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OUR TEN MUSICAL SCALES COME IN TWO CATEGORIES:

A SYMPHONY OF CHOICES

Our Chimes come in several sizes,
which is the same as saying pitch ranges.

The larger chimes have a lower pitch and smaller
chimes have a higher pitch.

We have designed our chime sizes so that their pitch ranges overlap and complement each other.

1

  • size (voice):   Soprano
  • tubing diameters:   7/8"
  • hanging length:   30"
  • Weight:   2 lbs.

2

  • size (voice):   Mezzo
  • tubing diameters:   1-3/16"
  • hanging length:   38"
  • Weight:   5 lbs.

3

  • size (voice):   Alto
  • tubing diameters:   1-1/2"
  • hanging length:   50"
  • Weight:   10 lbs.

4

  • size (voice):   Tenor
  • tubing diameters:   2"
  • hanging length:   60"
  • Weight:   27 lbs.

5

  • size (voice):   Bass
  • tubing diameters:   2-1/2"
  • hanging length:   90"
  • Weight:   45 lbs.

6

  • size (voice):   Westminister
  • tubing diameters:   1-1/2"
  • hanging length:   90"
  • Weight:   15 lbs.

7

  • size (voice):   Contrabass
  • tubing diameters:   3-1/2"
  • hanging length:   108"
  • Weight:   100 lbs.

8

  • size (voice):   Basso Profundo
  • tubing diameters:   5"
  • hanging length:   14 feet
  • Weight:   200 lbs.
  • Soprano: Our smallest chime, its sound is delicate yet brilliant
  • Mezzo: Our second smallest chime, this chime has a bright, pure sound
  • Alto: A pleasant combination of the delicacy of the smaller chimes with the sustain of the larger sizes
  • Tenor: This chime has a rich, full sound and resonant sustain
  • Bass: Our largest chime available in all ten tunings, this chime has a deep, natural sound and enduring sustain
  • Westminster: Pealing the familiar tones of London's "Big Ben", this chime emulates the rich harmonics of cathedral bells
  • Contrabass: This majestic chime is large in sound/size, has a deep voice and excellent sustain. The Contrabass is available in "Quartal" tuning only
  • Basso Profundo: This majestic chime is huge in both sound/size, has a deep, profound voice and unparalleled sustain.The Basso Profundo is available in an "Expanded Quartal" tuning only

Familiar Sounds

Pentatonic Chimes

One of our most popular tunings, the major Pentatonic scale is the most widely used melodic scale in the world, dating from ancient Greece. Its pattern is familiar as the black notes of the piano keyboard. The chime contains all the notes to "Amazing Grace" as well as "The Eyes of Texas".

Ensemble Set: Pentatonic - Hawaiian

 

 

Quartal Chimes

A musical palindrome, the Quartal scale is based on intervals of fourths and fifths. Its smooth and serene sound captivated American composers, notably Aaron Copland and Paul Hindemith, in the early twentieth century.

Our Contrabass and Basso Profundo chimes use an expanded Quartal scale.

Chinese Chimes

The Chinese, an inversion of the Pentatonic, is the lightest and sweetest of our scales, sure to evoke a sense of happiness. Its sweetness best complements the more serious Japanese and Balinese.

Ensemble Set: Chinese - Balinese- Japanese

Mongolian Chimes

The Mongolian scale, a livelier version of the Chinese, is reminiscent of church and temple bells. The major pentatonic scale in root position in the key of A, it harmonizes nicely with the Aquarian. Genghis Khan conquered an empire unmatched in size, yet never heard chimes as lovely as these.

Westminster Chimes

Pealing the familiar tones of London's "Big Ben", this chime emulates the rich harmonics of cathedral bells. To create an ensemble, add the Pentatonic or perhaps Hawaiian.

Exotic Sounds

Hawaiian Chimes

The Hawaiian scale is Polynesian in flavor, reminiscent of a tangy sweet & sour sauce and tropical island breezes. It combines the best of major and minor pentatonic scales.

Ensemble Set: Pentatonic - Hawaiian

Balinese Chimes

The Balinese scale recreates the magical strains of the Indonesian gamelon, at once joyous and plaintive.

Ensemble Set: Chinese - Balinese- Japanese

Japanese Chimes

The distinctive tones of the Japanese scale are at once deeply soothing and provocative. Its drama complements the more light-hearted Chinese and Balinese.

Ensemble Set: Chinese - Balinese- Japanese

Ensemble Set: Japanese - Gypsy

Whole Tone Chimes

Claude Debussy, inspired by Balinese music at the 1896 Paris Exposition, began composing with this atonal scale, used for example in his piece "La Mer". Later, television's original Star Trek used it in the "beaming up" sequences. TV and film scores frequently feature it for underwater scenes, dream and "flashback" sequences.

Aquarian Chimes

An original Larry Roark composition, The Aquarian mirrors the tranquil charm of an Alpine lake or stream. Its refreshing tones mix beautifully in different sizes and also blend with the Mongolian.

Gypsy Chimes

The ancient Gypsy scale is still used widely from northern Africa to the Baltic region. Its exotic mix of piquant strains and haunting melodies blends well with the Japanese.

Ensemble Set: Japanese - Gypsy