FAQs
Products
We use a variety of style molds to create our bells, which means there are a lot of different ways to identify them. The website is a great resource when you're trying to figure out what kind of bell you've got and what the comparable value is. Most of our bells will have a Cosanti logo stamp, but if you have further questions about your bell, send us a picture and we'll be happy to help! You can email us at: info@cosanti.com.Unfortunately, we do not date the bells. We currently use the same molds as we did in the 60s, but our artisans imprint different designs on them—which means each bell is like a snowflake and no two are the same. You can see when the bell is older from its patina, but you won't be able to give an exact year or time frame.
You can find out more about what our patina, burnished, and ceramic finishes look like and how they are made towards the bottom of this page.
Although we use a variety of style molds to create our bell's shape, the design on the surface of the bell itself is handcrafted and one-of-a-kind by one of our many artisans. No two bells are alike.
If an item you ordered is out of stock, it will be back-ordered automatically. If the item comes into stock within a week it will be shipped to you; otherwise, you will be contacted.
There are a number of possible reasons for this:
Clapper (Bell Striker):
First, inspect your bell for any potential mechanical deficiencies such as the bell possibly hanging askew to the point of where the clapper (internal bell component that strikes the bell) rides the inner side of the bell thus dampening the ring upon striking the bell.
This could be caused by the copper wire loop (if applicable) directly on top of the bell component being bent to one side and thus not centered. The clapper should be able to hang and move freely within the bell. Also, check to see if the clapper was pushed inside the bell, possibly during transit, and thus leaving the clapper-supporting copper wire (if applicable) bent and thus resulting in the clapper hanging askew and too high within the bell.
Fin (Windcatcher):
The fin or the wind-catching component that hangs from the clapper usually has three folds in it with two bent in one direction and the third fold in the opposite direction. Sometimes these folds are not angled enough, or in other words, the fin is too flat. If the folds are too exaggerated and thus the fin is too curled, the fin may need to be flattened slightly.
The fin’s folds can be bent or manipulated by hand to increase or decrease their angle and thus improving its interaction with the wind. Please be advised that the fin’s points are very sharp and thus we recommend wearing gloves when handling or adjusting a fin.
Additional chain links should not be added between the fin and the clapper as this will reduce the leverage the fin has to move the clapper.
Hanging Location (Wind Exposure):
If the bell checks out to be mechanically sound, then monitor its clapper/fin movement within its location during moments of wind. Around a home structure, the wind can be diverted in different directions, leaving dead or active spots of air turbulence. To find the optimum location for bell ring-ability can be a trial and error process as each location should be allowed at least a couple of weeks to prove itself. Except for certain sheltered locations, extending the bell down from its supporting hook is not conducive to improving the bell’s chances of ringing.
Too long of an extension will cause the bell to swing like a pendulum, impeding the clapper’s ability to move independently, and thus resulting in a silent bell during adequate winds.Wind Bells vs Wind Chimes:It is important to remember that the Soleri Windbell is not a wind chime. Wind chimes are purely mechanical and are often comprised of multiple sounding devices that are struck by a centrally located ultra light weight clapper that strikes one or more of six tubes with the slightest movement.
The Soleri Windbell is typically comprised of one bronze bell, that is often irregularly and uniquely shaped, and one bronze clapper that is relatively heavy. This means Soleri Windbells do not ring easily. Soleri Windbells are works of art to be appreciated aesthetically as well as audibly. It is normal for a Soleri bell to not ring for weeks at a time and yet have moments when it rings like crazy! Some bell collector’s have stated they view their Soleri Windbell as a weather instrument that lets them know, due to winds substantial enough to ring their bell, a weather front is approaching.
We have replacement fins and parts on our parts and accessories page. Try to identify the model # of your bell, using this website to identify what you need. You can then order the correct piece using this website or by emailing us at info@cosanti.com.
Often, we are asked about the best way to hang our creations, so hopefully this guide can provide some tips. There are many ways to display your bell and we encourage people to be creative in where and how they do so.
This is more of a preference, not a necessity, many of the bells you can hang on a hook or nail outside. The rod gives a very elegant look and we love using the chain to hang around large objects like a tree branch. Cosanti Originals offers accessory rods and brass chain in various lengths and finishes to customize the length of your windbell. We also wall brackets for a horizontal mounting option, however you will most likely need additional hardware to complete the installation.
As a general rule, do not install any Cosanti Originals windbell in a location where it may be positioned above someone’s head.
INSTALLING OUTSIDE
The first step is to choose a spot where the handmade beauty of your bronze or ceramic windbell will be in full view and enjoyed like a strong tree branch, a beam of a pergola or ramada, a free-standing shepherd’s hook, or the fascia board directly under your roof. Find a place where it will catch the wind and you’ll enjoy another sensory element to our bells.
