Your Primary children will absolutely love using Merry Bells Handbells during Singing Time! This post will cover a review of Merry Bells plus, you won’t want to miss my exclusive Merry Bells Promo Code at the end of this post!
Want to see a deep dive into all of the different songs available in Merry Bells charts? Head over to see all of the Merry Bells Handbell Song Lists. It’s a great way resource to help you decide which Play-along DVD or bell chart sets to pick!
I am an affiliate with Merry Bells. All opinions are my own.
Merry Bells Handbells Review
Merry Bells was started by an LDS family and are a wonderful small family business with a really cool story on how their company all got started.
Their Handbells are great quality and sound fantastic. They have comfortable to hold wooden handles and clearly labeled notes right on the top of the bell.
Did you know you’re supposed to hold the bells with the colored bell facing straight up to the ceiling and your hand below. This is the best hold for consistent sound and ringing!
The printable bell charts are ready made so you can can print and share in Primary and then just sing acapella so you can choose your pace. of singing and bells.
Since the words are written right at the bottom of the printable it’s super easy for you to point and direct as you move through the song.
Or, if you’d prefer, you can choose their Play-Along DVDs. They’re SO much fun, but keep in mind they do go at a pretty quick pace. I have a video demo near the end of the post so you can see how they play!
I prefer the printables for Primary and the Play Alongs for home use! Especially for the holidays. It is absolutely going to be added to our holiday traditions as a family this year to play our Christmas Carols while adding bells!
Merry Bells vs Amazon Handbells Compared
I’ve had a set of handbells that I purchased on Amazon years ago. They’ve worked good and I haven’t had any issues, but I thought it would be helpful to directly compare them with what Merry Bells offers to help others considering the same purchase!
Right away, you will notice the care and packaging of Merry Bells with a sturdy and thick cardboard case, carrying handle, padding, plastic bell covers, and even a sleeve to store any Merry Bell DVDs.
In contrast, Amazon cuts out all the frills and my set arrived in a very cheap cardboard box without any extras.
You’ll notice right away all the differences in the bell quality. Looking at the underside with Merry Bells on the left and the Amazon off-brand bells on the left. Merry Bells handbells is made with quality materials.
Most importantly the sound quality is more consistent and on-tune with Merry Bells in contrast to my other bells which work just fine, but aren’t always perfect.
Merry Bells includes a free Christmas songs Play-Along DVD which makes the price just a couple dollars more than Amazon’s price when you factor into the included DVD. And they’re very similarly priced to other name-brand bell sets like Rhythm Band / Kidsplay handbells, and have the distinctive white bell instead of repeating a red bell for high-C.
Plus, with the discount code you can add in the shopping cart will save you a ton off your purchase making them an even better deal!
Chromatic Handbells Add-On
Merry Bells only sells the base 8-note sets. This is because they adjust any songs to play on the base c major scale that doesn’t need any sharps or flats. The notes on the charts will have some slight adjustments to the piano music.
So do you need the Chromatic Add-On hand bell notes? You can get away without the extended notes when just getting started. But adding the additional bells is a wonderful way to stay true to the sheet music, you will want to consider adding additional handbells.
I think it’s a wonderful extra to have, but not a necessary one. If you have the budget or means to add on the extras, I don’t think you will regret it!
You can pick up the extended 5-Note bell set at West Music here or Groth Music here. Look for ones with a black handle to help you better distinguish between sharps and your base bells.
What’s Included with Merry Bells Handbells?
What’s included with Merry Bells Handbells? The Bell Set comes with:
- Quality set of 8 colored handbells
- Free 30 Song Christmas Play-Along DVD
- Free 30 Song Christmas Play-Along Digital Downloads
- Storage sleeve on the hand bell box to store Play-Along DVDs
- Storage box with magnetic latch, foam lining, bell covers, and a carrying handle
Important Things to Note:
Each DVD (and set of handbell music charts) includes a fun assortment of 30 different songs around the theme perfect for guided hand bell music making fun!
There is no background accompaniment on the DVD’s – the hand bells make all the music you will need.
Follow along with the on-screen lyrics and join in singing karaoke style. Perfect for singing Christmas carols at a party or learning a new song.
You’ll be able to choose a single note or multi note track to help you best use the bells for smaller groups (single note) or a large group with lots of participation (multi-note).
How to Use Merry Bells DVD or Bell Chart
Picture your family, friends, or coworkers grabbing a colored hand bell and working together to bring a song to life!
It’s just like playing a game of Rockband or Beatsaber, but with family friendly songs that gets the entire group involved and participating!
If you have more than 8 people, just grab and additional set of bells and more can play at the same time.
It’s easy, fun activity, and a memorable experience for all involved. You will certainly make memories that will last a lifetime.
Choose from song lists for: Patriotic, Latter-day Saint Hymn, Children, and Primary song charts!
How to Use the Play-Along DVD:
1. Setup: Setup TVs screen or computer in a open area where all your guests can participate in the fun.
2. Assign Bells: Hand out one (or two) hand bells per person. A group of 4-8 works best. With more participants, add another bell set or take turns!
3. Demo: Give a brief explanation or demonstration of how to use the handbells to follow along with the Play-Along DVD. You can use this screenshot from We Wish You a Merry Christmas to help!
4. Pick a Track: Insert the DVD into a DVD or Blu-ray/DVD Player.
Choose single-note or multi-note.
- Single note is best for smaller groups that may be holding more than one colored handbell.
- Multi note is great for large groups where everyone is holding a single bell for more interaction.
Choose a specific song, or select to play the entire playlist.
5. Play & Have Fun! Each person will ring their colored bells timed with the moving colored bars with the DVD. In the example above, Red and Dark Blue bells were rung on the word “you.”
That note will be quickly followed by dark blue, and then dark blue and green as the notes run down the screen in time with the melody.
How to Use Merry Bells with Charts:
Follow the steps above, but substitute the download digital items or printed handbell charts.
You’ll still have the choice between single bell or multiple note charts included with your purchase.
You can use poster print options when you print to expand your chart to 4 or 9 pages if you need it larger for a classroom setting.
Or, simply display the charts digitally with a smart TV screen or projector to save ink and make it super easy to share the handbell chart of your choice.
Demo: Merry Bells Hand Bells in Use
I recruited my 4 boys for this fun video showing you an example of the play along videos in use! They had so much fun and wanted to try several more songs after this video. I can’t wait to add Merry Bells to our holiday traditions with family in town!
Try Out a FREE I Will Walk with Jesus Handbell Chart
If you want to see how Merry Bells works, they offer a free download of I Will Walk with Jesus Handbells Play-Along Digital Download and Handbell Chart.
You can also snag the free copy of the song Amazing Grace. Both songs can be downloaded as a Play-Along or Chart in multi-note or single-note. Pick a favorite style or grab all 4!
It’s a great way to try out the program with your family or Primary children to see if it’s a good fit before investing in a set of bells.
Merry Bells Coupon Code
Coupon code: Use PrimarySinging to receive 10% off any order (no expiration date)
Is free shipping available at Merry Bells?
You can all score Free Shipping on any orders over $50. That’s super easy to meet if your picking up a handbell set, just add a DVD or bell chart set to save on any shipping.
Head over and shop Merry Bells here!
Have you used handbells in Primary yet? How did they go with your Primary children?
