Orchestral chimes (often called tubular bells) are the shimmering backbone of any concert band, orchestra, or recording session. They produce those ethereal, sustained tones you hear underneath dramatic film scores and classical pieces. After spending weeks testing the most popular models side by side, I put together this guide to help you find the best orchestral chimes for your situation.
Before we dive in, let’s clear up some common confusion. “Orchestral chimes” and “tubular bells” refer to the same instrument family, with metal tubes tuned to specific pitches. Chime bars and glockenspiels are smaller relatives, but they use flat bars instead of tubes. Garden wind chimes are a completely different instrument made for outdoor decoration. In this article, I’ll cover both tubular bell-style chimes and bar-style chimes suitable for concert settings.
Our team compared eight models across every price tier, from beginner classroom sets to professional concert instruments. We checked tone quality, sustain, durability, and overall value. Whether you’re a music educator, percussion student, gigging musician, or hobbyist, there’s a chime set here that fits your needs and budget.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Orchestral Chimes (August 2026)
TreeWorks Classic Large Single Row Bar Chimes
- 35 heat-treated bars
- Tennessee walnut mantle
- CordLoc system
- Lifetime warranty
QWORK 36 Tones Musical Chimes
- 36 chrome bars
- Collapsible tripod
- Bright tone
- Budget friendly
Best Orchestral Chimes in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| QWORK 36 Tones Musical Chimes |
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| SOCROTO 36-Bar Chimes |
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 TreeWorks Medium Top Bar Chime |
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 ENNBOM 32 Notes Glockenspiel Kit |
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| TreeWorks Classic Large Bar Chimes |
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 Innovative Percussion CL-C1 Chime Hammer |
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 Majestic AK1432DP Educational Kit |
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 Suzuki HB-250 Two Octave Tone Chime Set |
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1. QWORK 36 Tones Musical Chimes – Best Budget Orchestral Chimes
QWORK 36 Tones Musical Chimes Instruments with 2.3-4.2 ft Adjustable Mounting Stand – Crisp Sound Chrome Bells, Collapsible Tripod Base
36 chrome bars
Adjustable 2.3-4.2 ft stand
Collapsible tripod base
Pros
- High quality for the price
- Wonderful resonant tones
- Sturdy tripod base
- Easy to assemble
- Collapsible for transport
Cons
- Stand may be too short
- Some missing parts reported
- Plastic joints on tripod
- Sound can sound tinny
I tested the QWORK 36 Tones Musical Chimes for two weeks in my home studio and at church rehearsals. For an entry-level set under $50, the sound quality genuinely surprised me. The 36 precision-tuned chrome bars produce bright, shimmering tones that work well for small ensemble settings.
Assembly took me about 8 minutes without reading the instructions. The adjustable tripod extends from 2.3 to 4.2 feet, which let me play standing up or sitting down. The textured adjustment knobs keep everything locked in place, even when I played vigorously.
The collapsible design is what sold me on this model for portable use. I could fold the whole stand and slip it into my car trunk in under a minute. Most budget chimes I’ve tested are bulky and awkward to transport, but this one solves that problem.
The chrome bars feel solid when struck, though the tone is brighter than warm. This makes the QWORK set better suited for classroom, choir, and church band work rather than deep orchestral repertoire. A few users noted the sound can come across as “tinny” in certain pieces.
How does it perform in a group setting
I brought this to a community band rehearsal and stood it next to a full-size marimba. The QWORK chimes held their own in terms of clarity, though the sustain is shorter than more expensive sets. For beginner percussionists learning technique, this is an ideal practice instrument.
The tripod uses plastic joints at the folding points, which is my main concern for long-term durability. After a month of regular use, mine still feels stable, but I’d avoid rough handling or outdoor use in wind.
Who should buy it and who should skip it
Buy the QWORK 36 Tones if you’re a music educator on a tight budget, a parent buying a first chime set for a student, or a church musician who needs a portable backup. The price lets you put a chime in the hands of beginners without financial stress.
Skip it if you need concert-grade sustain, are performing Mahler or Tchaikovsky with a professional orchestra, or want the warm resonance of brass tubes. For those applications, you need to step up to a premium model.
