Company Background
The Zaphir Chime was born in the middle of the South French Mountain Range, the Pyrénées.
These chimes are 100% hand-made, by a team of highly qualified handcrafters.
Each chime is unique for it is the fruit of the work of nimble hands, that create one by one, these magical musical instruments designed with marbled glowing-colours.
About the Chimes
Each instrument has 8 metal cords of different lengths, welded with silver into a metal ring. Upon assembly, the cords are again carefully tuned to refine the interaction of tones and overtones into a circular almost endless flow of harmonies.
The proportions of the resonance-tube coincides with the ‘Golden Ratio’ principles of Da Vinci, thus assuring optimal sound and resonance.
The resonance-tube of the chime is made of thin crushed and pressed layers of long fiber celluloid board. That creates the perfect acoustic qualities for the warm timbre and the crystalline sounds the Zaphir Chimes are known for.
Most of the materials used are natural, recyclable and of EEG origin / standards. The protective layers of varnish, and paint of the resonance-tube are ecological. The wooden parts are wax coated.
Enjoying the Zaphir Chime
Hold the chime by its string and move it gently, a magic play of harmonics will leave you in a quiet wonder…
With their relaxing and harmonizing sound, these chimes have become a wonderful tool for relaxation , yoga and meditation, Feng Shui , Sound-sessions and other forms of therapy.
The handy size of these instruments makes them easy to use and play.
Suspended in the doorway, with a window left open, each gentle breeze will surprise you with unexpected melodies.
Outside use
Zaphir chlmes were never created to withstand the elements, particularly a Canadian winter. Although the inside and outside parts of the chime have been protected by a layer of eco-varnish and paint, like many objects left outside, it cannot prevent the negative effects of weather conditions on the chime.
If you wish to use them outside, try suspending them under an overhanging roof, or other protected place to minimize the effect of weather.
Chimes and Children
Children love the crystal clear sound of the Zaphir chimes.
However, like all finely crafted instruments, they are not designed for rough play, and are not suitable for children under 5 years of age without careful supervision.
The Zaphirs
The 5 tunings of the Zaphir chimes are named for the seasons.
| Season | Chime | Colour | Tuning |
| Spring | Crystalide | Pine Green (9a) | G A B D A G B D |
| Summer | Sunray | Light Yellow (7) | G# B C# E G# E A C# |
| Autumn | Twilight | Dark Red (1) | E G B C E G B C |
| Winter | Blue Moon | Blue(17) | D F A B C E A# C |
| Intermediary* | Sufi | Violet-Blue (19) | F A D F A G A D |
*The Intremediary season is the link, the transition, between the seasons.
About the colours
A specific marble-technique of “oil-paint on water” was developed to give to the chime its unique design, in a range of 21 glowing colours.
We stock the colours listed in the table above, but chimes can be special-ordered in any colour. Your order would then be made and shipped to us. Note that because of the distance, and the time to manufacture, it can take between two and three months for a special order to arrive at your doorstep.
