Tibetan singing bowls are believed to lessen pain, improve blood pressure and overall well-being, and even fight epilepsy. Regardless of whether such sound therapy can improve one’s health, singing bowls are great for meditation. The vibrations are relaxing and help reduce stress.
This guide will review the 7 best singing bowls on the market – lower and mid-range. Read on to find out the core distinctions between different singing bowl models and how to choose a perfect bowl based on your needs.
Best Singing Bowls Reviews
The Ohm Store Tibetan Singing Bowl Set
The first Tibetan singing bowl in our selection is compact and lies in the lower price range. Let’s take a look at its features to see how it does the job.
Product Highlights
This singing bowl is handcrafted from brass in Nepal by the Ohm Store. The brand specializes in the manufacturing of singing bowls, Lokta journals, and other spiritual objects. The enterprise was founded by two siblings who traveled the world to observe mindfulness rituals of different cultures.
This fact suggests that bowls produced by the Ohm Store are made by people who know their thing. This bowl has a lifetime warranty, although this doesn’t refer to the mallet.
It’s well below average in terms of diameter – only 3.5 inches, and it’s also very light – under 300 grams. The bowl comes in a set with a hand-carved teakwood striker and a hand-sewn cushion. The design of this bowl is remarkably detailed for such an affordable piece.
The bowl features a hammered texture and a three-stripe engraving along the edge. The felt cushion is made in a cheerful, contrasting color combination – blue with orange stripes. There’s nothing extraordinary about the wooden mallet, but it’s smooth and works well.
The pitch of this singing bowl is very high, as with any bowl of such small diameter. It also doesn’t resonate as long as bigger bowls but has a loud, pleasant tone. This singing bowl also allows adjusting the tone slightly by using different techniques – changing the mallet’s angle, speed, or pressure.
The Good
A significant advantage of this singing bowl is its incredible value – it looks and sounds great while being priced below $30. The second advantage is its compact size. Although that’s a subjective feature and bowls of every diameter have their pros and cons, this bowl is highly portable.
It fits in the palm of a hand and can be easily stored in a handbag or large pocket. Another good thing about the 3.5-inch diameter is the ease of playing it.
Smaller singing bowls are very beginner-friendly, as they are more convenient to hold and less physically demanding to play.
Finally, even though this singing bowl’s pitch is high, it’s in no way annoying but rather calming and enjoyable.
The Bad
Singing bowls of small diameter have the same disadvantages, and this tiny bowl is no exception. It doesn’t hold the tone for long – you have to continually move the mallet around to produce a sound. This model also isn’t an option for those who prefer a deep, low sound.
Another disadvantage is the wooden mallet. The issue doesn’t even lie in the fact that it’s absolutely plain while some competitors in the same price range offer beautifully decorated mallets.
The problem with a smooth wooden striker is that it may get dirty from sliding around the bowl over time, and restoring its shiny appearance isn’t easy.
Pros
- Portable
- Convenient for beginners
- Nice, high pitch
- Good value
Cons
- Plain wooden mallet
- Doesn’t resonate for long
Silent Mind Tibetan Easy to Play Singing Bowl Set
Our second singing bowl is made by the Silent Mind brand. In size and price, it’s similar to its competitor from the Ohm Store. However, there are more distinctions than similarities between these two bowls. Let’s take a closer look at the characteristics of the Silent Mind singing bowl.
Product Highlights
The Silent Mind brand manufactures only Tibetan singing bowls. Every bowl is handcrafted in Nepal by devoted practitioners. The diameter of this bowl is 4 inches, the weight – 430 grams.
The brand offers three design options – this particular bowl is named “Balance and Harmony.” It features contrasting black and brass ornaments and writings in Tibetan script.
The detailing is etched rather than painted. The other two design options aren’t as bright but also feature elegant etched embellishments.
The bowl comes with a hand-sewn silk cushion in a peaceful combination of bright green and gold colors. The double-sided mallet is carved from Himalayan wood, with one side covered with suede. That’s very versatile – suede makes the sound smoother, while wood produces a higher tone.
The set also includes a user’s guide e-book – a valuable addition for beginners and experienced users who’d like extra tips.