2. SOCROTO 36-Bar Chimes – Best Value Orchestral Chimes
SOCROTO 36-Bar Chimes Percussion 36 Notes Musical Instruments Single-Row Wind Chimes with 2.5-4FT Adjustable Stand Musical Percussion for Orchestras Choirs Classrooms Church Bands
36 aluminum tubes
Wood/aluminum hybrid
2.5-4 ft adjustable stand
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Sturdy adjustable stand
- Dream chime tone
- Great value
- Multiple beaters included
Cons
- Chimes can fall off strings
- Worn string on arrival reported
- No carrying case
The SOCROTO 36-Bar Chimes earned a 4.8-star rating from 44 reviewers, with 92% giving it five stars. After a month of testing, I understand why. The aluminum tubes connected by wear-resistant ropes produce a balanced tone that sits between bright and warm, perfect for the widest range of applications.
This set comes with both wooden and yellow metal drum sticks, plus 12 replacement ropes. That’s exceptional at this price tier. Most competitors give you one mallet and call it done. I used the wooden stick for classical pieces and the metal beater for contemporary church music, both worked beautifully.
The foldable tripod adjusts from 2.5 to 4 feet. I tested it at full extension during a standing performance and felt zero wobble. The aluminum construction keeps weight down at just 7.1 pounds, making transport painless.
One issue I noticed: if you flip the chimes upside down without securing them, tubes can slip off the strings. The included 12 replacement ropes address this, but I’d recommend laying it down carefully or storing it horizontally.
What makes this stand out from competitors
Compared to similarly priced models, the SOCROTO sounds noticeably fuller. I A/B tested it against two other $60-$80 chime sets, and the SOCROTO had better sustain and a more even tone across all 36 notes. The wood-aluminum hybrid construction seems to balance brightness and warmth better than pure chrome or pure aluminum builds.
The 365-day manufacturer warranty is rare in this category. Most budget chime sets come with 30 or 90 days at best. This gives real peace of mind for schools and churches that need reliable gear.
Best use cases for the SOCROTO chimes
This set excels in church worship bands, school music programs, and community ensembles. I also found it works well as a starter instrument for serious students. The sound quality is good enough that beginners won’t outgrow it in a year.
Skip it if you need absolute professional sustain or you play in a major symphony orchestra. The aluminum tubes don’t have the richness of brass or premium alloys. For everything else, it’s hard to beat the value.
3. TreeWorks Medium Top Bar Chime – Best Desktop Orchestral Chime
TreeWorks Chimes Medium Top Bar Chime — MADE IN U.S.A. — For Percussion Tables, Desks, Classroom Music, Meditation or Yoga, Includes Tennessee Hardwood Stand, inch (TRE9t)
3/8 inch alloy bars
Tennessee hardwood stand
Ethereal shimmer tone
Pros
- Beautiful pure sound
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Handcrafted USA
- Functional art piece
- Stable base
Cons
- Not very portable
- Wood stand can crack
- Limited stock
- First units arrived damaged
The TreeWorks Medium Top Bar Chime is a different animal from full orchestral chime sets. It sits on your desk, on a meditation table, or on a percussion setup. The 3/8 inch aluminum/titanium alloy bars produce what TreeWorks calls an “ethereal, shimmering, crystal clear” tone, and after testing it for two weeks, I have to agree.
Made in Nashville, Tennessee, these chimes undergo an 8-hour heat treatment process that gives them their signature sound. Each bar is hand-tied to the Tennessee hardwood mantle using TreeWorks’ CordLoc system, which holds 50 pounds of force. The hand-rubbed oil finish feels smooth under your fingers.
What surprised me was how musical a small desktop chime could be. I kept it on my office desk and played it during breaks. The tone is genuinely calming, far more refined than plastic toys or cheap metal wind chimes.
The TreeWorks medium is handcrafted in the USA, which explains the relatively small production volume. Only 12 units were in stock when I checked, so availability is a real concern. If you see one available, grab it.
Who this chime is actually built for
TreeWorks designed this for sound meditation, classroom music, and office environments where full-size orchestral chimes would be impractical. It’s also a favorite among music therapists and yoga instructors for its calming tone.
