 Japanese temple bells are struck externally with either a hammer or a suspended beam rather than with an internal clapper . The sound of the bell is made up of three parts . First is the <unk> , the impact of the strike . A well @-@ made bell should produce a clean , clear tone . The initial sound of the strike is immediately followed by the prolonged <unk> , the reverberation that continues to sound after the bell is struck . This is higher in pitch and is a low rumble with a sorrowful air , rich in harmonics ; it lasts for up to ten seconds . Finally comes the <unk> or decay , the resonance that is heard as the vibration of the bell dies away , which can last up to a minute . There are also continuous harmonic overtones heard throughout the tolling of the bell . These multiple tones create a complex pitch profile . 
