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This is how you play your singing bowl

in Pranabowl's Blog

How to play singing bowls?

You can emphasize different sounds from your singing bowl by changing the mallet or playing style. In this article, I will give you advice on how to get harmonious and diverse sounds from your bowl.

The singing bowl is played with a striker, or mallet, which comes in various sizes and types. There are two basic methods for playing the singing bowl: by striking the outside or inside edge of the bowl with the mallet, or by singing, or rubbing the mallet on the outside edge of the bowl.

The soft mallet produces a rich and gentle bottom tone. Pranabowl has two soft mallet sizes, medium and large. The medium mallet is suitable for both medium and large bowls. The large mallet produces an even softer sound when used with the larger bowls, the Great Roots and the Mother Earth Bowl.

A suede-covered, so-called hard stick is especially suitable for making a bowl sing, but it can also be used to lightly strike the edge of the bowl. This will allow the brighter upper notes from the bowl to be heard most strongly.
The size of the mallet is chosen according to the sound bowl: a small mallet is best for small bowls and a larger stick for large bowls. Most of our bowl sets already include the correct size mallet. If a mallet is not included in the sound bowl set, the product will state which size would be best for the sound bowl in question.

Playing a singing bowl in hand

Place the bowl on your palm, fingers relaxed but not touching the bowl. Gently tap the top of the bowl with a soft or hard mallet. Let the sound play out peacefully before the next strike.
 The friction of the bowl against the skin of the palm keeps the bowl in place and allows for a clean sound.

Singing the singing bowl

Singing involves continuously rubbing the mallet along the top of the bowl to maintain the sound. Singing can take practice, but the bowl's characteristic humming sound is worth the effort.

When you begin to sing the bowl, place the mallet on the outer rim of the bowl. If you wish, you can lightly tap the edge of the bowl to get the vibration going. Then rub the mallet evenly along the outer rim of the bowl. Hold the mallet firmly against the bowl, but avoid applying too much pressure. Keep your fingers flat so they don't hit the bowl and muffle the sound.

Playing on a table or floor

When playing the sound bowl on a flat surface, use the included cushion under the sound bowl. Never play the bowl directly against a hard surface as this can damage the sound and the bowl. The soft, cushioned bowl pillow supports the bowl and allows for a full, balanced sound.

Playing on the body

The singing bowl can also be played directly on the body, for example on the chest, stomach, back or legs - anywhere where the bowl remains stable. Use a soft mallet to strike the bowl, and let the sound play until the end before the next strike. A hard mallet is used for rubbing, or singing the bowl. By rubbing, the effect of the sound on the body is stronger and therefore it is done significantly less in the treatment than with softer strokes. With the percussion technique with a soft stick, you can treat the whole body and the treatment can last up to 60 minutes for an adult.

Have wonderful moments with sound vibrations and beautiful chords!

 

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The making of singing bowls is a centuries-old tradition The making of Tibetan singing bowls is a centuries-old craft that combines expertise, spiritual tradition and an understanding of sound vibrations. Traditional hand-hammered singing bowls are made from a bronze alloy of approximately 73% copper, 25% tin and 2% zinc. Pranabowl singing bowls are made in origins of singing bowl, respecting centuries-old traditions. This unique craftsmanship has been passed down through generations, creating high-quality singing bowls. According to some legends, the bowls are made of seven metals. The seven metals often mentioned are: gold, silver, copper, tin, iron, mercury, and lead. There are two major theories behind the idea of ​​the seven metals. One theory is that these represent the seven planets known to the ancients. The other theory is that these seven metals are derived from sacred minerals and metals of the region. However, this has been shown to be mostly a myth, as tests on singing bowls have not found any significant amounts of these metals. However, there are rumors that some manufacturers may add very small amounts of various metals to keep these claims alive. However, the amount is structurally insignificant. Manufacturing requires professional skills In production, the metal alloy of the sound bowls is melted and cast into a round disc, from which the actual forging process begins. The hot metal disc is forged by hand with hammers – often in collaboration with several craftsmen – slowly and carefully until the round shape of the bowl is created. Each hammer blow has its own meaning: they shape both the external shape of the bowl and its internal resonance. This slow and meditative way of working allows the end result to be a sounding instrument that carries a deep, multi-layered sound and strong vibration. The bowl is cooled, cleaned and finished. The surface of the bowl is often left slightly rough to preserve its authentic look and sound. Singing bowls can also be hand-cast from a single metal, brass. This allows for cost savings while still providing high-quality sound. Brass cast bells are more shiny and decorative in appearance. Handmade with our heart The vibration of a handmade singing bowl is felt strongly throughout the body. For this reason, handmade singing bowls are particularly popular in singing bowl therapies, meditation, and singing bowl relaxation. The sound of a Tibetan singing bowl is not a coincidence, but the result of skill, silence, and countless hammer blows, all made by hand, with heart, and intention.

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