Chimes
Add shimmering textures, brilliant transitions, and atmospheric sparkle to your music with Chimes (also known as Bar Chimes or Mark Trees). These percussion instruments consist of a series of solid metal rods of varying lengths suspended from a wooden or metal bar. When swept with a finger or beater, they produce a cascading, ethereal sound that is essential for building tension and providing "magical" highlights in any arrangement.
This category includes a wide selection of chimes, ranging from single-row bar chimes for a subtle effect to double-row chimes for a fuller, more complex shimmer. Options are available in various materials, such as tempered aluminum alloy for a bright, cutting sound or solid brass for a warmer, richer sustain. They are indispensable for orchestral music, pop and rock recordings, worship music, live stage performances, and sound healing sessions.
Chimes are a staple for drummers and percussionists who need to emphasize musical shifts, such as moving into a chorus or ending a song with a lingering flourish. Their ability to produce a wide frequency range ensures they cut through even the loudest stage mixes, while their sensitive response allows for delicate, quiet accents in intimate acoustic settings.
Modern chimes are engineered for durability and pristine acoustic response. Key features include high-tensile braided cord or specialized ties to ensure the bars remain securely attached while allowing maximum vibration, and solid wooden headers designed for easy mounting. Many models include a damper bar to quickly silence the shimmer or a weighted striker for consistent tone production.
Chimes are commonly integrated into a setup using multi-clamps or dedicated chime stands, often positioned near cymbals or at the edge of a percussion rig. They work in perfect harmony with suspended cymbals, triangles, and wind gongs to create immersive percussive soundscapes.
From a compact 12-bar set for a traveling acoustic rig to a professional 72-bar double row mark tree for orchestral use, chimes provide the brilliance, atmosphere, and professional polish that musicians rely on for expressive and cinematic playing.
