The "Angel Chimes" instrument
is a very versatile musical instrument. It is a
percussion instrument in which rods and tubes are struck
to make different sounds. It consists of an A-shaped
frame from which the rods and tubes are hung. The rods
and tubes (or chimes) can be made of various materials,
including wood, metal, plastic, glass, or cardboard. They
can be different lengths and diameters and can be hollow
or solid.
There are an infinite number
of possible combinations, with variations in any
parameter resulting in changes in the pitch or timbre of
the sound. Also, the chimes can be partially or
completely wrapped with various materials, such as yam or
tape. The tubes can also be partially or completely
filled with various substances (cotton, clay, or water)
to change their tones.
In addition, the device used
to strike the instrument (the "striker" or"hammer") can
also vary in material, size, and shape. It can be used to
strike the chimes or inserted through the tubes and moved
to produce different sounds, such as is done by the
clapper of a bell.
The rods and tubes can also
be placed next to each other and moved together with
various forces to produce sounds, such as occurs when
wind blows through wind chimes.
The chimes can be activated
manually or with striking devices attached to various
parts of the musician's body, such as the head,shoulders,
elbows, wrists, hips, knees, or feet.
In order to permit easy
transportation, the Angel Chimes that I made are fairly
simple, consisting of only seven tubes or rods, measuring
up to 23 1/2inches long. I used a shop sawhorse as the
A-shaped frame.
I prefer to strike the chimes
with a stainless steel spoon and a wire pastry cutter.
The versatility of this instrument lies in the limitless
combinations of materials, shapes and sizes that can be
used for the chimes and the hammers, as well as in the
positioning and method of striking the components of the
chimes.
