Gear article
Sela Harmony Singing Bowl Mallet 30
The Sela Harmony Singing Bowl Mallet 30 is a dual-purpose percussion tool designed for both striking and rubbing singing bowls. It features a steamed beechwood handle, a medium-hard felt head, and a leather-wrapped section for inducing sustained resonance.
See live pricesOverview
The Sela Harmony Singing Bowl Mallet 30 is a professional-grade accessory developed for practitioners of sound therapy and percussionists. It is specifically designed to provide a versatile interface for singing bowls, eliminating the need for multiple tools by combining different surface textures into a single ergonomic design. The mallet is constructed with high-quality materials, including a robust steamed beechwood handle and a dual-functioning head.
Design and Functionality
The mallet operates as a hybrid tool. One end features a medium-hard felt ball, which is utilised for striking the bowl to produce clear, percussive tones. The shaft includes a leather rasp, intended for rubbing along the rim of the bowl to activate 'singing' or sustained vibrational frequencies.
Due to its heavier weight and larger felt head, the Mallet 30 is particularly efficient at exciting the vibrations of larger singing bowls, typically those exceeding 20cm in diameter. However, the balance of the steamed beechwood handle ensures it remains manageable for smaller instruments as well.
Sound Character
When used as a striker, the medium-hard felt provides a balanced attack that is softer than wood but firmer than soft wool, resulting in a full and rich fundamental tone. When using the leather-wrapped portion for friction, the mallet produces a smooth, continuous resonance. The weight of the unit helps in maintaining consistent contact with the bowl, which is essential for producing a steady, non-wavering sound profile.
User Suitability and Comparison
This mallet is best suited for sound healers, meditation leads, and percussionists who require a single, durable tool for varied performance styles. While smaller accessories like the Meinl Small Plastic Egg Maracas or the Stagg Plastic Egg Maracas serve different rhythmic purposes, the Sela Mallet 30 is a specialised tonal activator.
Compared to lighter mallets, the Sela 30 offers more power for larger bowls, such as the Meinl Planetary Tuned Crystal Singing Bowls, though its design is primarily focused on traditional metal or crystal bowls requiring physical friction or striking.
Related gear
£3.99 ($5)Stagg
Stagg Plastic Egg Maracas Red
£9.99 ($13)Stagg
Stagg Rock 5-1/2" Cowbell Black
£119.00 ($151)Sonor
Sonor Orff NG31 Alto Chromatic Glockenspiel
£23.70 ($30)Remo
Remo 6 Single Row Headless Tambourine Black
£299.00 ($380)Meinl
Meinl Planetary Tuned Crystal Singing Bowl 12" Earth Year / Om
£16.00 ($20)Fender
Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonica A
£23.80 ($30)Meinl
Meinl Spin Spark Shaker Black Nickel
£7.30 ($9)Meinl
Meinl Small Plastic Egg Maracas Black
Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary purpose of the Sela Harmony Singing Bowl Mallet 30?
- It is a dual-purpose tool designed to both strike singing bowls for percussive hits and rub the rims for sustained resonance.
- What materials are used in the construction of the handle?
- The handle is made from steamed beechwood, which is shaped for a secure grip and long-term durability.
- What kind of striking head does this mallet have?
- It features a medium-hard felt ball, providing a balance between a soft attack and a strong fundamental tone.
- How does the mallet activate sustained vibrations?
- It includes a leather rasp section that allows the player to rub the rim of the bowl, inducing continuous resonance.
- What size of singing bowl is this mallet best suited for?
- It is specifically designed for bowls with a diameter of over 20cm, though it is balanced enough for smaller bowls.
- How much does the Sela Harmony Singing Bowl Mallet 30 typically cost?
- The typical price range for this specific mallet model is approximately £19.
- Why is the weight of this mallet significant?
- The heavier weight and larger head provide the necessary strength to produce full, rich sounds from larger percussion instruments.
- Is the leather rasp part of the handle or the head?
- The leather rasp is integrated into the design to allow easy switching between striking and rubbing without changing tools.
- Can this mallet be used with crystal singing bowls?
- Yes, it is suitable for various singing bowls, including larger crystal or metal varieties, providing the weight needed for activation.
- How does the felt hardness affect the sound?
- The medium-hard felt offers a clear percussive hit that is less sharp than wood but more defined than soft-fleece mallets.
- What is the benefit of the steamed beechwood finish?
- Steaming the beechwood increases its stability and durability, ensuring the handle resists warping or damage during regular use.
- Does this mallet require separate accessories for friction playing?
- No, the dual-purpose design with the leather rasp eliminates the need for a separate suede or leather striker.
