# Episode 41 - For Whom the Bell Tolls

**Source:** For Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball Podcast  
**Type:** podcast_episode  
**Published:** 2015-04-21  
**Duration:** 5m 51s  
**Beat:** Pinball

**URL:** https://foramusementonly.libsyn.com/episode-41-for-whom-the-bell-tolls

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## Analysis

Nick Baldridge hosts a focused technical episode on pinball bells in electromechanical machines, covering bell mechanics, historical examples, troubleshooting methodology, and maintenance tips. The episode explores two bell activation methods (solenoid-driven and clapper-stepper), discusses specific machines with bells, and provides diagnostic guidance for non-functioning bells.

### Key Claims

- [HIGH] Before chimes, there were bells in pinball machines; bells are tied to scoring features and playfield sequences — _Nick Baldridge, host, opening segment on bell history and function_
- [HIGH] Bells can be rung via solenoid (relay-triggered) or via a clapper attached to a stepper — _Nick Baldridge describing two distinct bell activation mechanisms_
- [HIGH] 1967 Chicago Point Twinkie has two different-sized bells for different point scores (lower-pitched for low scores, higher-pitched for high scores) — _Nick Baldridge citing a machine in his collection_
- [HIGH] Gigi (recently acquired by host) has a single bell — _Nick Baldridge personal collection reference_
- [HIGH] Exhibit Mystery has a single bell — _Nick Baldridge personal collection reference_
- [MEDIUM] Bells are clearer and simpler in sound than chime units, with less degradation in non-Gottlieb games — _Nick Baldridge opinion comparing bell vs chime audio quality_
- [MEDIUM] Clappers frequently go missing from machines, either removed to silence the machine or salvaged for parts — _Nick Baldridge observational claim, notes uncertainty on reasons_

### Notable Quotes

> "Before there were chimes, there were bells. The pinball bell is a great instrument."
> — **Nick Baldridge**, 0:00-0:15
> _Opening statement framing the historical importance of bells as a precursor to chimes in pinball audio design_

> "The size of the bell determines the tone, and they can be rung in two different ways, at least that I've seen."
> — **Nick Baldridge**, 0:30-0:45
> _Core technical principle: physical size affects sonic properties and there are distinct activation mechanisms_

> "You have the bell mounted underneath of the stepper. Every time the stepper fires, the clapper hits the bell and it sounds It pretty neat"
> — **Nick Baldridge**, 1:30-1:50
> _Description of clapper-stepper integration as a unified mechanical system, speaker enthusiasm for this design_

> "They're clear and simple, and there's very little to get in the way of that noise. With chime units, as I'll discuss in the future, it seems like there's always something that is actively working to degrade the sound, especially in non-Godlieb games."
> — **Nick Baldridge**, 4:15-4:45
> _Comparative assessment of bell vs chime reliability and audio clarity, hints at future episode on chimes_

> "As long as the bell is clean it sounds true"
> — **Nick Baldridge**, 5:00-5:10
> _Core maintenance principle: bells are robust if properly cleaned_

> "Typically, as I mentioned, there's going to be a 10 or 100 point relay which, when actuated, is going to fire off the bell."
> — **Nick Baldridge**, 6:30-6:50
> _Standard troubleshooting pathway: understanding relay architecture as diagnostic entry point_

> "Something too powerful will ring it improperly and possibly damage the bell. Too small and you're going to get a wimpy little ding."
> — **Nick Baldridge**, 8:15-8:40
> _Critical maintenance insight: coil power must match bell size for proper function and longevity_

### Entities

| Name | Type | Context |
|------|------|---------|
| Nick Baldridge | person | Host of For Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball Podcast; technical expert on electromechanical pinball restoration and maintenance |
| For Amusement Only | organization | EM and Bingo Pinball Podcast focused on electromechanical and bingo-style pinball machines |
| 1967 Chicago Point Twinkie | game | Electromechanical pinball machine in Nick Baldridge's collection; noted for having two different-sized bells for scoring |
| Gigi | game | Pinball machine recently acquired by Nick Baldridge; has a single bell |
| Exhibit Mystery | game | Pinball machine; noted as having a single bell |
| Gottlieb | company | Historic pinball manufacturer; referenced in comparison of sound degradation in non-Gottlieb machines |
| Pinball Resource | company | Parts supplier referenced for locating replacement clappers and components |

### Topics

- **Primary:** Bell mechanics and design, Solenoid vs clapper-stepper activation, Troubleshooting and maintenance of bells, Audio design in electromechanical pinball
- **Secondary:** Relay circuits and scoring integration, EM machine restoration and parts sourcing, Comparison of bells vs chimes
- **Mentioned:** Collector experience and machine acquisition

### Sentiment

**Positive** (0.75) — Nick Baldridge expresses genuine enthusiasm for bell mechanics and their sound quality. Educational tone is friendly and encouraging toward listeners interested in restoration. No criticism or negativity present; content is informational and supportive.

