The Music of the Spheres FAQ

Q: I don't understand the difference between "sizes/voices" and "tunings"?

A: Think of the Music of the Spheres ® , Inc. tunings as songs. Each of them is available in various pitch ranges (sizes). A musical instrument must be made larger to create lower pitches (For example, a higher pitched violin is smaller than its cousin, the lower pitched cello. Each can play the same melody, but in different pitch ranges.) Please go to the "Tunings" page to hear the different tunings in the different pitch ranges.

Q: Can I hang my Music of the Spheres windchimes outside?

A: Yes, they are designed for lasting outdoor durability. Please refer to the "Materials & Construction" page for descriptions of the durable materials and method of construction. If you want to appreciate the beauty and ambience of your Music of the Spheres windchime indoors you can "power" the chime with an oscillating fan or a pull cord. Children have also been taught to gently "play" the chime for their parents. One customer even positioned the wind catcher in the path of the cat door!

Q: Are my Music of the Spheres windchimes covered by a warranty?

A: Yes, the Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto and Westminster chimes are warranted for 7 years from the date of purchase against defects in materials and workmanship. Tenor, Bass and Basso Profundo chimes are similarly warranted for 15 years.

Q: What are the specifications and prices for your windchimes?

A: Please refer to the specification chart for this information.

Q: Can I get my chimes repaired if they should be damaged?

A: Yes, please call or email for a return or repair authorization. If a repair is covered by warranty, there will be no charge. If not, a $25 charge plus the cost of any additional components and return freight will apply. If you have a non-Music of the Spheres chime and would like it repaired, the policy is the same as for a non-warranted chimes.

Q: How can I increase (or decrease) the activity of my Music of the Spheres windchime?

A: 1. Hang the chime in a different location, either more or less exposed to wind.
2. Hang the chime from the first knot above the ring for greater activity and from the second knot for lower activity.
3. Adjust the size of the windcatcher. To identify your windcatcher you may refer to the diagram on the "Materials & Construction" page. The wind catcher at the bottom of your chime is the "motor" that makes it work. Windcatchers harness the power of the wind and transfer it to the clapper, which moves to strike the tubes and play the music. The larger the windcatcher surface area for any given size chime, the less wind is needed to activate it. We design our chimes to play in eight to ten mile-per-hour breezes. If your chimes hang in an extraordinarily enclosed or exposed area, they will require a correspondingly larger or smaller wind catcher than the standard one, to achieve a "standard" activity level. If you feel you need a different size windcatcher, return yours, asking for either the next size up or down and we will send a replacement at no charge. If you would like to keep yours and buy an extra, click here.

Q: How should I hang my chime?

A: There are a number of safe ways to hang your chime. The "best" for a particular circumstance will depend on which chime size you're hanging and where it is you would like it to hang. In all cases, simply using some basic common sense is a great start. In many cases, hanging a chime "properly" is not a complicated matter. Some chime hanging basics are:

 

• Don't hang your chime on anything that is sharp or abrasive. Over time the cord will be cut or worn and will eventually break. For instance, instead of hanging the chime from an old rusty nail, take the time to get a carabiner or some other sort of metal ring. Hang the chime from the ring, then hang the ring from the nail.
• Do consider the fact that the forces on the chime support will vary and will increase substantially during severe weather conditions. When planning the support for your chime, take the time to "do it right" by preparing for stormy conditions.
• Do test the installation by giving a "tug" on the chime after hanging it to make sure it stays put. For the smaller chimes, a gentle downward pull will suffice; whereas for the larger, heavier chimes, a good solid downward test pull is a good idea. A good rule of thumb is to test the installation with a force that is between two and three times the weight of the chime.
• Do be considerate of your tree. When hanging chimes from a tree limb, use a blanket or a piece of rubber to spread out the load on the limb. This will avoid cutting into the bark and damaging the tree. A section of an old bicycle tire works very well for this purpose.
• Do use a deck hook as a safe and convenient way to hang the chimes from a deck railing.
• Do use a wall bracket to hang the chime from a wall. If mounting the bracket on a brick, stone or masonry wall, use the proper inserts for the job.
• Do be creative and consider as many options as you can think of when trying to hang a chime. When in doubt, feel free to contact us for advice.