There are many different types and sizes of mallets, also called strikers or gongers, available to help you create beautiful sounds with your crystal singing bowl. However, determining which one is best for your particular bowl can be a bit tricky. In fact, many factors come into play when it comes to finding the perfect mallet for you. Granted, every experienced sound bath practitioner usually has a collection, large or small, of mallets that they prefer. Understanding how each type of mallet can affect the sound it produces will help you make the best choice for your specific needs.
Rubber Mallets:
The rubber mallet designed for crystal singing bowls is likely one of the most prevalent mallets available on the market. When combined with frosted crystal singing bowls, it typically generates a tone characterized by a strong and pure pulsation. These rubber mallets are usually shaped like a sphere and are played by creating friction against the side of the bowl. Generally, the friction is applied to the upper part of the bowl, yet for larger bowls, it's also possible to play on the middle and lower parts. With this type of mallet, the tone itself can vary as one plays, depending on which specific region of the bowl (be it the top, middle, or lower part) is being engaged. On occasion, a rubber mallet can even evoke a secondary tone, known as an overtone, to resonate. Hence, it serves as an excellent tool for maximizing the sonic potential of medium to large-sized crystal singing bowls.
Nevertheless, there is a drawback to consider. This kind of mallet often features a wooden handle, and thus, you must exercise caution to avoid accidentally tapping the bowl at inappropriate moments. Such inadvertent taps can result in the production of unwanted sounds or, in a worst-case scenario, even cause the bowl to crack or fracture. Additionally, the rubber mallet isn't particularly effective when it comes to sustaining the sound of lightweight or handheld clear quartz bowls or most high-quality alchemy bowls. However, depending on its size, it can still be utilized to strike them in a gong-like manner gently.
Silicone Mallets:
Silicone mallets are able to effortlessly bring beautiful and consistent resonance to frosted crystal singing bowls. They do this without producing any noticeable scratching or hissing in the sound. Most silicone mallets are lightweight, so you can play them for as long as you like with very little effort. In addition, they can seamlessly create soaring dynamics in terms of volume.
The way these silicone mallets are played differs from that of rubber mallets. They should be placed at an angle of about 30 degrees inwards along the edge of the bowl. As a result of this playing technique, they may not produce secondary overtones as easily as rubber mallets. However, their tone remains consistent and pure, and they can serve as a powerful tool for creating swelling sounds and pinpointing the pulsing "sweet spot" of your crystal singing bowls.
Depending on their specific size, silicone mallets can also work effectively with clear quartz bowls and alchemy bowls.
SUEDE:
The suede mallet for crystal singing bowls adds a unique texture to frosted crystal singing bowls. It creates a subtle pink noise or hiss that lies beneath the main tone of the crystal singing bowl. Some people find this pleasant, others do not. Because suede doesn't generate friction as easily as other materials, it typically produces a softer tone than other types of mallets. In addition, playing with a suede mallet for extended periods of time can be more challenging because of the additional pressure required during performance. However, it all comes down to the specific textures and tones you are trying to create. In general, the sounds produced by suede mallets tend to be softer and more pleasant than those produced by rubber mallets.
Keep in mind that there is room for different types of sounds, as long as they fit organically into the dynamic flow of your crystal singing bowl performance and enhance the meditative experience.
However, when it comes to alchemy or clear quartz singing bowls, suede mallets are by far the most effective option. They produce sounds that are calm and free of scratchy undertones. What's more, suede mallets allow you to manipulate volume dynamics with far greater ease, making adjustments almost instantaneously as needed.
In addition, suede mallets are able to elicit richer and more complex sounds from Alchemy bowls than rubber or silicone mallets.
Conclusion
All in all, it's important to find a mallet that feels comfortable in terms of size and thickness when you hold it in your hand and manipulate it around your crystal bowl. This is essential for maintaining the optimal sound or "sweet spot" of your bowl. In addition, it is important to choose a mallet that works well with the specific type of bowl you have.
However, having several mallets that are compatible with your bowl can also add an element of enjoyment and expand the range of sounds your bowl can produce. Whatever you choose, take the time to explore and get a feel for the different mallets by actually trying them out with your bowl. This way you'll be able to make the most informed and confident decision.
At The CVNC, we offer a wide variety of mallets for you to experiment with to enhance your playing experience. You can do this right in our spacious crystal singing bowl showroom. Alternatively, you're welcome to call us and ask to hear how these mallets sound with your particular type of bowl before making a purchase.
If you'd like to learn more about playing your crystal singing bowl, you can sign up for one of the many classes we offer.
Let the enchanting sounds of the crystal singing bowl unleash your sense of playfulness and creativity. Have fun exploring and discovering all the intricate details and nuances of your treasured crystal singing bowl!