This concept could be extended to soundsystems which self destruct at a decibel level unacceptable to communal living.

How 'bout a clear plastic sleeve to keep the wind away from the chimes?

Yes! Windchimes *are* noise pollution. Anyone who hangs up a windchime within earshot of others is rude and inconsiderate. Why do people who hang up a windchime assume that their neighbors want to listen to it clanging away at 3A.M.? Silent windchimes are a great idea because they respect other people's space. No windchimes at all is an even better idea.

There have been silent windchimes for years. They are called windsocks and are used typically at airports.

I have designed a set of windchimes that are not only silent but invisible. Another advantage is that they are very economical and require no installation.Like many religious deities, the exist by faith alone and the possessor merely has to mention their existence to substantiate their presence.

Grundoon makes a good point and the foam chimes are a great idea.

I have a set of indoor wind chimes from http://www.harmonyhollow.com/ that are actually motivated by the wind outside. Here is some text from the website:

"What's more, the Inner Chime can't bother your neighbors. And if you yourself ever need quiet, adjusting the volume of the Inner Chime (or turning it off entirely) is as easy as turning a knob."

"Unlike other indoor wind chimes, the Inner Chime uses the real wind outside to sound the chimes. This means that the chimes let you hear changes in the weather, giving you a connection to nature even when you can't get outside. The sound from the Inner Chime is exactly the same as if the chimes were actually out in the breeze."

I love mine and they really do alert me to weather change. They also draw me to the window to take a break and check out what's going on outside.

The comments here on Why Not? lead me to believe that they would be a good gift and a subtle message for someone with outdoor chimes that were annoying me. It would be an easy way for both parties, chime-lovers and silence-lovers, to get exactly what they want. Win-win!

I like the Have-Faith Chimes too...

To silence existing wind chimes, remove the striker if one is present. Then fill the inside of the chimes using a spray-on adhesive foam.