Wind Chime Buying Guide

http://www.whimsicalwinds.com/display/buyingguide.html

What you're looking at, when you're looking at a Wind Chime.
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1. The over all length of the chime, usually expressed in inches, measured from the top of the ring hook to the bottom of the sail. Most (all) Wind Chimes made in the US today are sized in this manner.
2. Ring Hook or knotted loop. All better chimes use a metal ring or strong knotted loop. This isolates the chimes suspension cord from the hanger.
3. Suspension Cord. multi-ply, man made synthetic cord for use outdoors.
4. Suspension Platform. Wood, Metal, or plastic
5. Tubes and finish. Can be steel, aluminum, glass, bamboo, or wood. Hard metals, such as steel or aluminum, produce a sharp tone. Soft metals, such as copper, make a more mellow sound, Bamboo and wood produce a hollow sound.
6. Striker/Clapper. Strikes the tubes to produce the sound.
7. Sail. Catches with wind to move the clapper to strike the tubes.