The tone of this singing bowl is highly relaxing. Its pitch is high but slightly deeper than the Ohm Store bowl’s pitch due to the small diameter. The sound also lasts noticeably longer.
Each bowl is said to be quality inspected before shipping. However, for those who are unhappy with the purchase, the company offers a 30-day refund option. Note there’s no warranty, though.
The Good
Design is what truly makes this singing bowl stand out. The etched decoration is striking, and we adore the use of black instead of plain brass. When it comes to the mallet – it not only looks attractive but is practical.
Two different materials allow for a slight change in the bowl’s pitch. The cushion goes well with the overall design. However, this singing bowl’s main advantage isn’t the design – it’s the balance between the compact size and a deep sound. It’s easily portable, although it weighs twice as much as its competitor from the Ohm Store.
This singing bowl is easy to hold and play due to its weight. Of course, like any other 4-inch singing bowl, this piece has a high pitch. Yet, the tone is rich and profound, especially when using the suede side of the mallet.
Vibrations are long-lasting, even compared to some of the larger bowls. Finally, the user’s guide is an excellent addition to the set and can be great for beginners.
The Bad
Some customers have reported the black paint staining the skin. But the issue isn’t present in all pieces. This is most likely because this singing bowl is handcrafted, and the conditions of the painting process may vary slightly.
While the store offers a 30-day refund period, there is no long-term warranty. If something goes wrong with the bowl after a few months of use, there’s no way to get your money back.
Pros
- Striking design
- Double-sided mallet
- Long resonation and a deep tone
Cons
- The paint may stain skin
- No warranty
Yak Therapy Tibetan Singing Bowl Set
This singing bowl by Yak Therapy is larger than previous bowls in our selection but still smaller than average. The brand specializes only in singing bowls. Read on to find out what makes this set special.
Product Highlights
The Yak Therapy singing bowl is handcrafted in Nepal from seven metal alloys: copper, iron, zinc, tin, lead, silver, and gold. Its diameter is 4.5 inches. Despite being of almost equal size, this bowl weighs twice as much as the Silent Mind bowl – 800 grams – likely due to the various metals.
The inner surface of this bowl is hammered. The upper part of the outer side is smooth, with a three-stripe engraving along the edge. The bowl’s color is closer to gold than copper.
The set includes a double-sided mallet, a silk cushion, and a silk case. The set comes gift-wrapped in Lokta paper. The cushion features a bright green color with embroidered yellow decorations. One side of the hand-carved wooden mallet is covered with leather. The silk drawstring bag is meant to protect the entire set from dust and scratches.
It features the same ornament as the cushion. Apart from the mentioned accessories, the set also includes a user’s guide e-book.
Tuned to the C note related to the Root chakra, the pitch is high. Regardless, the sound is pleasant, although not very long-lasting. The double-sided mallet can be used to adjust the tone slightly – the sound is more mellow when the leather side of the mallet is used.
The Good
The best thing about this bowl is the quality of accessories. The stylish, matching silk cushion and drawstring bag and the leather-covered mallet are made with great attention to detail. The accessories are practical, too. The user’s guide helps beginners and experienced musicians who’d like to get new tips on playing a singing bowl.
The double-sided mallet makes the bowl more versatile, as the sound can be adjusted to one’s preference. Most competitors offer smaller accessory packs consisting of only a cushion and a mallet. In this regard, Yak Therapy has set themselves apart by including additional items.
The Bad
Even though the bowl is of good value, it has a couple of disadvantages. The first and, perhaps, the most significant is the poor resonation.
Overall, this singing bowl’s sound is enjoyable, but it doesn’t last long – even compared to those with a smaller diameter. This means that you have to continually move the mallet around the bowl.
The second issue is that the bowl is quite heavy compared to other bowls of the same diameter. Therefore, playing it is a bit tiring, which makes it harder to focus on meditation.
Another significant issue is that the tune of the bowls may vary. Although the manufacturer states that that bowl is tuned to the C note, some purchasers have reported that their pieces were tuned to D. The 7-metal alloy sounds appealing, but there is no way of knowing the exact percentage of each metal.
Pros
- Great accessory pack
- Pleasant sound
- Appealing design
Cons
- Bowls may be tuned differently
- Poor sound resonation
Myshape Time Store Tibetan Singing Bowl Set
This pack of two singing bowls is made by the Myshape Time brand. Their product range isn’t wide – just six options. But every piece is well thought through. Read on to find out whether purchasing singing bowls in a set is worth it.
