Answers to the questions we hear most often about our hand-tuned crystal sound instruments and glass art. Every piece is handmade in our family workshop in Kreuzwertheim, Germany.
What is a crystal energy chime?
A crystal energy chime is a hand-tuned sound instrument made of pure rock crystal. Struck gently with a wooden mallet, it produces an exceptionally clear, long-sustaining tone that is used for meditation, sound healing, yoga and mindfulness practice.
What is the difference between rock crystal and crystal glass?
Crystal glass is ordinary glass refined with additives, while our instruments are made of pure quartz crystal (SiO₂). The purity of the material gives the tone its distinctive clarity and long sustain — a difference you can hear in the sound samples on every product page.
What tunings do you offer?
Every instrument is tuned by hand, tone by tone. The range includes chakra chimes with 7 tones across 2 octaves, 13 planetary tones after Hans Cousto, chord triples in C, F and G major or A minor at 432 Hz, and binaural duos that combine 432 and 442 Hz in one instrument.
Can I hear an instrument before I buy it?
Yes. Every product page has sound samples, so you can listen to each tone before you order.
Who makes SchradeGlas instruments?
Our crystal sound instruments are made by Dieter Schrade in our German family workshop in Kreuzwertheim. The Schrade family has worked with glass for decades — glass artist Rolf Schrade brings 46 years of glassblowing craft. Precision-tuned wind chimes come from Alex Resch (KlangArt), our partner of almost ten years.
How do I play an energy chime?
Strike the crystal rod gently with the included wooden mallet. Very little force is needed — a light touch releases a clear tone with a long, gradually fading sustain.
What is a crystal dorje (vajra)?
The dorje — vajra in Sanskrit — is a Tibetan ritual object symbolizing clarity and indestructibility. Our double dorjes are hand-carved from pure rock crystal by stonemasons in Jaipur and personally selected by Dieter Schrade. They are available as a sculptural piece or as a necklace on an adjustable leather cord.
What is a witch ball?
A witch ball is a handblown glass sphere, traditionally hung in a window as a protective talisman. Ours are blown by Rolf Schrade, measure about 9.5 cm, and every single one is unique.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship worldwide from Germany with tracked shipping. The store is available in 11 languages and supports multiple currencies.
How do I care for a crystal instrument?
Treat it like fine glass: wipe it with a soft, dry cloth, avoid hard knocks, and store it in the padded packaging it arrives in. With normal care, a crystal instrument keeps its clarity and tuning indefinitely.