Wind Chime Buying Guide

Wind Chimes: a short brief:Wind Chimes have been known throughout the centuries to have soothing and healing effect on the mind, body and spirit. The Chinese and Japanese are known to have turned them into decorative art pieces. More recently, their popularity has moved west. They are still used today for the same primary reasons: health, art and relaxation.
Wind chimes make an excellent addition to any garden or outside deck or porch. There are special kinds of wind chimes that are meant for indoor use as well. If you have ever been to a house or yard that had a wind chime you most surely realized how beautiful they sound when the wind blows through them and creates a musical noise. Countless stores sell wind chimes and we have even seen them sold in artists galleries that have been hand crafted with stained glass and other unique touches. When looking to purchase a wind chime, look for features like durability, the ability to have it tuned to notes, indoor use options, color varieties, and materials. If you plan on placing your wind chime in your yard (outdoors), you will want a durable material that can withstand not only wind but harsh weather like rain or snow and hot sun.
Metal wind chimes are the most durable and therefore the most popular types of wind chimes available. Besides being durable, metal wind chimes have the ability to be tuned to specific notes and tones. Owners say metal wind chimes make beautiful music and play famous songs and themes. Consumers also say they prefer metal wind chimes since they are weatherproof and rust resistant. Bamboo wind chimes may not be quite as durable as metal ones, but the deep, hollow sounds they create are relaxing. Bamboo chimes can not be tuned like metal wind chimes, but the sound quality is still excellent. The one tendency of bamboo wind chimes over time is to split. The wood is lightweight and exposure to sun and rain can eventually lead the bamboo to split. The material of choice for those searching for unique and decorative wind chimes is either glass or ceramics. They are great for both outdoor and indoor placement and the shapes and designs are endless. If you want a wind chime that can play lots of melodies and harmonies, look for one with lots of tubes. The more tubes on the wind chime, the more notes it can play. Length of the wind chime tubes will also directly effect the sound quality. Higher pitched sounds will gee from shorter wind chimes and longer wind chimes will provide lower, fuller tones. The wind chime sail is the piece of the chime that extends lower than any other part and is responsible for catching the wind and moving the tubes of the chime. The top selling wind chimes are set up to start chiming at about 8-10 mile per hour winds. When it gees to wind chime design, the tubular wind chimes are in the highest demand. Tubular wind chimes are usually made of pewter or aluminum and they offer accurate sound quality along with great looks. Bell wind chimes are designed with multiple bells that play as the breeze hits your chime (often made of brass). The top brand names in wind chimes are Woodstock, Corinthian, Arias, Harmony Hollow, Music of the Spheres, Weatherland, Spirit Winds, Asli Arts, Heritage Pewter, Kenroy, JW stannard, and Goose Rock Designs. Wind chimes cost about $20-$2000. Once you have bought the wind chime, put them in a good spot in your yard where the breeze will catch the "sail". Many homeowners hang wind chimes from tree branches, overhangs, decks, porches, and doorways. Below we have tried to list the most popular and best selling products in each category.
Our Rules for Buying Wind Chimes:
1. Pick one you can afford. There are Chimes for all Budgets, but expect to spend 25 to 200 for a decent set, and more for the best, (Music of the Spheres)2. 90% of the metal chimes made in china are trash. (JW Stannard is the one exception I know of) This is one type of chime where buying USA made is worth the price.3. Check the design, make sure you like it and it fits your needs. Any of the made in the USA Metal chimes are a best bet for durability, Glass chimes reflect sunlight best, and Bamboo chimes have a sweet sound like no other. Got a Big Purse? Go with the expensive look of Pewter, or copper. 4. Fit the Color to your chimes surroundings. Green chimes go well in the garden and Black chimes have great contrast, silver, and gold look great hanging from a bracket on your home. And don't forget the modern look of Midnight Blue, or Black Spectrum. 5. Be sure the wind chime you choose will stand up to the wind in your area and buy accordingly. Some Chimes have a magnetic hook that will silence your chime, and some have a removeable sail. 6. Remember even indoors, theyre a lovely addition to your home. a smaller set, (29" or 36") Hung near a open window will work with even a small breeze. 7. DON"T FORGET YOUR NEIGHBORS! While the soft sounds may sooth and relax you, does it do the same for the John