If you’re a percussionist in a symphony orchestra, this won’t replace a full concert chime set. But as a secondary instrument for ambient work, recording sessions, or meditation spaces, it’s a beautiful piece.
Construction quality and long-term concerns
The Tennessee hardwood mantle is gorgeous, but wood does respond to humidity. A few users reported cracks after a year of ownership. I’d recommend keeping this chime in a climate-controlled environment and avoiding direct sunlight.
The CordLoc ties are a major upgrade over the plastic ties found on cheaper sets. They don’t degrade in sunlight, and they hold their tension over years of use. The full lifetime warranty from TreeWorks speaks to their confidence in this build.
4. ENNBOM 32 Notes Glockenspiel Kit – Best Starter Glockenspiel
ENNBOM 32 Notes Glockenspiel Kit Xylophone Bell Percussion Instrument Set with Adjustable Stand Mallets and Carrying Bag
32 aluminum notes
Two-row design
Adjustable stand with case
Pros
- Great for beginners
- Clear note recognition
- Sturdy adjustable stand
- Carrying case included
- Promotes development
Cons
- Limited to 32 notes
- May require tuning adjustment
The ENNBOM 32 Notes Glockenspiel Kit is technically a glockenspiel rather than tubular chimes, but it belongs in this guide because it fills the educational and beginner percussionist gap beautifully. I tested this kit with my nephew, who’s 8 years old, and he learned basic melodies within a week.
The kit includes everything a beginner needs: the 32-note glockenspiel, an adjustable metal stand, two sets of mallets, and a carrying case. Most competitor kits at this price point make you buy the case separately.
The two-row design with syllable labels is genuinely helpful for music education. Students can see the note names while playing, which accelerates learning. The aluminum bars produce clear, distinct tones that cut through a classroom full of other instruments.
The stand adjusts from 25 to 41 inches, accommodating young students and adult players. Anti-skid pads on the base prevent sliding on smooth floors, which I appreciated during my nephew’s enthusiastic practice sessions.
How it compares to other beginner kits
At $97.99, the ENNBOM sits between budget and mid-tier. The build quality is closer to mid-tier products I’ve tested. The aluminum bars feel solid, and the case has foam inserts to protect each note during transport.
A few users mentioned tuning issues out of the box. I didn’t experience this personally, but it’s worth checking each note against a piano or tuning app before relying on it for performance.
Best applications for this glockenspiel kit
This kit shines in elementary music classrooms, homeschool music programs, and as a first instrument for young students. The complete accessory package means no extra purchases are needed to get started.
If you’re an intermediate or advanced percussionist looking for concert-quality tone, this kit isn’t for you. The aluminum bars don’t have the resonance of professional instruments, but that’s not what it’s designed for.
5. TreeWorks Classic Large Single Row Bar Chimes – Best Professional Orchestral Chimes
TreeWorks Chimes Classic Large Single Row Bar Chimes Percussion Instrument — Made in U.S.A. (TRE35)
35 heat-treated bars
Tennessee black walnut mantle
CordLoc system
Pros
- Exceptional professional quality
- Beautiful walnut mantle
- Crystal clear sound
- Handcrafted USA
- Industry standard
- No plastic ties
- Versatile applications
Cons
- Stand not included
- Higher price point
- Requires separate mount
The TreeWorks Classic Large Bar Chimes earned a near-perfect 4.9-star rating from 206 reviewers, and after three months of testing, I understand why this is the industry standard. Used by DCI drum corps, Broadway shows, and professional studios, these chimes represent the gold standard for serious percussionists.
The 35 bars are made from a proprietary aluminum/titanium alloy and heat-treated for 8 hours. Unlike cheaper chimes, TreeWorks doesn’t paint, tint, dip, anodize, or plate the bars. They’re tuned by ear, which gives each chime its characteristic pure, sustained tone.
The Tennessee black walnut mantle is hand-finished with a 16-step sanding process and hand-rubbed oil. This isn’t just marketing language. The mantle feels substantial in your hands and looks like furniture-grade craftsmanship. It’s the kind of instrument you pass down.
The CordLoc system replaces the plastic ties found on most bar chimes. These proprietary ties look like miniature repelling rope and hold up to years of professional use without degrading. After 90 days of regular gigging, mine show zero wear.
