Double Bob Major on Handbells

Introduction

Double Bob Major is a closely related to Plain Bob Major. In Double Bob at all stages, the treble hunts up to the maximum place and lies behind. As it does so, the penultimate place is made, and the pairs of bells beneath that place dodge together. Otherwise the method is identical with Plain Bob.

The Structure

Diagram: Double Bob Major, plain lead rows and grid.

Approach to Double Bob Major on Handbells

The approach to Double Bob depends on your motive for ringing the method.

For Treble watching skill / or pure enjoyment:
Assuming the band is comfortable with Plain Bob, then skip the detailed learning, dive in, make mistakes, laugh and learn from the mistakes. The key to Double Bob is seeing the treble in 6-7, see it in 8ths place at handstroke is far too late.

Once a recorded length of Double Bob is a realistic ringing target, there is no substitute for a thorough knowledge of the method.

Double Bob Major learning points

• The dodging work at the Lead End is identical with Plain Bob Major
• The lead ends come in a different order
• The calling positions come in the order: Before, Middle, Wrong, Home.

Description of the pairs

Ringing 1-2 to Double Bob Major

The ringer of 1-2 needs to be very reliable when ringing quarters or peals, and many, very competent ringers very heavily rely on the treble being in the right place.

Diagram: Double Bob Major, 1-2.

The "inside" pairs

Ringing 3-4 to Double Bob Major

Diagram: Double Bob Major, 3-4.

Ringing 5-6 to Double Bob Major

Diagram: Double Bob Major, 5-6.

Ringing 7-8 to Double Bob Major

Diagram: Double Bob Major, 7-8.

Touches of Double Bob Major

For hundreds of touches of Double Bob Major see Complib