Chimes make a similar sound to church bells and according to Neil Grover can be the most awkward percussion instrument to play.
They are tubular bells, fairly bulky, tall and to strike the right note needs visual recognition of position.
This makes it difficult to read music while at the same time watching the conductor and locating the exact notes all at the same time!
Suggested hints in playing this instrument are hitting the top of the cap not the sides, high end quality hammers, the position of the instrument to make it easier to see the conductor and music in same range, the correct use of the pedal and almost as if you are drawing the notes out of the tube, using lots of upward strokes.
The fact that this instrument which looks easy to play and is not, created a challenge for a musician to master it!
