Japanese Brass Bicycle Bell

Japanese Artistry: The Musical Bicycle Bell

Is it a warning sign or is it a musical instrument? After hearing the first note (which hesitates for a moment at the beginning in the semitone range between B and B flat) you'd probably say "musical instrument" – it sounds so pretty, and the note is held so long. It doesn't say "Get out of my way" but "Here I am" with such charm that even the most hard-bitten pedestrian has no option but to dance gracefully to one side. On top of this is the pleasure of having such a delightful piece of mechanical art – in brass and with a nice variety of features – to look at while you're riding your bike.