Anybody ever build a wind chime?

[tjclem]

I have a lot of Copper pipe 2-1/8" wide with 1/16" thick walls. I would like to build a wind chime with it. With the low note being the same as a low "B" on a bass guitar 30.9 HZ how long should it be? Anybody else ever try it?

[FL Knifemaker]

Yes!! My Mom actually made quite a few. You will need to tune each tube individually. My Mom cut the tubing close to length on a bandsaw, then trimmed the tubing to exact length with a disk sander. She used copper and aluminum. She also flat used bar stock along with the tubing. If the chimes aren't very close to being exactly in tune they won't sound good at all. Cheap chimes are never tonally accurate. You can really hear the difference. Also, if you put a metal "pin" through the holes to attach the string to, instead of just a string, they will have much better sustain. Lastly, there is a single or multiple sweet spots where you want the clanger to hit the tubes. Test them before you assemble the chime and make the clangers hit in the sweet spots. It's all very high tech

[tjclem]

I found this info but don't know where to start with the length of the low "B" I have a peterson 450 I guess once I get it close to size I just tap in next to the internal mic and go from there?


http://www.phy.mtu.edu/~suits/windchime.html

[FL Knifemaker]

Originally Posted by tjclem

I found this info but don't know where to start with the length of the low "B" I have a peterson 450 I guess once I get it close to size I just tap in next to the internal mic and go from there?


http://www.phy.mtu.edu/~suits/windchime.html

I don't recall my Mom having any sort of chart. She may have copied or gone by an existing one to get started. She used a voltmeter that my Dad made some sort of tuner that plugged into it. I don't remember how that worked but I know she tuned every single tube. The tubing is definately easier to cut, tune and work with than the solid barstock.

[tjclem]

interesting. I did hear back from the web guy.

"I can't tell you. There are so many unknowns that you cannot predict the absolute
frequency very well. You need to make a chime and measure the frequency. Once you
have done that, you can figure out what you need to get the note you want. Start
with a chime about 2 feet long and see what note it gives you.

A chime of that diameter at 30.9 Hz might not couple to the air very well (i.e. it
might not be very loud). You might end up hearing the overtones more than the
fundamental."

Not sure what to try...t

[FL Knifemaker]

Originally Posted by tjclem

interesting. I did hear back from the web guy.

"I can't tell you. There are so many unknowns that you cannot predict the absolute
frequency very well. You need to make a chime and measure the frequency. Once you
have done that, you can figure out what you need to get the note you want. Start
with a chime about 2 feet long and see what note it gives you.

A chime of that diameter at 30.9 Hz might not couple to the air very well (i.e. it
might not be very loud). You might end up hearing the overtones more than the
fundamental."

Not sure what to try...t

Make the first one as simple yet as best you can and go from there. I DO know that tuning is very important but honestly, I don't know what notes work with what notes or anything else about it. If my Mom was still alive, I'm sure she'd love to help you

[tjclem]

I may try it business is slowing down and I have over 40 feet of the pipe

[relwof]

Originally Posted by FL Knifemaker

... Also, if you put a metal "pin" through the holes to attach the string to, instead of just a string, they will have much better sustain. ...

+111
and you want the pin to be at the perfect spot - think playing harmonics...

FWIW, if you want to buy chimes, this guy makes some that are a bit pricey but they sound amazing : https://www.gracenotes.com/windchime...page=page&id=1

[MatticusMania]

My mom has made them out of shells. They don't really chime so much as they sort of clink when the wind blows.

[MJ5150]

I made one in 10th grade in metal shop.

-Mike

[tjclem]

I was told to get my low "B" the pipe would have to be 9' long end of project.....

[MJ5150]

Originally Posted by tjclem

I was told to get my low "B" the pipe would have to be 9' long end of project.....

I have a two story house. Go ahead and make it for me, and I'll hang it off the back of the house. Just don't use copper since the tweakers willl rip it off like they did my rain chains.

-Mike

[FL Knifemaker]

Originally Posted by tjclem

I was told to get my low "B" the pipe would have to be 9' long end of project.....

You would probably have to hit it with a sledge hammer to make it sound. My Mom made some tall ones but I don't thiink they were 9', maybe 6'

[iamlowsound]

Originally Posted by MJ5150

I made one in 10th grade in metal shop.

-Mike

I made one in 9th grade. My mom might still have it around somewhere.

lowsound