For those interested in wind chime design, wind chime construction, and how to make a wind chime, please review the following analysis and schematic explaining proper wind chime design for best tonality and action in the wind.

1 The ABS top is extremely durable and will last a very long time outdoors, much longer than any type of wood. It is UV resistant, will not warp or crack, nor needs any type of treatment. Its smooth hard surface helps to reflect and amplify the music.

2 The UV weather resistant black 300 pound test braided polyester cord (same material as Dacron) endures many years of harsh outdoor conditions. It is very resistant to abrasion, and many times thicker and stronger than anything other wind chime makers use. Guaranteed to last!

3 Internal suspension of the tubes delivers more action and resonance, less wear, and a sleek appearance. It is the best and most attractive method for the least dampening of the tube's vibration, and avoids the abrasion of passing the cord through the holes in the tube. It allows the tube to swing with no directional restriction. Galvanized wire pins attach the cord internally and are bent in the middle to allow the cord to center itself. This is the orginal internal pinned suspension method as devised by Stephen Burnham in the very early 1980's. All other wind chime makers using this method have borrowed the concept from him or his successors. Stephen licensed the method to me in 1983.

4 The fundamental nodes are found at 22.421% of the length from each end of open end tubes. This is where the fundamental tone vibrates the least and where to suspend the tubes so as to avoid dampening the vibration as much as possible and permit their full resonant potential. This is the attachment point of the internal wire pin.

5 The antinodes are found at both ends of an open end tube and also at the midpoint of the length. This is where the fundamental tone vibrates the most and where not to suspend the tube, so as to avoid dampening the vibration. But it is where the tube should be struck to activate vibration. The midpoint is the best antinode for uniform resonance and controllable action. The tubes are arranged in vertical symmetry so that the clapper strikes all their midpoints. ABS is the best clapper material for creating crystalline clear and pure articulate tones. The clapper is given enough spacing for the wind to generate an attack, but not so much that a gentler breeze won't allow it to reach the tubes. Its horizontal level is maintained with a crimp sleeve.

6 The eight 1 inch diameter silvery galvanized US Steel tubes (EMT quality for superior outdoor durablility) produce a brighter tone more resonant and articulate than aluminum of the same size. They are precision tuned electronically to perfect harmonic tones with the ancient Just Intonation tuning system for bright pristine melodies and countless musical expressions. They are arranged, using a complex mathematical algorithm I derived in Mathematica, to attain a striking balance as level as possible for avoiding a lopsided action with the clapper.

7 The aerodynamic ABS wind catcher rides the wind like a box kite for more consistent action. The hole in the middle helps to prevent the familiar inefficient spin of non-aerodynamic shapes.