Can the Bell Strike Clock Kit GMKIT7 Come with a Gong Option?

Bell Strike Clock Kit GMKIT7

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Can the Bell Strike Clock Kit GMKIT7 Come with a Gong Option?

If you’re considering the Bell Strike Clock Kit GMKIT7 for your next clock-building project, you might wonder: Can this kit come with a gong strike instead of a bell? Many clockmakers prefer the deep resonance of a gong over the sharper tone of a bell. In this guide, we’ll explore the features of this specific kit and explain your options clearly.

What Does the Bell Strike Clock Kit GMKIT7 Include?

The GMKIT7 includes everything you need to build a mechanical clock with a bell strike system. Clockworks supplies this complete kit for those who want a reliable, traditional setup without hunting for individual parts. Inside the kit, you’ll find:

• A chain-driven, weight-powered mechanical movement
• Bell and hammer for hourly and half-hour strikes
• Dial and hands
• Two polished weights and chains
• Suspension spring and pendulum leader

You can order the full set here: Bell Strike Clock Kit GMKIT7 – Clockworks.com

Does the GMKIT7 Feature a Gong?

No, it does not. The GMKIT7 strikes a bell, not a gong. Its hammer connects to a side-mounted bell that creates a sharp, classic chime every half hour and hour. The movement’s layout, hammer design, and included hardware all support bell use only.

What Sets Bell and Gong Strikes Apart?

A bell strike creates a crisp, high-pitched sound. Clockmakers often choose this for schoolhouse or French-style clocks. A gong strike, on the other hand, produces a deeper, longer-lasting tone—ideal for regulator or tall-case clocks.

The GMKIT7 uses a top-mounted bell. Gongs typically require a back-mounted coil and longer hammer arc. These differences make the two systems incompatible without serious modification.

Can You Convert the GMKIT7 to Use a Gong?

Technically, advanced users could attempt it—but we strongly advise against trying to convert this kit for gong use. The hammer won’t reach a gong correctly, and the movement lacks support brackets for a gong coil. Any forced conversion risks damaging the movement or voiding support and warranties.

If you want a gong strike instead of a bell, Clockworks recommends starting with a different kit built for that purpose.

What Are Your Best Gong Alternatives?

Clockworks offers several kits that include genuine gong strike systems:

• Gong Regulator Kits – With deeper tones and rear-mount strike coils
• Vienna-Style Clock Kits – Featuring a two-weight design and long, resonant gongs

Let our support team help you pick the right one based on your project goals.

Why Stick with the GMKIT7?

Despite not supporting a gong, the GMKIT7 remains an excellent option if you:

• Like the sharp tone of a bell strike
• Want a dependable, easy-to-install mechanical movement
• Build a case with limited space
• Aim for a more compact or traditional American-style chime

You’ll save time by using a kit that includes all matching components out of the box.

Will Clockworks Add a Gong Version of GMKIT7?

Right now, Clockworks offers the GMKIT7 exclusively as a bell strike kit. Our team continually adds new kits based on customer requests, so a future gong version could become available. Until then, we encourage customers who need a gong to choose from our other fully configured kits.

Does the Strike Type Affect Timekeeping?

No. The bell strike mechanism operates independently from the timekeeping train. Even if you adjust or mute the bell, the clock keeps perfect time as long as you wind it and balance the pendulum properly.

Can You Soften the Bell’s Sound?

Yes, if you want to reduce the volume. Try these quick adjustments:

• Add a felt pad where the hammer strikes the bell
• Adjust the hammer’s distance from the bell
• Tighten or loosen the bell’s mounting screw slightly

You can tweak the tone without disabling the strike system.

In Summary:

The Bell Strike Clock Kit GMKIT7 does not offer a gong strike option. Clockworks designed this specific kit for bell use only. If you need a deeper tone, choose a different kit made for gongs. Otherwise, enjoy the GMKIT7 for its reliability, classic sound, and all-in-one convenience.

Order the GMKIT7 now at [Clockworks.com]() and build your own traditional bell-strike clock with confidence.

Updated on: 11/07/2025