We tend not to use bass handbells when we play our four-in-hand duets… but Larry is a bass-ringing specialist! Over the years, he’s taught many classes on bass handbell techniques, and has honed his skills playing bass bells in various ensembles. Most importantly, he’s still learning ways to improve his techniques. There’s always something new to learn!

In 2007, Larry wrote a book called The Bass Ringer’s Notebook. The book is packed with information and ideas for anyone interested in exploring the world of bass handbell techniques. The years have gone by, and you can now buy the second edition of this book from Choraegus! If you’re a bass ringer looking for tried-and-tested methods or new ideas, this is the book for you! If you’ve never ventured into the world of bass bells before, and want to know how to “sling the buckets” in a way that’s both musically expressive and won’t endanger your physical health… this book is for you too.

Larry has been a church musician since 1974, and a handbell musician since 1987. He became a bass-ringing specialist when the five-octave bell choir at his church became shorthanded, resulting in a long-term assignment of “CD4, and anything to the left that you can manage.” He’s been a bass ringer at Distinctly Bronze and the Bay View Week of Handbells, and frequently provides instruction as a bass handbell clinician. As the founder, leader, and composer/arranger of Low Ding Zone, the World’s First Bass-Only Handbell Ensemble, he also proved that the upper staff isn’t absolutely essential to the world of handbells. He knows what he’s talking about – so you can buy this book with confidence!

What’s in the book?

The new edition of The Bass Ringer’s Notebook contains lots of new information and ideas, on such topics as:

• Lifting, Ringing, and Damping Bass Bells
• Bass Chime Techniques
• Table Layout
• Assignments
• and lots more!

There’s also a new YouTube playlist of the techniques described in the book, which is a great way to see the techniques demonstrated, in real time and in slow-motion. This book isn’t about giving you a single way to play bass bells; it’s about providing practical options and ideas, so that you can choose the methods that suit you personally. Read it, try the suggestions, and see what works best!

The new edition of The Bass Ringer’s Notebook is available now from Choraegus. This one’s not a file to download; it’s an actual spiral-bound book, which we will lovingly package up and send to you after you place your order. It’s taken ten years for this second edition to appear – but, as all bass ringers know, good things are “worth the weight”!

Bass handbells on Facebook

If you enjoy all things bass handbell-related, you might also be interested in The Bass Ringer’s Notebook’s Facebook page, where you’ll find photos, videos and interesting snippets about the art of bucket-slinging. Join the fun, ask questions, and share your thoughts about bass ringing with other like-minded people!