### Signals

- **[restoration_signal]** Detailed diagnostic methodology for non-functioning pinball bells, covering solenoid-driven and clapper-stepper mechanisms (confidence: high) — Systematic troubleshooting guide referencing schematics, relays, coil contacts, and missing clapper replacement
- **[design_innovation]** Recognition of clapper-stepper bell activation as an elegant integrated mechanical system worthy of study (confidence: high) — Nick Baldridge: 'You have the bell mounted underneath of the stepper. Every time the stepper fires, the clapper hits the bell and it sounds. It pretty neat'
- **[historical_signal]** Positioning bells as historical predecessor to chimes in pinball audio design, signaling future episode on chime complexity (confidence: high) — Opening: 'Before there were chimes, there were bells.' Closing hint: 'With chime units, as I'll discuss in the future...'
- **[restoration_signal]** Discussion of clapper replacement sourcing through Pinball Resource, parts games, and flea markets; notes prevalence of missing clappers (confidence: high) — Nick Baldridge: 'frequently the clappers were ripped out of the units...I run across my fair share of machines that have a missing clapper'
- **[content_signal]** Technical deep-dive podcast series on EM pinball mechanics; Episode 41 on bells follows earlier episode on pop-a-card troubleshooting (confidence: high) — Podcast episode structure, reference to previous pop-a-card episode, hint at future chime episode

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## Transcript

 What's that sound? It's For Amusement Only, the EM and Bingo Pinball Podcast. Welcome back to For Amusement Only. This is Nick Baldridge. Before there were chimes, there were bells. The pinball bell is a great instrument. Bells are tied into scoring features. They can also be tied into various playfield features when you hit a certain sequence. The size of the bell determines the tone, and they can be rung in two different ways, at least that I've seen. One is via a solenoid, almost like a knocker, that fires based off of a relay triggering, say the 100-point relay. The other is via a clapper attached to a stepper. I find those pretty interesting in their own right because it functions all as one mechanical unit. You have the bell mounted underneath of the stepper. Every time the stepper fires, the clapper hits the bell and it sounds It pretty neat I have several games with bells 1967 Chicago Point Twinkie It has two different bells. One larger and lower pitched for lower point scores. And one smaller and higher pitched for higher scores. I believe the Gigi I just picked up has a single bell, and the Exhibit Mystery has a single bell as well. I enjoy the sounds produced by the bells. They're clear and simple, and there's very little to get in the way of that noise. With chime units, as I'll discuss in the future, it seems like there's always something that is actively working to degrade the sound, especially in non-Godlieb games. But with a bell, I've never had that kind of problem. As long as the bell is clean it sounds true So where do you look if your bell isn ringing Well the answer is when is the bell supposed to ring And investigate up the schematic from there. You can find the bell listed on the schematic for games where it's solenoid-driven. So you're looking for the bell coil, and then work your way back. just as I discussed on my pop-a-card troubleshooting episode. Typically, as I mentioned, there's going to be a 10 or 100 point relay which, when actuated, is going to fire off the bell. If the relay is firing and your points are ticking up and your score reels, then the next thing to check is going to be the actual contacts that are supposed to make and activate the bell. Also look for melted coil, something where it's locked on and burned up. And then on the clapper style, frequently the clappers were ripped out of the units either to silence the machine or because they were needed for parts I not really sure why they disappear but I run across my fair share of machines that have a missing clapper You can always try a pinball resource for a new clapper or you can look for a parts game or if you go to a show in the flea market, there's usually odd assortments of stuff, especially here on the east coast. Also important is that you have the right size coil in on the solenoid driven bells. Something too powerful will ring it improperly and possibly damage the bell. Too small and you're going to get a wimpy little ding. Not the proud and true ding when the bell is struck by the appropriate coil. So those are all things to look for if you're having trouble with your bell. Thank you for listening. My name is Nick Baldridge. You can reach me at 4amusementonlypodcast at gmail.com. You can find us online at 4amusementonly.libsyn.com. and you can listen to us on iTunes, Stitcher, Pocket Casts, via RSS, on Facebook, on our website, just about anywhere you can think. Thanks for listening and I'll talk to you next time.

_(Acquisition: groq_whisper)_

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*Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-04-13 | Item ID: 3ca958d0-bc2e-4844-9169-019e7d54a7fb*