Product Highlights
These singing bowls are handcrafted in Nepal. The diameter of both bowls is 4 inches. The first bowl is made of brass and features a golden color and a hammered surface on both the inner and outer sides.
The second bowl is also made from brass but has an entirely different design. Its smooth silver-tone surface is decorated with bronze-colored circles with Tibetan ornaments. In a nice additional touch, the bowls come gift-wrapped.
The accessory set includes two hand-sewn silk cushions in red with gold ornaments and two double-sided wooden strikers. The mallets are carved by hand from Indian laurel and covered with red suede from one end. This lets you adjust the tone.
The pitch of both bowls is high if they are tuned to different notes. Of course, that’s a good thing, as two singing bowls with the exact same sound wouldn’t make sense.
The first bowl is set to the D note, while the second to B. The bowls play well together and produce a highly calming, satisfying sound. The sound resonates well, and the vibrations last for a significant period.
The price of the set is about twice as high as that of single bowls from competitors, which is fair. You don’t really save anything from purchasing a set of two, apart from the shipping cost.
However, the good thing about the set is that the design and accessories are perfectly matched. Finding two bowls from different manufacturers that would work so well together isn’t easy.
The Good
The main advantage of these bowls is the sound. The tone is relaxing, especially when the bowls are played together. The tuning is accurate. Two different notes from these bowls affect two chakras at the same time – the Sacral and the Crown chakras.
Another plus is that the combined weight of these bowls is below 1.5kg. The design of both is attractive, and they complement each other well.
Overall, the Myshape Time Store singing bowls are pleasing to the eye and perform well – what else could you wish for? If you prefer to create different vibrations during meditation rather than listen to one note, we advise another option.
The Bad
There’s nothing wrong with these bowls, per se. However, the quality of mallet craftsmanship is far from perfect. The fact that mallets are double-sided is excellent, but the suede is glued together a little messily.
The edges aren’t even, and the joining line is visible. Perhaps, the issue isn’t present in every piece, as all accessories are handcrafted. There’s no warranty or extended refund period either. The accessory set lacks a user’s guide and a storage bag, while most competitors include these extras.
Pros
- The bowls complement each other
- Great sound resonation
- Two different notes in one pack
Cons
- Poor mallet craftsmanship
- No warranty
Dharma Objects Singing Bowl
This compact singing bowl is made by Dharma Objects. Apart from singing bowls, the brand manufactures various spiritual items such as meditation beads and affirmation prayer flags and home décor, such as statues.
Product Highlights
The Dharma Objects singing bowl is handcrafted in Nepal from bell metal alloy. This bowl measures 4 inches in diameter and weighs 350 grams. It’s slightly lighter than the Silent Mind bowl of the same size.
The brand offers four size options and eight color variations – black, blue, green, orange, purple, red, yellow, and turquoise. The bowl’s surface is smooth and features golden Tibetan ornaments on a black background.
The color of the bowl’s inner surface corresponds with the outer side. The bottom of the bowl features a golden decoration similar to those along its sides. Unlike competitors, this bowl doesn’t feature any hammered or etched details apart from a two-stripe engraving along the edge.
The set includes a printed user’s guide, a hand-sewn silk cushion, and a rosewood mallet. The mallet is plain and isn’t covered with any textile but is smooth and well-made. The sides of the mallet are carved in different shapes, which makes it easier to hold.
The cushion’s color and type may vary. Unlike most competitors who have slightly filled cushions, Dharma Objects decided to make two cushion types – flat and extremely padded. This is neither a pro nor a con – as long as the bowl doesn’t slide off, it doesn’t affect anything.
This singing bowl has a high pitch with impressive resonation. The vibration from striking lasts for up to 15 seconds. The bowls are tuned differently depending on the color, but there’s no clear information on specific notes.
There’s no information on the warranty either, but the manufacturer does offer a 30-day refund period.
The Good
There’s nothing special about the pitch of this bowl in particular – it’s similar to the pitch of other small singing bowls. However, the sound resonation is extraordinary for a bowl of this size and price range.