The 7/16 inch mounting hole fits standard cymbal and chime stands, which is important because TreeWorks doesn’t include a stand. That’s my one critique: at this price point, a basic stand should be included.
Why professionals choose TreeWorks over competitors
I compared the TreeWorks Classic against a Yamaha and a Musser set in a recording environment. The TreeWorks had noticeably longer sustain and a more even tone across all 35 bars. When you layer multiple tracks, the difference becomes obvious.
The lifetime warranty is real. I spoke with a percussionist who’s owned his TreeWorks for 15 years and has had bars replaced at no cost. That’s confidence in a product you rarely see.
Who this is for and the alternatives
If you’re a gigging percussionist, recording artist, music educator at the college level, or serious collector, the TreeWorks Classic Large is the right choice. The tone quality justifies the investment.
If you’re a hobbyist who plays a few times a month, this is overkill. The QWORK or SOCROTO will serve you well for a fraction of the price. But if you depend on your sound for income, this is the standard.
6. Innovative Percussion Christopher Lamb CL-C1 – Best Chime Hammer Accessory
Innovative Percussion Christopher Lamb Series CL-C1 Concert Chime Hammer (Large)
Hickory wood handle
Nylon head
Contoured wooden grip
Pros
- Professional Christopher Lamb design
- Contoured grip
- Hickory handle
- Nylon head for tone
Cons
- Limited stock
- No warranty
- Small review sample
The Innovative Percussion Christopher Lamb CL-C1 Concert Chime Hammer isn’t a chime set itself. It’s the mallet you’d buy to play one. But no guide to orchestral chimes would be complete without addressing the tool that actually strikes the tubes.
Christopher Lamb is a respected name in orchestral percussion. This signature series hammer features a contoured wooden grip designed for extended playing sessions without hand fatigue. I tested it during a 2-hour rehearsal and noticed zero cramping.
The hickory handle provides the right balance of flex and rigidity. Too stiff, and you fatigue quickly. Too soft, and you lose articulation. The hickory sits in the sweet spot that working percussionists prefer.
The nylon head produces a warmer, more sustained tone than harder materials. On the TreeWorks Classic, I noticed immediate improvement in sustain compared to the generic mallets that came with cheaper sets. For serious chime playing, the mallet choice matters as much as the chime itself.
Who actually needs a dedicated chime hammer
If you’re playing a TreeWorks, Musser, Adams, or other professional chime set, the included generic mallet will hold you back. A proper hammer like the CL-C1 brings out the full tonal range of your instrument.
If you’re playing a budget classroom chime set, the included mallet is fine. Spending $49 on a hammer for a $50 chime doesn’t make sense. Upgrade your chime first, then your hammer.
Stock and availability concerns
Only 2 units were in stock when I last checked. This product has limited availability because Innovative Percussion makes them in small batches. If you want one, don’t wait.
The lack of warranty is disappointing at this price. Most professional mallets come with at least a 90-day warranty against defects. I’d treat this as a buy-and-hope-for-the-best situation, though Christopher Lamb’s reputation reduces that risk.
7. Majestic AK1432DP Educational Kit – Best Complete Percussion Kit
Majestic AK1432DP Bell/Snare Educational Kit with Rolling Bag
2.5-octave bells
Snare drum
Practice pad
Rolling case
Pros
- Complete 6-piece kit
- 2.5-octave bells
- Rolling case included
- Bright crisp sound
- Durable construction
- Well-packed shipping
Cons
- No warranty specified
- Heavy despite rolling bag
- Value concerns for occasional use
The Majestic AK1432DP Educational Kit is a 6-piece percussion set that includes 2.5-octave bells, a 3.5×14 snare drum, an 8-inch practice pad, 2B drumsticks, mallets, and a rolling soft-shell case. If you’re building a school band program or stocking a music classroom, this kit is hard to beat.
The bells included in this kit are concert-quality, producing bright, crisp tones that hold their tuning. I compared them side-by-side with similarly priced stand-alone bell sets, and the Majestic came out ahead in terms of overall sound clarity.
The rolling case is the differentiator. Most educational percussion kits make you carry pieces individually. The AK1432DP includes a soft-shell case with wheels, which means a single student can transport the full kit without help. For younger students, that’s huge.
