Features
Construction
Hand crafted, one set at a time, each set of chimes consists of a set of tubes strung together and suspended from a wooden carrier that has an arrangement to hang the chimes. There is a central striker within the inner space of the set of tubes, which is hung from the top of the set. At the lower end of the string passing through the striker, is a piece of wood called the ‘sail’ to catch the wind and move the striker so as to strike the tubes as it moves with the wind or gentle breeze. The tubes are made out of a special aluminium alloy for optimal tonal quality and anodised with satin finish in a pleasing range of colours. Each wooden component is carefully sanded down and sealed a number of times and has a top coat of acrylic or Polyurethane to enable withstanding out-door conditions. The cordage used is highly resistant to abrasion, rot and fungus. The average size of the present series of chimes is about one meter (overall hanging length) and weighs about a kilo and a half.
Listening to The Chimes of India
The Chimes of India are best enjoyed in your porch, garden, terrace or balcony when put up at a place where there is intermittent gentle breeze. They create a melodious musical effect when struck softly by the wind. When the sail sways in natural wind or an induced flow of air, it strikes the tubes gently and at a random sequence. Each note created by the tubes has its own sustain that is designed to resonate for 20 to 25 seconds. When several notes are struck during this period, harmony is created and the chimes begin to hum. This is the unique feature of The Chimes of India. Do not strike the tubes by hand!