Davis Blanchard Wind Chime Facts

1) Do they need maintenance? Occasionally clean inside the tubes to clear out spider webs and wasp nests.

2) How should I hang them? They should be suspended securely with a strong hook or bracket where there is a steady unbroken breeze. If using a rope or line of some sort, note that the longer it is, the more of a pendulum effect there will be on the entire wind chime, resulting in less musical action. For the most action, suspend as close as possible to the anchor. If hanging from a tree limb, be sure to protect the limb from being cut by the line. Location may change seasonally to take advantage of the prevailing winds. For indoors, a small fan may be used to blow the wind chime gently. They may be placed near doorways and windows for any incoming breeze and also to allow visitors to brush against them either accidentally or intentionally.

3) Do they play a particular tune? The wind plays the notes randomly, creating its own improvisational melodies. Different compositions involve different chords and musical keys to create different moods.

4) Will they rust? The tubes are made from a special EMT (electrical conduit) that is protected with a patented zinc flo-coat to resist harsh outdoor elements. The cut ends may eventually show some oxidation. This is natural and will not affect the resonance and tone.

5) Why do you use steel rather than aluminum? Simply for its brighter tone and greater resonance. It also has a better price point.

6) What is ABS? Acrylonitrilebutadienestyrene. It is a combination of 3 plastic resins: acrylic for its hardness, butadiene for its strength, and styrene for its structure. The material I use also includes polycarbonate for its extra superior strength and resistance to sudden impact. I use ABS because it is much longer lasting than wood, will not warp or crack, and needs no treatment. It circumvents logging endangered wood species, and less material is needed. And because it is moldable, I can easily create a wind catcher more aerodynamic than I could with wood or metal. The hole in the middle operates like a box kite to catch more wind instead of twirling around inefficiently. Furthermore, the attack of the ABS clapper against the metal tubes creates a more crystalline tone than wood and is mellower than metal.

7) Why 8 tubes? 8 tubes equals 8 notes. Most chime makers use 6 or less tubes. With 8, there is a much greater combination of musical intervals, thus more interesting music. More music for the money.