Thanks for all your input.
Id like to just say that i know its an important chime, but my mac switching on shows me that the its passed an important start up! It's rather irritating when its chimes out real loud when working early, disturbing others around. Especially when working at home.
macjackI have a feeling 10.8.5 isnt allowing the Terminal tweak commmand, but I will try that and see. Thanks though as great tip.
The Chime is a totally uneccessary noise really. As a busy art director and designer who has used apple macs since they first came out - its the bane of mac use.
Paul_31 - the mute key sounds like a good option too.... will test that.
Thanks all, ill get back to you if that **** chime doesnt drive me mad!!!