Quartzophone FAQ
are Quartzophone® instruments the best crystal harps?
Quartzophone instruments are superior to any imitation. They feature patented mechanisms that promote divine, crystal-clear, warm and powerful tones, with a sustained sound. Tap gently with the included striker: pure sound waves envelop you in an absolutely incredible way! Quartzophone crystal instruments consistently create long-lasting, celestial tones with a rich vibrato and a huge range of volume. Customers often comment that they are so beautiful, they should be exhibited in museums! Covered by a one year warranty. Unlimited longevity, since they can be repaired if necessary, by the customer (see below).
What happens if a tube on my Quartzophone instrument breaks?
No need to ship your Quartzophone instrument back to us for repairs: due to the ingenious mechanics and thoughtful design of our instruments, you can repair it yourself! Click here to order a repair kit: you will receive all the necessary items - tube, string, instructions. Regarding the strings on Quartzophone instruments: if at some point you need to replace the strings, you can do this yourself. Please note that the strings are extremely robust and with normal use, will last for many years.
I saw a “crystal harp” somewhere else: is it the same instrument as yours?
Not at all! In order to avoid infringing Quartzophone patents, other manufacturers must use a mechanism that is different from ours. On imitations, the sound is usually strangled by multiple strings or rubber bands wrapped tightly around the tubes: the result is a weak, flat sound that fades quickly away. On these instruments, if a tube breaks, the entire instrument must be returned to the manufacturer for repair (China, Russia, Poland, etc.), at the customer's expense. Or worse yet, the manufacturer does not offer any after-sales service whatsoever! Their rigid packaging system often results in broken tubes during shipment. Inferior striker design means that, no matter how carefully one strikes the tubes, the striker makes unpleasant, banging attack sounds. It’s no wonder that these manufacturers do not offer any warranty on their products.
Is a hard case necessary to best protect my instrument?
When it comes to the harsh handling goods very often receive during shipping, a hard case is problematic, because vibrations and shockwaves are transferred directly to the instrument. As a result, more often than not the instrument gets damaged; tubes break, etc. In the beginning we experinmented with a rigid case. However, after testing it, we quickly abandoned that idea and developed a superior packing system: a padded case, flexible packaging materials, a sturdy cardboard box. That is why we recommend that customers keep all the packing materials that come with their instrument: that way the instrument can be securely packed for shipping. And of course, valuable items should always be insured against loss or damage. In conclusion, the current packing system for Quartzophone instruments has proven to give the absolute best protection!
What is the best striker to play this kind of instrument?
The striker is to the crystal harp what the bow is to the violin, an essential component that colors the sound; a striker should enhance the sound, rather than make it unpleasant. The striker for Quartzophone instruments is patented, the result of several years of R & D. It features a rounded tip, covered in felt. It makes such a sweet sound! When you activate a tube or slide the striker over several tubes, all you hear are pure, celestial tones soaring out.
Is it possible to play a Quartzophone instrument with your hands? Some people do it on YouTube: is this a gimmick or not?
While it is possible to play your instrument with your hands, there is not much of an advantage. The sound produced, while interesting, is extremely weak - both in volume and duration. Plus one has to use water, and this can leave mineral deposits on the tubes and corrode the pins: these side-effects are often irreversible.