Whether for meditative gong baths, subtle sound accents, or creative sound experiments – a good friction mallet brings new possibilities to your sound practice. With the Lava and Smooth Lava Edition, we offer two high-quality models, both crafted with great care from sustainable natural caoutchouc: the ollihess Lava Edition and the Smooth Lava Edition.
In this article, you will learn the core differences between the two editions and what sound effects you can achieve with each model.
ollihess friction mallet Lava Edition – our classic with a rough texture
The ollihess friction mallet Lava Edition stands out immediately: it has a deep black and distinctly rough surface, which, with the right technique, allows for a particularly clear, squeak-free sound.
What are the advantages of the Lava Edition?
If you choose an ollihess friction mallet from the Lava Edition, you get these benefits:
- Bright, overtone-rich sounds – ideal for meditative passages
- Rough natural caoutchouc head for more control during friction playing
- No squeaking, as the surface is hand-sanded
- Head made entirely of vegan, durable natural caoutchouc
- Lightweight, flexible & break-resistant – feels comfortable in hand even during long sessions
- Available in four sizes: 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm
The Lava Edition is therefore perfect for gong players who seek clear and present sounds and wish to specifically bring out subtle overtones on their gong.
ollihess friction mallet Smooth Lava Edition – for more softness and sensual sounds
With its incredibly gentle surface made of soft natural caoutchouc, the Smooth Lava Edition allows for even finer and more controlled friction playing. You will achieve softly flowing sound progressions, ideal for sound baths or deep meditative states.
What are the advantages of the Smooth Lava Edition?
The ollihess Smooth Lava Edition offers the following advantages with its incredibly delicately roughened surface:
- Fluid, sensitive sound progressions thanks to the delicately roughened surface
- Wide sound dynamics – from subtle to intense
- No squeaking, as the surface is hand-sanded
- Head made entirely of vegan, durable natural caoutchouc
- Lightweight, flexible & break-resistant – feels comfortable in hand even during long sessions
- Available in four sizes: 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm
We recommend the ollihess friction mallet Smooth Lava Edition for sound therapy, gong meditations, or gentle sound baths – wherever soft impulses and flowing vibrations are key.
| Feature | Lava Edition | Smooth Lava Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Extremely rough, grippy, hand-sanded | Soft, delicately roughened, hand-sanded |
| Sound Character | Bright, rich in overtones, present | Flowing, sensual, soft |
| Recommended Use |
Meditation, Sound Bath, Sound Therapy, Sound Journeys | Meditation, Sound Bath, Sound Therapy, Sound Journeys |
| Squeaking | Squeak-free thanks to natural caoutchouc & texture | Squeak-free thanks to natural caoutchouc & texture |
| Material | natural caoutchouc (head), plastic handle | natural caoutchouc (head), plastic handle |
| Sizes (head diameter) | 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm | 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm |
Durable & sustainable – Promises we always keep
Our friction mallets impress with their high quality and durability – provided they are well cared for. It is especially important to protect them from dust, UV radiation, and moisture. Your friction mallets should always be stored dry – ideally in our provided packaging. Additionally, you should clean them regularly. For light dirt, you can simply wipe your friction mallets with a damp cloth. If they start to harden, hot water helps to gently refresh the natural caoutchouc. Check out our article on cleaning and caring for friction mallets to get even more helpful tips.
Both editions are made with sustainable natural caoutchouc in the head and are 100% vegan. Production takes place under the highest quality standards in our family workshop in Germany – with extensive manual work and quality control by Olli Hess and his sons themselves.
Which friction mallet suits you better: Lava or Smooth Lava Edition?
Choose the ollihess Lava Edition if you are looking for a friction mallet for precise, clear overtones – ideal for structured sound work and concerts.
Opt for the ollihess Smooth Lava Edition if you want to create very gentle, flowing soundscapes – perfect for meditative settings, sound baths, and sensitive applications.
Do you have any questions? We would be happy to advise you personally via WhatsApp regarding our friction mallets and gong mallets. Simply click on the green icon in the bottom right of your browser window.