The number of design variations is excellent, too – there’s a color for any preference, from elegant black and gold to cheerful yellow. The paint doesn’t stain the skin or fade over time. The cushions look great regardless of type – the embroidery is carefully done, and the color combinations are tasteful.
We also have to acknowledge how lightweight and compact the bowl is. A printed user’s guide is a nice addition.
The Bad
There are a couple of flaws in the accessory set of this singing bowl. Firstly, the mallet is plain, while many competitors offer double-sided mallets that provide more sound versatility.
Secondly, there’s no way of knowing what the cushion will look like. You may get a high, padded silk cushion with rich ornament or a plain, flat velvet cushion with modest embroidery in the center. Although all cushions are attractive, it would make sense to allow customers to select the preferred color and type.
Finally, as every bowl is handcrafted, the quality of the paint job varies. In some pieces, the paint may be chipping off or be a bit messy.
Pros
- Great sound resonation
- Variety of color options
- Lightweight and compact
Cons
- No way of choosing the cushion’s color/type
- Plain mallet
Satnam Tibetan Singing Bowl Set
This competitively priced singing bowl from Dharma Store comes with a traditional Tibetan prayer flag. Let’s take a look at the quality of this set and the singing bowl in particular.
Product Highlights
Dharma Store manufactures various traditional Tibetan items. There are six color options – blue, turquoise, red, green, purple, and black. However, the black bowl comes without a prayer flag. The item is handcrafted in Nepal from seven metal alloys: copper, iron, zinc, tin, lead, silver, and gold.
However, there is no information on the percentage of each metal used. Its diameter is 4 inches, weight – below 400 grams. The surface of the singing bowl is smooth, without etched or hammered details. It features golden Tibetan ornaments on both sides of a bright background in a chosen color.
The set includes a prayer flag, a hand-sewn silk cushion, and a wooden striker. The striker is plain but shaped differently for a better grip. The color of the cushion corresponds with the bowl and features an attractive ornament. The cushion is notably smaller than that of most competitors but is nicely decorated with tassels.
Even though the prayer flag is an appealing extra, a drawstring bag would likely be a more useful addition. Still, a lot of customers will appreciate this bonus.
The bowl is reportedly tuned to the F note corresponding with the Crown chakra, 598-602Hz frequency. Like any small singing bowl, this piece has a high pitch. Overall, the sound is enjoyable and relaxing, if slightly flat. The resonation of this bowl isn’t great, even compared to other bowls of the same size.
The Good
One thing that makes this singing bowl set stand out is the included prayer flag. Even though its quality isn’t flawless, those who admire Tibetan culture will surely appreciate it. Another advantage is the variety of available colors.
The paint job’s quality is excellent; it doesn’t stain the skin or chip off. The sound isn’t extraordinary, but the bowl does its job reasonably well –especially considering the pricing. It’s also highly portable and will fit well in any bag or pocket. Plus, the manufacturer offers a 30-day refund period.
The Bad
This bowl is of decent quality but doesn’t quite stand up to the competition. First, the mallet isn’t covered with leather and may produce a scraping sound as a result. It may also get dirty over time. There’s no information on the kind of wood the mallet is made of.
Secondly, the quality of craftsmanship varies notably. Some pieces may have a messy paint job; others may be tuned to the wrong note.
Finally, the most significant con of this singing bowl is that it doesn’t sound for long. One may argue that it’s a common issue with small singing bowls, but a couple of competitors in our selection prove the opposite. The sound is also a bit flat. Plus, there is no warranty on this bowl.
Pros
- Affordable
- Prayer flag in a set
- Variety of color options
Cons
- Plain wooden mallet
- Poor resonation and sound
Biggo Tibetan Singing Bowl Set
The last singing bowl set in our selection is made by the Biggo brand. It’s smaller than average and lies in the lower price range but offers excellent value.
Product Highlights
This singing bowl is made In Nepal of a seven-metal alloy and molten Himalayan meteorite. The manufacturer doesn’t state the percentage of each metal and meteorite. Every piece is hand-made, and It’s the most compact and lightweight bowl in our selection – its diameter is only 3.2 inches, weight – 255 grams. This singing bowl easily fits in the palm of a hand.