WEATHER
Our windbells withstand various weather conditions very well, though in cooler climates where the change in seasons brings with it rain, snow, and ice, we recommend relocating your bell indoors or storing it until inclement weather conditions pass with the change in season. Ceramic bells, while inherently more fragile than bronze, are suitable for exhibiting outdoors year-round in warmer climates. Bronze windbells tend to withstand freezing temperature better than ceramic windbells. For climates where temperatures dip close to freezing, we recommend bringing your ceramic windbell inside until the spring thaw, as with a terra cotta or ceramic flowerpot.
BRACKETS
Using horizontal wall brackets, windbells can also be installed on indoor and outside walls. Cosanti Originals foundry artisans make sturdy and attractive wall brackets in different sizes that complement the burnished or patinaed finish of your windbell. Wall brackets will require a wood screw if going into a beam or stud, or an appropriate anchor for drywall or stucco. For reference, the hole of the wall bracket is sized at one quarter of an inch. Note: we do not advise using a wall bracket outdoors with ceramic windbells as the potential exists for the bell to strike the wall and crack.
A wall bracket is also not recommended for displaying our heavier models (118b/p, 120, 121b/p, 122,124b/p, or 129).
HARDWARE AND TOOLS
Hardware and tools are not included with the purchase of a Cosanti Originals Windbell. Certain tools may be necessary to complete the hanging of your windbell such as pliers, screwdriver, drill, hammer, etc.
BRANCH/BEAM INSTALLATION WITH CHAIN
For tree branch or beam installations, a length of our brass chain can easily slip over the top and be secured to itself using pliers, with no additional hardware needed. A pair of pliers will be needed to open links and make fine adjustments to the chain, which is available in varying gauges and finishes. slipping a piece of burlap or old rubber garden hose between the chain and branch or beam will prevent chain gouging or damaging the branch or beam.
BRANCH/BEAM INSTALLATION WITHOUT CHAIN
If not using chain to hang a Cosanti Originals windbell, other hardware options include nails, wood screws, or lag screws with eye loop are suggested. For light windbell models, fastening a nail or wood screw in the horizontal plane (perpendicular to a beam), will provide a simple hanging point. Lag screws with eye loops (either open or closed) are ideal for heavier bells and/or for providing a hanging point in the vertical plane (underside of a beam or board). Lag screws require a pilot hole to be pre-drilled for proper fastening, and the appropriate drill size should be observed; lag screws can be driven into the pilot hole by inserting the shaft of a screwdriver into the eye loop and turning it in using leverage. We advise that before hanging a windbell using the lag screw with eye loop method, you consult the weight ratings for the eye loop to ensure that it is sized appropriately to bear the load of your windbell. While known as being extremely sturdy, an improperly-selected lag screw will not provide a safe degree of fastening. Though even the smaller-sized lag screws can support a surprisingly heavy load, erring on the side of caution, an oversized lag screw with eye loop is sometimes favored for both safety and aesthetic reasons.
Patina Finished
Step 1: Rub a dry cotton cloth gently over the entire bronze object to remove dust.
Step 2: Scrub the entire bronze object gently with a soft brush to remove grime. Focus on crevices in the bronze where dirt collects.
Step 3: We recommend usingclear wax paste to polish the bronze. Begin by dipping a new, 1-inch-wide paintbrush into clear paste wax. Apply only a small amount of wax to the paintbrush.
Step 4: Sweep the paintbrush gently over the bronze surface. Lightly coat the entire bronze surface, including the crevices, with a thin layer of wax. Let the wax dry according to the product's directions. Step 5: Buff the bronze gently with a dry cotton cloth to remove the wax residue.
Burnished Finished
Step 1: Rub a dry cotton cloth gently over the entire bronze object to remove dust.
Step 2: Scrub the entire bronze object gently with a soft brush, warm water, and gentle soap to remove the grime. Don't use anything abrasive that will damage the clear coating.
Step 3: We recommend using a clear wax paste to polish the bronze. Begin by dipping a new, 1-inch-wide paintbrush into clear paste wax. Apply only a small amount of wax to the paintbrush.
Step 4: Sweep the paintbrush gently over the bronze surface. Lightly coat the entire bronze surface, including the crevices, with a thin layer of wax. Let the wax dry according to the product's directions.
Step 5: Buff the bronze gently with a dry cotton cloth to remove the wax residue.
Bronze is a great metal to use for bells because it doesn't rust. That's right, you can set your bronze bell out in the rain and it won't get rusty!
But don't think that means you can stop taking care of it. Like all metal, your bronze bell will eventually start to change color. This is called patina and it happens because of the reaction between oxygen and the copper in the metal. The amount of copper in bronze is pretty low, so there's not enough metal in the alloy to prevent oxidation (the process by which oxygen reacts with metals).
Patina can range from reddish-brown to green—it depends on your climate and other factors like if you live near salt water or not. Patina is part of the natural process and is ever-changing as time goes on.
Orders
Absolutely. We have taken every precaution to make your transactions secure. Our internet site utilizes industry-standard security measures, including SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption. All account information submitted to us is safely isolated from unauthorized internet access.
Alternatively, if you prefer, you can order by mail, fax, or telephone.
Mail:
Cosanti Originals, Inc.
