Chimes
Koshi, Zaphir & Woodstock Chimes
Played by the wind – each with a sound of its own
A wind chime begins with a simple movement: a breeze moves the clapper, one note sounds, others follow and gradually fade away. Yet the character of a chime depends on much more than the wind. Materials, resonance, tuning and construction give each instrument its distinctive voice.
At Sensatonics, you will find a carefully selected range of Koshi, Zaphir and Woodstock Chimes – three makers with very different approaches to sound.
Koshi – warm resonance from bamboo and metal
Made in France, Koshi Chimes combine a resonating cylinder of bamboo veneer with eight precisely tuned metal rods. The cylindrical body gives their sound warmth, depth and a soft resonance.
Four tunings – Terra, Aqua, Aria and Ignis – are inspired by the four elements and are designed to harmonise with one another. Each Koshi has a distinctive character when played individually, while several chimes together can create a rich and layered soundscape.
Zaphir – floating worlds of sound and colour
Zaphir Chimes are also made in France, yet follow their own approach to both sound and design. Their five tunings – Crystalide, Sunray, Twilight, Sufi and Blue Moon – are inspired by the seasons and the transitions between them.
Spirally arranged rods and the resonating body create a bright, flowing sound in ever-changing sequences. Their colourful surfaces also make each Zaphir an attractive sound object within a space.
Woodstock Chimes – when the wind becomes the musician
With Woodstock Chimes, musical tuning takes centre stage. The chimes are tuned to defined scales, chords or musical inspirations. Pentatonic scales, major and minor harmonies and distinctive overtone series determine which notes the wind can bring together.
Some models even draw on specific musical ideas. The Adagio Chime – Spanish Garden, for example, is based on the opening minor chord of Joaquín Rodrigo's *Concierto de Aranjuez*, while the Healing Chime uses a natural harmonic overtone series to create its unusually layered sound. The wind determines the rhythm and order of the notes – the tuning of the instrument provides the musical framework in which chance can become music.
Sound for home, garden and quiet moments
Chimes can subtly change the acoustic atmosphere of a garden, respond to a gentle breeze on a patio or be deliberately played indoors. Their tones can also provide a calm acoustic setting for meditation, yoga, sound work and relaxation.
There is no single right sound. Some people are drawn to the warm resonance of Koshi, others to the floating tonal colours of Zaphir or the precisely tuned tubes of a Woodstock Chime.
In the end, the ear decides.
Discover Koshi, Zaphir and Woodstock Chimes – and find the sound that feels right for your space and for you.