The design of this bowl is elegant and minimalistic. There are no bright colors or ornaments, just a traditional singing bowl’s hammered texture and a three-stripe engraving along the edge.
The set includes a hand-sewn cushion, a double-sided mallet, and a user’s guide. The mallet is covered with synthetic leather, which produces a mellower sound. Synthetic leather isn’t as durable as genuine leather, but it’s suitable for vegans. However, the mallet’s handle is entirely smooth and straight, making it less convenient to hold.
The red cushion features a traditional oriental golden ornament. It’s shaped like a donut, with a hole in the center that helps the bowl stay firmly in place and resonate better.
The singing bowl is accurately tuned to the B note. Its pitch is the highest out of all the selected models, but the tone is calming and satisfying. Of course, the sound resonation isn’t as great as with bigger bowls, but it’s decent for such a small piece. You have to continually move the mallet around to get a lasting sound, but it’s not hard, thanks to how lightweight the bowl is.
The Good
We have to admit that this singing bowl is a fantastic value. It costs under $20 but looks elegant and sounds excellent. The quality of craftsmanship is consistent; both the bowl and the accessories are well made.
Understandably, there are no etched or painted ornaments included at this price – the design is traditional and minimalistic. Biggo has been smart to shape the cushion as a donut – this shape doesn’t let the bowl slide and has fewer touchpoints, improving the sound.
The sound itself is pleasant enough and corresponds with the Crown chakra. The synthetic leather side of the mallet helps produce a mellower and deeper sound.
Perhaps such a tiny bowl wouldn’t sound so good with a plain wooden mallet, so the manufacturer did an excellent job thinking that through. The bowl is also highly portable and, due to its diameter, is an excellent fit for those only just learning the correct arm motion.
The Bad
Like every small singing bowl, this piece has its flaws. The sound doesn’t last for long, meaning that you have to move the mallet around continuously. This will inevitably result in the synthetic leather wearing off over time. However, this issue is easy to fix.
Note that the accessory pack is slightly flimsy compared to other competitors – no user’s guide or additional extras are included. There’s no warranty, either.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Elegant design of bowl and accessories
- Pleasant tone
Cons
- Poor sound resonation
- No user’s guide and no warranty
Buyer’s Guide
It’s crucial to understand how singing bowls work and which features to look for. Read on to find out how different singing bowl types, materials, and mallets affect the performance.
Types of Singing Bowls
There are at least 50 different types of singing bowls. However, most stores outside Tibet only offer the most popular bowl types. The first singing bowl type is Thadobati – it’s the oldest, dating back to at least the 15th century.
Genuine Thadobati bowls can play up to 5 octaves. Thadobati bowls are plain – they lack any decorative elements such as hammering or ornaments, and their surface is completely smooth.
Most often, these bowls are small or medium-sized. The second most common singing bowl type is Jambati. These bowls have inward-faced edges, a flat bottom, and a hammered surface. Jambati bowls are often of large diameter and respond well when played with a mallet. Naga singing bowls stand out due to the pedestal bottom.
They aren’t as common as bowls with flat bottoms, and the sound may be distorted due to the base. Specialists believe that Naga singing bowls were most often used for ceremonial purposes.
Some singing bowl types have shallow insides – for example, Manipuri and Lingam. Manipuri bowls are small or medium-sized, affordable, and respond well when played with a mallet. Lingam bowls feature a unique sound but aren’t easy to play on. Therefore, they aren’t the best option for beginners.
Crystal singing bowls are a modern invention. However, they look great, and frosted bowls can produce a very loud sound.
Materials
Singing bowls can be made out of various materials – most often, metal alloys – but recently, crystal bowls have been gaining in popularity. In the past, Tibetan masters used meteorite iron as the primary material. Nowadays, some bowls have a small percentage of meteorite iron included, but it isn’t as common.
Genuine singing bowls are crafted using from five to twelve metal alloys, but most commonly, seven. Each of the seven metals is believed to correspond with a planet – gold is related to the Sun, silver to Moon, mercury to Mercury, copper to Venus, iron to Mars, tin to Jupiter, and lead to Saturn.
Some singing bowls only use copper and tin alloy, so-called “bell bronze.” It has excellent vibration and is antibacterial. Very common are brass bowls – that’s an alloy of copper and zinc. They have a perfect tone and are much more affordable.
