Discover the Magic of Carolina Bronze Handbell Ensemble!

J. C. Deagan, Inc. is a former musical instrument manufacturing company that developed and produced instruments from the late 19th- to mid-20th century. It was founded in 1880 by John Calhoun Deagan and initially manufactured glockenspiels. It was noted for its development of the xylophone, vibraharp, organ chimes, aluminum chimes, aluminum harp, Swiss handbells, the marimba, orchestra bells, and marimbaphone.

Perhaps the most unusual instrument ever created by the percussion company J.C. Deagan Inc., Shaker Chimes were invented by John Calhoun Deagan in 1900. Also known as Organ Chimes, they are one of the rarest Deagan instruments, with only a few dozen sets still known to exist. Deagan claimed his organ chimes to be "universally conceded as being the greatest novelty instrument ever invented." Indeed, they were popular among vaudeville musicians during the early 1900s, though they ultimately failed to create a significant market niche for themselves.

Although called a "novelty" instrument, Shaker Chimes can produce a wide range of beautiful and unique sounds. A single Shaker Chime consists of four bell metal tubes mounted in a frame. The chimes hang on a floor rack and are played by striking or shaking them by hand. Or they can rock back and forth via their own centripetal motion, creating lush harmonic soundscapes. Shaker Chimes are based on the Indonesian bamboo angklung, but the timbre is altogether different due to their bell-metal construction.