Wind Chimes

Sound in the Wind Chimes:

The sound produced by wind chimes is inharmonic spectra. If the rods are hung at 1/5 of their length, the dampened higher partials bring out the fundamental. High quality wind chimes often make use of this principle. Wind chimes of good quality have the balls hung in a way such that the ball strikes right at the center of the length of the wind chime. The frequency of the wind chime is determined by the length, width, thickness and material of the wind chime. Mathematicians have derived formulas that have helped to determine the proper length needed to achieve the particular note. The sound produced by a wind chime also depends on the material used to make it. The tone obtained from the wind chime depends upon the material and the tonal quality depends upon how the tube is struck. Woodstock Percussion Inc. devised a way to manufacture wind chimes that were tuned by computers. The Woodstock wind chime melodies were inspired by other cultures. Most of the tones were similar to Balinese or Indonesian tones or had Gregorian chant modes. The Balinese, Indonesian, Chinese, Japanese and Mongolian tunes are a blend of the reflective and meditating sounds of the spiritual music of the Far East.

Types of Wind Chimes:

Wind chimes come in various shapes and are available in different materials. Wind chimes are made of wood, bamboo, stones, horseshoes, mechanics tools, PVC pipes, glass, seashells, silverware and metals. The sound of the wind chime varies according to the metal used. The sounds range from dull thuds to tinkling notes. The size of wind chimes is also variable. The tiniest of wind chimes can be worn as earrings. Other small models fit into the palm of one's hand. The largest of the wind chimes resonate as loudly as the Big Ben. Modern wind chimes are elaborately carved, cast or decorated. The most important factor for wind chime manufacturers is durability. Since most of the wind chimes are meant for outdoor display, they have to be built to withstand wind, sun, temperature as well as moisture. Wind chimes are mounted on magnets, plant stakes or ornamental objects. There are many novelty wind chimes available in the market. These are made of brass, bronze, copper or bamboo tubes. Instead of hollow tubes, these wind chimes have suspended shells, clay pottery shapes, die-cut metal pieces, glass or other resonating objects. Even the clappers are made of equally unusual materials. Clappers are made from driftwood, metal shapes, resin and ornaments. The different categories of wind chimes are bamboo wind chimes, aluminum wind chimes, glass wind chimes, Corinthian wind chimes, wooden wind chimes, Japanese wind chimes, decorative wind chimes, ceramic wind chimes and garden wind chimes.

Manufacture of Wind Chimes:

The manufacture of wind chimes is time consuming and an elaborate process. Throughout the manufacturing process, quality inspections are made continuously. The workers employed in making wind chimes are skilled wood and metal workers. They check the materials for nicks and cuts and reject defective pieces. Even substandard materials and workmanship is rejected.

Wind Chimes Today:

Wind chimes have become decorative items in most homes. The western world accepted wind chimes due to their dual attraction of sound as well as appearance. Since the last nineteenth and twentieth centuries, wind chimes have become more popular. Wind chimes are excellent gifts for housewarmings or even just for wishing luck to someone. Wind chimes are good items for enhancing home décor.