How to Care for Your Koshi Chimes?

If the cord gets tangled

To untangle the cord of your Koshi chimes, first, flip the chime upside down. This will loosen the cord. Now, raise the chime to look inside it. You will then see the tangled cord over the metal rod (or several rods). To remove the cord from the metal rod, you can use your finger, a pencil, or an undone paperclip. Once you have untangled the cord, pull the leaf/ballast straight up in the center to tighten the cord. Finally, flip the chime back to its normal position (keep holding the cord tighten), and you're all set to use your Koshi chimes!

To avoid tangling the cord in the future and to have your chime readily available when you arrive at an event, you can use a rubber band around the chime at the bottom part and tuck the leaf inside it. This will ensure that the cord remains tightened even if you flip the chime or put it sideways.

Caring for your Koshi Chimes

Though Koshi Chimes can be used outdoors, it's recommended they be placed inside or in an area protected from the harsher elements (strong wind and rain) for a longer life expectancy.

E.g., Under a veranda, eaves, or other protected areas.

In damp weather, especially in coastal areas, it's best to take them indoors.

Like all wooden objects, the Koshi chimes bamboo veneer will also need oiling from time to time, depending on your local weather conditions.

You can use either clear ‘teak oil’ (recommended) or clear ‘tung oil’, which you should find in your local hardware shop. They both work well.

For protection from mold, it’s ideal to add a fungicide to the oil.

As an alternative to regular fungicides, you can use a natural product such as clove oil or tea tree oil (make sure the tea tree oil you use is derived from ‘MelaleucaAlternifolia.’)

Cleaning and re-oiling method:

First, clean the Koshi chime if dirty with warm water and a sponge. When fully dry, apply the oil with a cloth. You may need a few applications of the oil. For more stubborn mold, make a paste using bicarbonate of soda and a little water. Gently rub the paste on the affected areas and brush off when dry. Then, apply oil.

Note: The nickel-coated steel bars may oxidize over time with humidity, this will not affect the Koshi’s sound or tuning. They won’t get out of tune.