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I have only got one Olivetti, so am not really sure what to expect, but the bell is a real under-performer. As long as one isn't actually typing at the time the bell is due to ring there is a faintly audible dull 'ping'. Not an attractive sound, no pleasing sustained clear tone, it lets the rest of the machine down. Rotating it to adjust the sound allows one to disable it completely which is pointless as it cannot be heard anyway once the typing starts. Are they all like this or have I purchased a duff one?
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Same deal with the bell on my Studio 44. I can't get at it to rotate it either.
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the bells on both my lettera 32 machines are nice and clear. I've had dull bells on other machines that I have fixed by adjusting the hammer, to rest slightly further away from the bell. gently bending the arm of the hammer to the desired positon should give some noticeable difference. it only takes a millimetre or so to change the tone.
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Same experience with my Olivetti bells; a dull 'click' is usual. I haven't tried fixing like malole has suggested, but is worth trying.
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You should make sure that the entire bell mechanism is working properly and that all of its pivot points are very clean. A dirty or otherwise fouled up mechanism will sap the energy from a hammer - or not even generate it. I would do this first before bending any parts.
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My 32 used to be the same. I would have a look at the spring that the hammer is attached to. It may have weakened over the years. I tried rotating the bell, but that made little difference. Then I took some pliers and flared out one edge of the bell. That made a little bit of difference. In a pinch, you could try replacing the spring with one from a BIC ballpoint pen. You may have to cut it down and reform it, but it just may do the trick. Fiddly work, though.
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teeritz wrote:
My 32 used to be the same. I would have a look at the spring that the hammer is attached to. It may have weakened over the years. I tried rotating the bell, but that made little difference. Then I took some pliers and flared out one edge of the bell. That made a little bit of difference. In a pinch, you could try replacing the spring with one from a BIC ballpoint pen. You may have to cut it down and reform it, but it just may do the trick. Fiddly work, though.
Yes, better to try this first. (I also cleaned up the gunk before making adjustments) Each bell will have its own quirks, too, so careful examination is a good idea!
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Yes, the bell on most L32s (and other small Olivettis using the same 'works') isn't very good. You never seem to get a clear, bright, 'ring'. Adjustment and cleaning helps, but they were never very good straight from the factory !
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Thanks for the advice and comments. I shall see if I can get it working a bit better. . . .