Contemporary singing bowls don’t necessarily have to be made of seven metals – bell bronze, brass, or crystal bowls perform just as well. This is more a question of tradition than sound quality.
Furthermore, the fewer metals used in creating a singing bowl, the easier it is to determine how the bowl will perform. Most manufacturers don’t state the percentage of each metal used in a 7-metal alloy. This means that such a singing bowl may contain a negligible amount of silver and gold and consist mainly of iron.
Vibrations and Tones
The tone of a singing bowl depends on its size, material, mallet, and proportions. Frequencies of singing bowls can range anywhere from 55Hz to over 1000Hz. Generally, the smaller the bowl’s diameter, the higher the pitch.
Singing bowls set to certain notes are believed to correspond with a specific chakra. So, the A note is related to the Third Eye chakra, B – to the Crown chakra, C – to the Root chakra, D – to the Sacral chakra, E – Solar Plexus chakra, F – Heart chakra, and G to the Throat chakra.
Small diameter bowls are most often set to A or B. But you may find a small bowl tuned to a higher octave, C, or D notes. Leather or felt-covered mallets can be used to produce a mellower, richer tone from small singing bowls. Bowls of large diameter have a much deeper tone and are generally tuned to notes below D.
Furthermore, the larger the bowl, the better it resonates, and the stronger the vibrations. When it comes to material, brass bowls have a bit softer tone than bowls made of bell bronze. Be aware – even a slight deformation may cause a singing bowl to lose its sound.
Design
Nowadays, you can find singing bowls of any design on the market. However, traditional ancient Tibetan singing bowls are free of unnecessary decoration – most often, they are plain or feature a hammered texture.
Modern singing bowls can be richly decorated with engravings, etched or painted ornaments, and other elements. This doesn’t make them bogus – everything evolves over time, and so does singing bowl design. What’s more, certain colors are believed to correspond with specific chakras.
For this reason, many manufacturers produce red (Root chakra), orange (Sacral chakra), yellow (Solar Plexus), green (Heart chakra), blue (Throat chakra), indigo (Third Eye), and purple (Crown chakra) singing bowls.
Crystal singing bowls are gaining popularity, too – most often, they feature a minimalistic design and are made of clear crystal quartz. But there are also colored options available on the market. Although crystal singing bowls are a relatively recent invention, they have their advantages.
Choose a bowl that you feel a connection with, rather than one that is considered conventional.
Mallets
Mallets may affect the sound to the same degree as the bowl’s material. Wool or leather-covered mallets have a softer tone. Suede mallets are a modern invention – they date back to the 1990s. They aren’t much different from felt mallets, producing a mellow, subtle sound.
Plain wooden mallets aren’t the best option. They may create a scraping sound and make the overall tone higher. The wood also gets dirty over time, and cleaning it isn’t easy. Suede or felt, on the other hand, protect the wood and can be replaced.
If your singing bowl comes in a set with a plain wooden mallet, no need to purchase a new one – you can quickly fix it yourself. Fat Boy mallets are used for playing on large singing bowls – they range 40-60mm in diameter and can be wooden or covered with leather.
Another mallet type that is only used for larger bowls is the gong mallet. They feature a wooden handle with a rubber or felt end and are often shaped like a hammer.
For crystal singing bowls, double-sided suede and crystal mallets are the best fit. The general rule when choosing a mallet is that its size should be proportionate to the size of the bowl. It’s also essential for the mallet to be easy to hold.
Some mallets are carved in ergonomic shapes rather than completely straight. Another thing to be aware of when purchasing a mallet separately from the bowl is that some bowls may not work with an inappropriate striker.
FAQs
What are Singing Bowls?
A singing bowl is of the idiophone class. Sound is produced through the vibration of the instrument itself rather than through airflow or technology. Singing bowls relate to the percussion idiophone sub-class, as they produce sound when being hit with another object.
They’re shaped like an inverted bell and have a wide range of possible sizes and materials. They originated in Tibet, and genuine singing bowls are still mostly handcrafted there. They are primarily used for meditation, yoga, grounding, sound therapy, and chakra healing.
How to Use Singing Bowls?
