Additional Wind Chime Information

A wind chime is measured by its overall length. The measurement starts at the very top, where it attaches to a hook, and then down to the very bottom of the chime. The typical wind chime has a few basic parts as shown in the image.

Wind Chime Diagram

• Ring or Knot Hook - Most wind chimes will have a sturdy ring or strong knot at the top for attaching to a hook or hanger.
• Suspension Cord - This is where the overall balance and weight of the chime is distributed for optimum appearance and sound.
• Suspension Ring - Typically this is made from various materials and is how the tubes are kept the right distance apart.
• Tubes - The material the tubes are made from determine the demeanor and variance of the sound. The finish & color are for the visual effect of the chime.
• Striker or Clapper - This is the part of the chime that strikes the tubes and makes the magic happen. The material this is made from determines the sound, as well.
• Center String - This is the string in the center of the chime that attaches to the Striker and the Wind Sail.
• Wind Sail or Wind Catcher -This catches the wind and moves the Striker, causing the wind chime to make sound. The more it moves, the more sound the wind chime will make.

• Chimes keyed in the same scale will naturally sound good together. This is a great place to start. For example, if you have an existing chime in scale C, consider adding a larger or smaller scale C chime.
  
• Additionally, chimes with a higher or lower "fifth" also sound good together. A fifth is the interval from the first to the last of five consecutive notes. With this in mind, determine the scale of the larger (lower tone) chime and consider pairing it with a smaller chime in the same fifth. Use the table as a reference.

• These tips aren't conclusive, there are other combinations of chimes that sound good together as well.

As you pair chimes in different tonal keys, try to combine them based on the intervals between their keys. Ideally, you want to combine chimes whose tonal keys create perfect fifths or octaves. Here’s how to understand intervals:

1. As you move from low-pitched notes to high-pitched notes, the order of notes in a two-octave C Major musical scale looks like this, left-to-right. You can think about keys on a piano, these represent each white key.
2. A musical note’s relationship to another note is called an “interval.” Starting with the lower-pitched note, as your pitch rises, counting left-to-right above—you can determine the interval between two notes.
3. For example: The relationship between (lower) D and (higher) A is called a “fifth.” The relationship between (lower) A and a (higher) C is called a “third.” The relationship from B back to a higher- or lower-pitched B is called an “octave.” 
4. Intervals tell you which notes sound pleasant alongside other notes. Octaves always sound good together. Fifths also create beautiful harmonies—much like the sound of violin or cello strings played together.
5. To pair your chimes, start with the larger chime, because it has the lower pitch. Identify which tonal key it’s in (see the chart on its product page). Then, counting up on the scale from left-to-right, identify which smaller, higher-pitched chimes you’d need to create a fifth or an octave.
6. Chimes whose keys are thirds, fourths and sixths apart can sometimes create beautiful harmonies. But try not to pair chimes whose tonal keys are two adjacent notes on the scale above—like A and B, or E and F. The interval between these notes is only a whole or half step apart, which can create a discordant sound.

Not only will your Wind River Chimes bring music to your ears, so will our warranty and repair services – designed to help keep your chimes looking and sounding beautiful for years to come. While all of our chimes feature handmade-in-the-USA craftsman quality and materials, Mother Nature can sometimes take a toll on your chimes. So, here’s how to take advantage of this service if you ever need to.

Where To Repair

First and foremost, if your product needs repaired or replaced -- regardless of warranty status (more on that below) –- send it back our way with some basic information (include this form with your chimes), and we will take care of the rest.

Send your chimes to (along with this completed form):

Wind River Chimes
Attention: Repairs
9204 Vassau Court, Suite G
Manassas Park, VA  20111

Please include:

•  Chime in original packaging (if possible)
•  Receipt with date of purchase -or- a note about the length of ownership and issue
•  This completed form, including home address, email and phone number

Covered, Whichever Way the Wind Blows

Wind River Chimes are great in the great outdoors. But even though they’re built to last, daily use might leave some grime on your chime or may even result in damage to the tubes or strikers that require replacement. Not to worry, however, because all Wind River products are backed by an honest-to-goodness commitment to goodness––meaning we’ll make good on any issues you may experience.

Depending on product line, our limited warranty policy gives you up to five years of hassle-free coverage. Check this list to see how long you’re protected:

5 Years:

•  Arabesque
•  Corinthian Bells
•  Gentle Spirits*
•  Bells of Vienna*
•  Kromatix**

3 Years:

•  Shenandoah
•  For the Girls

2 Years:

•  Arias
•  Festival
•  In Loving Memory
•  Noteworthy
•  Lakeshore Melodies*

* Brand discontinued 12/31/20 
**Brand discontinued 12/31/17

Beyond The Warranty. Never Beyond Repair.

Regardless of warranty status, we want you to keep enjoying your chimes. For chimes whose warranty has expired, the customary repair fee is just $25, plus the cost of replacement parts, tax and return shipping. Just send it to us at the address shown above. Once we've evaluated the condition of your chimes, we'll contact you with a cost estimate to make the repairs. No need to include a payment with your chimes -- just wait until we've had a chance to look them over.

Please contact customer service if you have specific questions about cost, timeliness, etc., and any one of our representatives would be more than happy to help you make the best decision.