A carillon is a special musical instrument. It brings by its sounds an atmosphere of tranquillity and companionableness. A carillon of three or more octaves is an adequate and complete concert instrument.
The Carillonneur plays the carillon by depressing the keys of a “baton” type clavier with his fists and by feet from a pedal board. The carillon bells are connected via wire  and transmission linkage. On this “baton”type  clavier the Carillonneur can play his recitals with variations of force, creating dynamics ranging from  pianissimo to fortissimo.  
In addition to manual clavier play, the carillon cn also be outfitted with automatic functions from a carillon computer. More information on this can be found on  “Automatic Carillon Play” in the explanation to the left.
Most carillons are located in The Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, France and The United States of America. In many other countries, however, the popularity is rapidly growing. 
The Royal Bellfoundry Petit & Fritsen handles the entire process of concept thru delivery of a complete carillon. After a technical survey,  a proposal for planning is made complete with preliminary drawings.
After initial meetings with the customer are held, the  actual work is started. Upon completion, the entire carillon construction is  shipped and then hoisted into place by heavy cranes. After installation has been finished, the carillon is then checked for final adjustments with the customer and Carillonneur.

Click on this line for recent delivered carillons.

Keyboards.

Petit & Fritsen builds its own keyboards. The building of a keyboard is craftsmanship which focuses on ease of playing and comfort. Every keyboard is made exactly to measurements, in conformity with customer or the Carillonneur.
There are several standards being used, such as the North European Standard, the North American Standard, and World 200 Keyboard.

Practice Keyboards.

So close neighbors to a carillon location do not have to listen to practice sessions on the carillon, a practice keyboard can be used. Two types of practice keyboards can be used: 

The Petit & Fritsen keyboards have a pleasing tone and are durable in construction.

A practise keyboard

Traction. What’s traction?

Traction is the complete mechanical system between batons and bells
The carillon is a mechanical instrument. All transmissions from keyboard (baton) to bell clapper is entirely mechanical. The construction makes use of bell cranks and rustproof steel wiring connections.  It is  complicated to wire connect a complete carillon and to install cranks and springs so that:

  • The intensity needed for playing from treble bells to larger bells is even flowing.

  • The Carillonneur has a realistic feel of the clapper in hand.

  •  Repeated striking of the clapper is adequate.

  • The overall mechanical structure has minimal secondary linkage noise.

  •  The overall construction  is long lasting  and durable from weather and wind.