Singing Bowls

[Shaleesa]

Does anyone have recommendations for where to buy singing bowls online? Also, do you prefer metal or crystal? Are there pros and cons to either?

Thank you!

[Nykkylynn]

I also would be curious if others have wisdom to share.  I recently bought my first online and am not thrilled with it.  it is crystal, but the outside is textured and doesnt feel natural to roll the mallet around... I'm also brand new, so i will continue to play with it.

[Briana]

I just bought 2 bowls from Crystal Tones as my pandemic splurge. I purchased them directly from the site, as in Berlin there is a distributor who marked up the prices over 150%...

I asked around to other healers, sound and yoga teachers and crystal tones was recommended across the board. I'm still not sure why, and there is no knowledge out there on what makes their bowls better, how they make them ect, but I took it all with a grain of salt. I had them shipped to a friend in the states, who then forwarded them on to me. I'm still waiting on them to arrive, but when they do I can give you an update on how they sound :)
xx
Briana

[Becky]

I don't have good recommendations for a place online -- I just bought a gong on a place from my yoga trainer's rec (kundalini -lots of sound therapy!), but I don't think the site carries bowls, though they do have bells, tuning forks, drums, etc. (it's gongs-unlimited.com). What I liked about this website was being able to hear the gongs being played since I'm not there to play them in person, so I'd look for a site that offers that.

As far as the difference (besides price - the crystal bowls are $$$$), in my experience, the metal bowls have more of a range of sounds/vibrations, whereas the crystal bowls are finely tuned to a specific note/frequency, so they are more clear. I personally prefer metal, which is why I spent my splurge on a gong vs. a crystal bowl ....but I'm sure one day I'll have my own range of both. LOL. Sound therapy is uh-mazing.

[Shaleesa]

Yes, I'd love an update once yours arrive. Thanks!

[Shaleesa]

I've checked my local shops and they only have the smaller/higher-pitched bowls. I'm looking for middle to low pitches in the 400-800 Hz range. I play clarinet and piano and was taught to never buy an instrument you haven't tried out in person. Trying to apply that principle to these bowls is getting tough!

[Shaleesa]

And thanks for the tip about metal vs. crystal! Very helpful.

[Arlin]

Hello! I am from Salem Massachusetts and live down the street from a local Tibetan Healing Center. They sell singing bowls there that are very authentic and of high quality! They have a pretty good range of bowls as well and most products are made in Tibet. They have an online shop that you could browse to see if you find anything you like. If you have any questions at all they are also very responsive via email!
https://www.tibetartsandhealing.com

[Becky]

Hey Shaleesa,
I'm curious if you found an online store you liked...

I am loving my gong, but think I need something smaller (like a large singing bowl) for teaching yoga. Easier to transport!!

Shabd guru,
Becky

[Briana]

I forgot to update, but they are DIVINE! i love love love love looooooveee them, and really feel good about the money i spent.

[Shaleesa]

I ordered one from Sunreed Instruments:
https://sunreed.com/categories/singing-bowls/zen-singing-bowls/therapeutic/

The 5 inch size fits perfectly in the palm of my hand. Extremely clear tone that resonates for a while. I definitely recommend it if you're still looking!