6433 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253-1826
(Send your printout and enclose your check — please make the check payable to: Cosanti Originals, Inc.)
Fax: 480-998-4312
(Instead of sending us a check, write in your credit card information on the printout and fax the printout to us.)
Telephone: 1-800-752-3187 (if calling locally: 480-948-6145)
9:00AM-5:00PM Monday-Friday Arizona time.
We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. We also accept checks and money orders for purchases submitted by mail (see above). Purchases paid by check will usually not be processed until the funds have been verified. If you are sending a check, please make the check payable to: Cosanti Originals, Inc.
Sales tax will apply to residents of Arizona or packages that will ship to Arizona. (If either the billing or shipping address is in Arizona, then Arizona sales tax applies.) All other US states and the rest of the world are exempt.
The state of Arizona requires Cosanti Originals, Inc. to collect sales tax at a rate of 8.8% for any taxable item purchased by an Arizona resident, and/or shipped within the state of Arizona. Our website shopping cart is intuitive enough to apply AZ sales tax in all applicable scenarios, except when an AZ resident directs us to ship the ordered item out of the state of AZ. For any such exceptional order, a Cosanti Originals customer service representative may call or contact you, the purchaser, to obtain the means to charge any unaccounted-for applicable AZ sales tax in order for us to complete your transaction/order.
With a digital or paper receipt, you may return a product in its original condition for a refund within 60 days of receiving. Gift receipts can only be exchanged for store-credit.
Shipping charges can only be refunded if the return is due to our error. We suggest using UPS or insured Parcel Post for your protection.
After a return has been received, it takes 1-2 weeks to process the refund. If you used a credit card, refunds will be credited to your account. If you paid by check or money order, a refund check will be mailed to you.
Call us at 1-800-752-3187 or email us at info@cosanti.com to begin the return.
Please send an email to info@cosanti.com. We will do our best to get your message with your order.
You can check the status of your order any time, by referring to the email link provided to you at check out. Need us to resend the order status email - no problem! Email us at info@cosanti.com to have us resend the email.
To update your shipping address, please cancel the order by contacting us at info@cosanti.com and reorder with your correct address. This ensures you get the best shipping price.
Shipping
Due to unforeseen demand, current online orders are subject to fulfillment delays and, in some cases, may take several weeks to arrive. We sincerely value your patronage of our small business and appreciate your patience and understanding as we get caught up. Please contact customer service at info@cosanti.com for additional assistance with your order.
Please be advised that we once we have received your order there is a processing time. Once it is processed, it will be shipped out. Our shipping days are Monday - Friday. Orders may take a few days to process. You will be notified when your package has shipped.
During the order process, you will be given a list of different shipping methods from which you can pick the one that suits you. The shipping charges (freight & handling/packing charges) will then be quoted on the next screen; you can use your browser’s BACK button to reselect a different shipping service option.
If you want expedited shipping, please call us at 1-800-752-3187.
No. If this is a concern, we suggest you ship to an address where you know someone can sign for the package.
We do! When you go to the checkout and select shipping it will ask you how you would like your item shipped. Please note that depending on the country, packages may have to go through customs and may infer fees (not applied from us).
Visit
Yes, you can visit both locations, Cosanti and Arcosanti, where the famous Soleri Windbells are made and sold. Both galleries offer spectacular displays of wind-bells and original Soleri sculptures, graphics and sketches, as well as the line of Cause Bells.
Cosanti is open for visitors 7 days a week: Mon.-Sat. 9:00AM-5:00PM & Sun. 11:00AM-5:00PM. (Closed major holidays.) Free admission.
Cosanti
6433 E. DOUBLETREE RANCH RD.
PARADISE VALLEY, AZ 85253-1826
Telephone: 1-800-752-3187 (if calling locally: 480-948-6145)
9:00AM-5:00PM Monday-Friday Arizona time.
Located one mile west of Scottsdale Road on the south side of the street. Look for rustic sign that reads “Soleri, Visitors Welcome.”
Click here to get directions to Cosanti using Google Maps.
Yes! Daily tours of the unique architecture and grounds at Arcosanti, led by a knowledgeable resident tour guide, are held multiple times every day of the year except for major holidays. Visitors to Arcosanti, the world’s first prototype arcology consciously integrating architecture and ecology into its design, will learn about the rich 50-year history of the project and understand why Arcosanti continues to influence young architects, urban planners, and designers from around the world.Yes.
Arcosanti
Interstate-17 to Arcosanti Road (Exit 263) at Cordes Junction
Follow the signs for 1.5 miles north and east on the dirt road from the exit.
Click here to get directions to Arcosanti using Google Maps.
For further information concerning tours, seminars, workshops, overnight accommodations, and music events, contact Arcosanti: 928-632-7135. Visit the website at: www.arcosanti.org
If you have additional questions, please call our Customer Service Department at 1-800-752-3187, 7:00AM-3:00PM Monday-Friday Arizona time (if calling locally: 480-948-6145).Also, we want to hear your thoughts and suggestions on how we can make our site more helpful for you. You can email us at info@cosanti.com.