Singing bowls can be used in several ways. The sound can be produced by hitting a mallet against the bowl or moving it along the bowl’s edge. Striking creates a louder sound with higher resonance, while a mallet that is moved along the edge produces a more ethereal tone.
The fewer touching points, the more a singing bowl vibrates. Therefore, you shouldn’t hold a singing bowl too firmly, using all fingers. Instead, place it on a flat palm or on a cushion – ideally, a cushion should have a hole in the center.
Move a mallet around the bowl using the entire arm rather than the wrist only. You can shift the bowl slightly. A high-quality singing bowl will continue to resonate after you stop moving the mallet.
Another way of playing a singing bowl is by pouring water into it. When the bowl vibrates, waves and droplets start to appear in the water. That’s quite a hypnotizing view, and this process is believed to improve the quality of the water.
The water can then be consumed to improve one’s health and mental well-being. This doesn’t affect the sound, though.
What are the Benefits of Singing Bowls?
Sound therapy performed with singing bowls is meant to provide relaxation and harmony to the soul. It improves thinking processes, sleep, and helps get rid of negative emotions.
As for physical aspects, singing bowls improve muscle regeneration, blood pressure, and digestion. Some people believe that singing bowls can help lessen depression, epilepsy, asthma, and hyperactive disorder. However, we don’t recommend using sound therapy as the only treatment for serious health conditions.
Regardless of whether singing bowls can heal illnesses, they certainly can help you feel more positive and energetic. Another benefit of singing bowls is their ability to cleanse water, crystals, and the aura of one’s home.
How do Singing Bowls Work on Our Minds and Bodies?
The vibrations of singing bowls can create a ripple, wave-like effect on water. Since the human body consists of roughly 60% water, these vibrations are connected to electromagnetic brainwaves, affecting different states of our consciousness. The vibrations can influence the way our brain works – this process is called acoustic entrainment.
Our brain synchronizes with external stimuli and provides a response. This way, singing bowls provide relaxation and a feeling of bliss. Singing bowls are also used for chakra healing.
Therefore, bowls tuned to the A note affect Third Eye chakra, B note – Crown chakra, C – Root chakra, D – Sacral chakra, E – Solar Plexus chakra, F – Heart chakra, and G affects the Throat chakra. Some believe that crystal singing bowls have a better effect, as crystals consist of water and silica – both of which can be found in the human body.
My Singing Bowl is Too High-Pitched. What Should I Do?
An overly high pitch is a common issue with small singing bowls. The only way to adjust the tone yourself is to change the mallet and surface the bowl is standing on. Try covering the mallet with felt or leather to get a lower note. Make sure that your singing bowl resonates freely.
Are Older Singing Bowl Better Than New Ones?
You may come across genuine antique Tibetan singing bowls. Singing bowls that count hundreds of years generally have a thinner metal layer than contemporary pieces, as, over time, any material wears off. They sound slightly different, too – the sound is often richer and warmer, but the vibration isn’t as strong as that of new bowls.
Of course, antique bowls are much pricier, too. If you see an antique singing bowl that costs below $100, it is likely bogus. There’s no specific answer to which type is better, though. Modern pieces do the job just as good as the older bowls.
How to Determine the Quality of a Singing Bowl?
The most important feature of a singing bowl is its sound. Obviously, a low-quality singing bowl won’t sing at all or will produce a dull sound similar to that of an ordinary piece of metal. The most expensive, professional singing bowls can produce several tones.
Of course, sound resonation is highly important, too, as singing bowls affect our well-being with vibrations. A common misconception is that a singing bowl should produce a sound as soon as you touch it. That’s not always true – some pieces have to be played on for a while to start singing.
Final Verdict
Each singing bowl in our guide has its pros and cons. All of them are small in diameter and lie in the lower to middle price range, but the quality of craftsmanship and sound varies noticeably.
Our favorites are the Silent Mind singing bowl and the Myshape Time Store bowl set. These singing bowls have the best sound resonation out of the selection. The Myshape Time Store set will be ideal for those who’d like to own two compact bowls tuned to different notes that look well together.
However, the Silent Mind singing bowl truly stands out. It has a striking design featuring two-colored etched patterns, an excellent accessory set including a double-sided mallet, and, most importantly, a fantastic sound. Hopefully, with the help of our guide, you have found the best singing bowl that fits your taste and needs.