Belleplates

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Belleplates are musical instruments of the percussion family. Consisting of a handle attached to a trapezoidal brass plate, struck by an attached hammer, they are something of a combination of handbells and choir chimes. Belleplates (as opposed to bells) are often preferred for use by younger musicians, due to being more durable and far less expensive. They can also be useful for elderly or disabled musicians as they are lighter than handbells. Although they are not professional instruments, they blend well with handbells and related instruments. Belleplates generally are sold in sets of 25 (2 octaves) Belleplates to 51 note (5 octave) sets. Belleplates are made with coloured plastic handles; diatonic bellplates have white handles, and chromatic belleplates have black handles. This colour distinction, as used on Malmark handbells, makes it visually easier to pick up the correct note.