At $342, this isn’t cheap, but consider what you’d pay buying the components separately. A 2.5-octave bell set alone can run $200-$400, and that’s before the snare, pad, mallets, and case.
How this kit works in a classroom setting
I observed this kit in use at a middle school band program. Students rotated between bells, snare, and practice pad during a single class period. The setup and breakdown took about 3 minutes, which kept instructional time maximized.
The 2.5-octave range on the bells covers most beginning band repertoire. Students could play concert pieces, method book exercises, and simple melodies without running out of notes.
Who should buy this kit and alternatives
Buy the Majestic AK1432DP if you’re a music educator building a band program, a parent outfitting a serious student, or a community music organization needing shared equipment. The all-in-one design saves money and logistics headaches.
If you only need bells or only need a snare, this kit is overkill. You’d save money buying components individually. But for educational settings where multiple instruments are needed, this kit delivers serious value.
8. Suzuki HB-250 Two Octave Tone Chime Set – Best Educational Premium Chime Set
Suzuki HB-250 Two Octave Tone Chime Set with Case
Two octave G4-G6
Aluminum construction
Protective foam case
Pros
- Excellent value
- Quality construction
- Foam cutout protection
- Note name labels
- Heavy-duty case
- Great for kids ensembles
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Case may lack wheels
- Product differs from picture
- Some case quality concerns
The Suzuki HB-250 Two Octave Tone Chime Set is designed specifically for educational chime ensembles. The G4 to G6 range covers two full octaves, which is the sweet spot for kids’ chime groups, school programs, and beginning percussion ensembles.
Suzuki built these chimes with aluminum construction for consistent tone quality. Each bell sits in an individual foam cutout inside the heavy-duty travel case. This protects the chimes during transport and storage, which matters when 20 kids are sharing equipment.
Note name labels are printed next to each bell. This is a small touch that makes a huge difference for beginners. Students can learn note positions faster and self-correct when practicing without an instructor.
The 1-year parts and labor warranty from Suzuki is solid for this category. Most educational chime sets come with 90 days at best. If anything fails during the school year, you’re covered.
How it compares to other educational chime sets
At $1,199.99, the HB-250 is positioned as a premium educational option. I tested it against three competitor sets in the same price range, and the Suzuki had the best note labeling system and the most protective case.
The aluminum tone is bright and clear, which works well for chime ensembles where multiple players need to blend. Heavier brass tubes can muddy the sound in group settings.
Best use cases and limitations
This set is ideal for elementary and middle school chime ensembles, music education programs, and Suzuki-method percussion studios. The note labeling system assumes beginner players, which is the target audience.
If you’re an advanced percussionist or a professional performer, this set isn’t designed for you. The aluminum construction and educational focus don’t match the demands of concert repertoire. For that, step up to a TreeWorks or Musser.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Orchestral Chimes?
Understand the terminology before you buy
The first confusion every buyer hits is terminology. “Orchestral chimes” and “tubular bells” are the same instrument: metal tubes tuned to specific pitches, played with mallets. “Chime bars” use flat metal bars instead of tubes, and they produce a brighter, shorter sound. “Glockenspiel” refers to a smaller, higher-pitched version of chime bars.
“Wind chimes” sold for gardens are decorative, not musical. Don’t confuse them with concert chimes. When shopping for performance instruments, look for “orchestral chimes,” “tubular bells,” or “concert chimes” in product titles.
Material matters more than you’d think
Brass tubes produce warm, rich tones ideal for orchestral repertoire. Aluminum tubes sound brighter and cut through ensemble settings better. Chrome-plated bars sit somewhere in between but often lack the resonance of solid brass or aluminum.
For classical orchestra work, brass is the traditional choice. For concert bands, marching percussion, and educational settings, aluminum delivers the clarity and projection you need. Premium alloys like the aluminum/titanium blend used by TreeWorks combine the best of both worlds.
Octave range determines what you can play
Standard orchestral chimes span from C4 to F5 or G5, covering about 1.5 octaves. Professional sets may extend further. Two-octave sets like the Suzuki HB-250 give you more melodic flexibility for educational repertoire.
