Frequently Asked Questions
About Koshi Chimes

The Koshi chime can be suspended and set in motion by the wind, but above all it is a handcrafted harmonic instrument. Placed near a window or in a sheltered outdoor space, it naturally enters into dialogue with the movement of the air. It can also be played by hand, integrated into a musical creation or used in meditative and contemplative practices.

The Koshi chime is designed for listening, resonance and sensory experience. Its making is based on meticulous craftsmanship, where every detail matters: the accuracy of the tuning, the quality of the materials, the shape of the resonance chamber and the balance of the whole. It is therefore not simply a decorative or playful object, but a precision instrument shaped by genuine musical standards.

A traditional wind chime generally produces a succession of random clinking sounds carried by the movement of the air. The Koshi chime, by contrast, is based on a precise harmonic architecture: the notes are tuned to one another and respond to each other naturally.

Each rod is individually tuned by hand. The resonance chamber, made of bamboo for the 4 Elements collection or fine wood for the Earth Symphony collection, amplifies the vibrations and gives the sound its warmth, depth and long resonance. The randomness of the movement therefore always remains carried by the coherence of the chord.

Chimes from the same collection can also be played together. Their melodies were designed to enter naturally into dialogue, whatever combination is chosen.

Yes, within the same collection, Koshi chimes can be freely combined: one on its own, in pairs, in groups of three or all four together. Played together, they create a rich, broad and enveloping experience.

The original 4 Elements collection is tuned to 432 Hz, while the Earth Symphony collection is tuned to 440 Hz. These two collections therefore offer two complementary listening experiences, but they were not designed to be played together.

Yes, the Koshi chime can be suspended outdoors, provided it is installed in a protected space. Placed on a covered terrace, under an awning, on a sheltered balcony or in a garden protected from the weather, it can enter into dialogue with the wind and give rise to a spontaneous composition.

The movement of the air creates unexpected melodies, never quite the same. To preserve the quality of its resonance and the beauty of its materials, however, it is important to protect it from rain, prolonged humidity and excessive changes in weather conditions.

You can also suspend it indoors, near a window, allowing the movement of the air to set it gently in motion.

Each melody opens onto a different quality of listening. The choice depends above all on the atmosphere you are looking for, how you intend to use it and your personal sensitivity.

With 4 Elements, Koshi explores the elemental forces of life. Terra brings a deep and grounded presence, while Aqua unfolds a softer, more fluid and enveloping sound. Aria stands out for its light and airy clarity, while Ignis brings a livelier, more luminous and dynamic character.

The Earth Symphony collection opens a broader sonic territory, inspired by the great presences of Nature. It brings together the contemplative majesty of Mountain, the inner mystery of Forest, the living movement of River and the welcoming depth of Ocean.

The simplest way to choose is to listen to the sound samples and let yourself be guided by the melody that resonates most naturally with your moment, your use or your listening intention.

To make sure you are buying an authentic Koshi chime, choose the official Koshi website or an authorized retailer.

Copies and imitations now exist, particularly on certain marketplaces. Always check the brand name, the identity of the seller and the origin of the product. Be cautious of items presented as “Koshi type,” “Koshi style” or “inspired by Koshi.”

An authentic Koshi chime guarantees handcrafted production at the foot of the French Pyrenees, hand-tuning, compliant materials and Koshi’s distinctive sound quality. It also guarantees a traceable instrument from a reliable distribution network.

Simply hold it by its cord, let it hang freely, then swing it gently or turn it with a fluid movement of the wrist.

There is no need to strike the instrument or try to control the order of the notes. The sound arises from the hand, the movement of the air or the wind. The broader the movement, the more the rods are set in motion; a slow movement will bring forth a softer, calmer melody, while a livelier movement will produce more notes.

The Koshi chime can also be suspended in a sheltered space, where it will naturally enter into dialogue with the movement of the air.

The harmonic rod chime did not exist before the founder of Koshi invented it in 1986 in the French Pyrenees.

From the beginning, Koshi has pursued the same search: to create a sound that is true, harmonic and alive. The instruments are still handcrafted in the workshop in the Pyrenees, with the same high standards of tuning and the same commitment to French craftsmanship.

Yes, the Koshi chime naturally finds its place in sound practices, sound therapy sessions, sound yoga or meditation. It can accompany the opening of a session, mark a transition or a moment of listening, or guide attention toward the silence that follows the resonance.

Its clear and harmonic sound blends easily with singing bowls, gongs, the voice, soft drums or other harmonic instruments. Its lightness also makes it easy to move through the space, creating a gentle, mobile and enveloping sonic presence.

The Koshi chime is not a therapeutic instrument in the medical sense of the term: it accompanies an experience of listening, presence and relaxation.

Yes, every Koshi chime is handcrafted in France, in our workshop in the Pyrenees.

Our instruments are assembled by hand, with particular attention paid to the materials, the precision of each gesture and the quality of the tuning. The rods are individually tuned by an experienced ear.

This French manufacturing is part of Koshi’s identity. It guarantees demanding craftsmanship, traceability of the instruments and recognition of the work of the craftspeople who bring them to life.

No, they will always retain the same tuning they received in our workshop.