The Many Different Kinds Of Wind Chimes
It would seem that pretty much everyone has probably dabbled in making rudimentary wind chimes as a part of an arts and crafts project at summer camp. After all, how hard can it be? When you can go online these days and easily find instructions on how to make them. You can even find detailed plans on constructing one out of cardboard and paper clips!
However while thoroughly original and even fun, there are definitely times when nothing but an expertly crafted example will do. A [wind chime] once was something of a holy object, or as close to one as possible, depending on the tradition, warning off evil spirits or serving some similar function. Indeed, they are no simple amusements, but bear an ancient pedigree all the way back to East Indian wind bells.
The Chinese cherished wind chimes as good luck charms for their pagodas, while in Japan people created glass wind bells to introduce an expanded range of sounds. Americans often like theirs to be made from wood or metal, however, and tubular in shape besides. As the audial output of any given wind chime is mainly dependent on its dimensions, different designs will produce different sounds.
Placement height also has a small bearing on resultant audial frequency, technically called inharmonic spectra. However, many people will find today’s chimes to generate notes ranging from brightly tinkling to dully thudding, with really no way to tune them whatsoever.
So if variety is desired, purchasing a commercially made wind chime is the way to go. Stone, ceramic, and also other constructions are on offer, just the sort unlikely to be created by the hobbyist. It’s usually cheaper too, of course, unless an “heirloom” edition is desired for gifts and mementos. A company like MusicalWindChimes.com even offers wind chime-birdhouse combinations for the real nature lovers!