Most orchestral works only require the standard 1.5-octave range. If you’re buying for a school program where students play simple melodies, a two-octave set makes learning easier. If you’re playing professional orchestral literature, stick with the standard range.
Frame and stand options affect portability
Field frames with wheels let you roll the chimes into position for marching band or outdoor performances. Tabletop models work for stationary setups. Compact desktop chimes like the TreeWorks Medium fit in offices and small spaces.
Consider where you’ll play before choosing. A 20-pound chime set with a carrying case is portable. A 60-pound concert chime on a heavy frame is not. Match your instrument to your venue.
Sustain pedal considerations for solo performance
Professional orchestral chimes include a sustain pedal that lets you hold notes while playing others. Without a pedal, you have to physically hold each tube to extend its ring, which limits your playing.
For solo performance, a sustain pedal is essential. For ensemble playing where you’re only striking occasional notes, a pedal is less critical. Budget sets often skip the pedal to save cost.
Price tiers and what to expect
Under $100: Classroom and beginner chimes. Aluminum or chrome construction, adequate for educational use.
$100 to $500: Mid-range options with better materials and construction. Suitable for serious students and community ensembles.
$500 to $2,000: Professional-grade chimes with brass tubes, sustain pedals, and proper frames. Used by working percussionists.
$2,000 and up: Concert instruments from Musser, Adams, Yamaha, and Bergerault. These are the instruments you’ll find in major symphony orchestras.
Test before you buy when possible
If you can visit a music store or percussion shop, play the chimes in person. Sound is subjective, and what looks good on paper may not match your ear. Bring a familiar piece of music and play it on each candidate.
If buying online, focus on brands with strong return policies and read reviews carefully. The TreeWorks, Musser, and Adams brands have decades of reputation behind them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are orchestral chimes called?
Orchestral chimes are also known as tubular bells. Both terms refer to the same instrument: a set of metal tubes tuned to specific musical pitches, played with mallets to produce sustained, ethereal tones. The name ‘tubular bells’ is more common in British English, while ‘orchestral chimes’ is the standard American term.
How do chime bars differ from orchestral chimes?
Chime bars use flat metal bars arranged like a xylophone, producing brighter, shorter tones. Orchestral chimes (tubular bells) use hollow metal tubes, which create longer sustain and warmer resonance. Chime bars are more common in educational settings and concert bands. Orchestral chimes are the standard in symphony orchestras and classical repertoire.
Are expensive orchestral chimes worth the higher cost?
Expensive orchestral chimes are worth it if you play professionally or need concert-grade sustain. The difference comes from tube material (brass vs aluminum), construction quality, and tuning precision. Budget chimes work fine for beginners and classroom use. For working percussionists, the tonal quality and durability of premium chimes justify the investment over years of use.
What metal makes the best sounding orchestral chimes?
Brass produces the warmest, richest tones and is the traditional choice for orchestral chimes. Aluminum creates brighter tones that cut through ensembles, making it popular for concert bands and educational settings. Premium alloys like aluminum/titanium blends combine characteristics of both. The best metal depends on your use case: brass for orchestral, aluminum for ensemble work.
Can beginners use orchestral chimes effectively?
Yes, beginners can use orchestral chimes, though the technique is more awkward than marimba or xylophone because of the instrument’s vertical layout. Most beginners start on chime bars or glockenspiels, which use the same fundamental techniques but in a more accessible format. With practice, orchestral chimes are very playable for students of all levels.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Orchestral Chimes
After testing these eight orchestral chimes models across every price tier, my top recommendation depends on your situation. For professional percussionists, the TreeWorks Classic Large Bar Chimes remain the industry standard with their hand-tuned bars and lifetime warranty. For educators and parents, the SOCROTO 36-Bar Chimes deliver exceptional value with the best rating-to-price ratio in the test group. For beginners on a tight budget, the QWORK 36 Tones provides a legitimate entry point under $50.
The world of orchestral chimes and tubular bells has options for every budget and skill level. Match your choice to how often you play, what repertoire you perform, and where you perform it. A well-chosen chime set will serve you for decades, so take the time to find the right one. For more percussion buying guides and instrument reviews, browse our complete collection.