What materials are used for the chime bars?

The chime bars are manufactured from a specific alloy of aluminium and titanium. This combination is selected for its ability to produce a clear, shimmering resonance.

What is the purpose of the T-6 tempering process?

The bars are heat-treated for 8 hours to achieve T-6 tempering. This process strengthens the metal and ensures the tone remains crystal clear and consistent over time.

What type of wood is used for the base?

The base is constructed from solid Tennessee hardwood. This material is chosen for its longevity and its ability to provide a stable, durable foundation for the alloy bars.

How is the wooden block finished?

The wood features a hand-rubbed oil finish. This technique brings out the natural beauty of the grain and provides a professional, polished aesthetic.

Does the instrument include a mallet or beater?

Yes, the chime comes with a wooden beater included in the package. This allows the user to begin playing the instrument immediately without purchasing additional accessories.

How many notes does this chime produce?

The instrument features three distinct chime bars. These are tuned in a unique chromatic-like fashion to create a specific ethereal harmonic blend.

Is this instrument suitable for professional recording?

Yes, the high-quality alloy and heat treatment result in a studio-grade tone. Its shimmering character is often used to add atmospheric textures to musical tracks.

How does the sound compare to standard wind chimes?

While wind chimes are usually played by sweeping across many bars, this handheld version allows for the precise striking of three specific tones. It offers a more controlled and focused shimmering effect.

What is the typical price for this model?

The TreeWorks Handheld 3-Tone Chime typically retails for approximately £40. This makes it an accessible addition to a percussionist's toolkit.

Is the chime mounted or handheld?

This specific model is designed to be handheld. The hardwood block is shaped to be easily held in one hand while the other hand uses the beater.

Who is this instrument best suited for?

It is ideal for percussionists, educators, and sound therapists who require a portable, high-quality chime sound. Its durable construction also makes it suitable for school environments.

Where is the hardwood sourced from?

The hardwood used in the construction of the block is sourced from Tennessee. TreeWorks uses this domestic timber to ensure structural integrity and a premium feel.

Gear article

TreeWorks Handheld 3-Tone Chime with Beater

The TreeWorks Handheld 3-Tone Chime is a compact percussion instrument featuring three chime bars crafted from a specialised aluminium and titanium alloy. Designed for portability and clarity, it utilizes heat-treated bars and a solid Tennessee hardwood base to produce an ethereal, shimmering tone suitable for various musical environments.

See live prices

Construction and Materials

The instrument is built around a central block of solid Tennessee hardwood, chosen for its durability and resonance. The wood undergoes a meticulous finishing process, receiving a hand-rubbed oil treatment that enhances the natural grain and provides a high-shine aesthetic.

The acoustic components consist of three chime bars made from a proprietary aluminium and titanium alloy. A critical step in the manufacturing process is the T-6 tempering, where the metal is heat-treated for eight hours. This specific metallurgical process is intended to stabilise the alloy and ensure a crystal-clear, long-lasting sustain.

Tuning and Sonic Character

TreeWorks utilizes a unique chromatic-like tuning for these three bars, resulting in a sound described as ethereal and shimmering. Unlike standard percussive blocks, the blend of titanium and aluminium produces high-frequency harmonics that cut through an ensemble without being abrasive.

The chime is designed to be versatile, blending into diverse musical settings from orchestral arrangements to ambient recording sessions. The inclusion of a dedicated wooden beater allows for immediate playability and ensures the user can extract the full harmonic potential of the alloy bars.

Form Factor and Portability

As a handheld unit, this instrument offers a portable alternative to full-sized bar chimes or wind chimes. Its compact size makes it an ideal choice for percussionists who need specific shimmering accents but lack the space for a mounting stand. The ergonomic design of the hardwood block allows for comfortable grip during live performances, providing a stable platform for striking the bars with the provided beater.

Market Comparison

Within the handheld percussion market, the TreeWorks 3-Tone Chime occupies a niche between simple rhythmic tools and melodic instruments.

Compared to Shakers and Maracas: Unlike the Meinl Spin Spark Shaker or Stagg Egg Maracas, which provide rhythmic texture, this chime offers distinct melodic pitches and sustain.
Compared to Melodic Percussion: While instruments like the Sonor Orff NG31 Glockenspiel provide a full range of notes, the TreeWorks unit focuses on a specific 'shimmer' effect.
Compared to Harmonic Tools: It serves a similar atmospheric purpose to the Meinl Planetary Tuned Crystal Singing Bowl but in a much more compact, tactile, and affordable handheld format.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What materials are used for the chime bars?: The chime bars are manufactured from a specific alloy of aluminium and titanium. This combination is selected for its ability to produce a clear, shimmering resonance.
What is the purpose of the T-6 tempering process?: The bars are heat-treated for 8 hours to achieve T-6 tempering. This process strengthens the metal and ensures the tone remains crystal clear and consistent over time.
What type of wood is used for the base?: The base is constructed from solid Tennessee hardwood. This material is chosen for its longevity and its ability to provide a stable, durable foundation for the alloy bars.
How is the wooden block finished?: The wood features a hand-rubbed oil finish. This technique brings out the natural beauty of the grain and provides a professional, polished aesthetic.
Does the instrument include a mallet or beater?: Yes, the chime comes with a wooden beater included in the package. This allows the user to begin playing the instrument immediately without purchasing additional accessories.
How many notes does this chime produce?: The instrument features three distinct chime bars. These are tuned in a unique chromatic-like fashion to create a specific ethereal harmonic blend.
Is this instrument suitable for professional recording?: Yes, the high-quality alloy and heat treatment result in a studio-grade tone. Its shimmering character is often used to add atmospheric textures to musical tracks.
How does the sound compare to standard wind chimes?: While wind chimes are usually played by sweeping across many bars, this handheld version allows for the precise striking of three specific tones. It offers a more controlled and focused shimmering effect.
What is the typical price for this model?: The TreeWorks Handheld 3-Tone Chime typically retails for approximately £40. This makes it an accessible addition to a percussionist's toolkit.
Is the chime mounted or handheld?: This specific model is designed to be handheld. The hardwood block is shaped to be easily held in one hand while the other hand uses the beater.
Who is this instrument best suited for?: It is ideal for percussionists, educators, and sound therapists who require a portable, high-quality chime sound. Its durable construction also makes it suitable for school environments.
Where is the hardwood sourced from?: The hardwood used in the construction of the block is sourced from Tennessee. TreeWorks uses this domestic timber to ensure structural integrity and a premium feel.