Bar chimes sound by stroking across a row of rods with the hand or a stick creating a glissando effect. After the initial pass, the individual bars randomly concuss, producing a shimmering ringing sound. Originating in the late 1970s, their atmospheric effect has been widely used in film and popular music. More recently, they have been used with Orff instruments in the music classroom. These premium aluminum alloy bars create a full, rich sound. Features a dampening system to silence the chimes quickly.