzuki (ToneChimes)
Primary material
Documents and archives
reference work
- “Handchime”, English Wikipedia, consulted as further reading
Reputable secondary · Wikipedia
authority record
- Wikidata, structured authority record Q1050106: handchime
Unverified · Wikidata
Notes from the source article
Cited by Wikipedia
Notes from the source article
These works are cited by the source article, in its own numbering. They are recorded as its citations, not as sources VALÉORINE has verified.
- 1.Van Valey, Janet. Using Handchimes. Lorenz Publishing Company. 6. 1997. 28501946.
- 2.Van Valey, Janet. Enhanching Musicality with Handchimes. Overtones. 44. 3. 27–31. July–August 1997.
- 3.Guebert, Alexander M. The modern handbell ensemble as an asset to new music: Expanding opportunities in extended technique. 24. 2014. 978-1-303-98469-3.
- 4.Using Handchimes, p. 3
- 5.Nielsen, Chad. Ringing for the Restoration: The Bells at Temple Square and the Expansion of the Tabernacle Choir Brand, 2005–2025. Journal of Mormon History. 57. 3. 106-143. June 2026.
- 6.Handchimes in Classroom Music: Authentic Performance Instruments and Instructional Tools.
- 7.The Music Education Issue: Handbells and Handchimes in Your Local Schools. Handbell World. 2023-12-07.
- 8.MacGorman, Venita. Chime-In: A Handchime Review. Overtones. 46. 1. 15–16. January–February 2000.
References
Citations
References
Each reference names the institution holding it, so a reader may go to the document itself.
reference work
Partially resolvedauthority record
Unverified
Connections
Knowledge graph
Connections
Each connection was recorded deliberately, with the basis for it kept on the internal record.
Broader subject
1- idiophoneTerminology
Established from a fact already recorded on a verified source.
The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 14 August 2026.
Elsewhere in Collectables
20,755 published records in this field, each with its sources named.
- Hand of Fate 2Work
- hand puppetTerminology
- hand-repiqueTerminology
- handbellTerminology
- handheld consoleTerminology
- handheld electronic gameTerminology
- handheld game consoleTerminology
- handheld TV gameTerminology
Best supported in this field
For owners
Own an object connected with handchime?
A specialist will read what you send and tell you what the house can establish, what it cannot, and whether the object is suited to sale. There is no charge and no obligation. The object stays with you throughout; nothing is shipped to us unless it is arranged in writing beforehand.