Three new gongs are now available in our online shop—hand-forged, shaped by fire, and each one a special, one-of-a-kind piece. The Blacksteel gongs are crafted by Florian Schmähl, a metalworker, blacksmith, and passionate instrument maker.
His gongs found their way to us, not just because their sound and appearance won us over. Above all, we were impressed by the way Flo creates his musical instruments and his fundamental approach to his work. In that, we were able to rediscover many of the same qualities that we ourselves incorporate into our products.
What Olli and Flo Have in Common
For many years now, we have been crafting gong mallets and gong scrapers based on our own experience with sound. For Olli, experimenting, making changes, discarding ideas, and refining them is simply part of the process. Instead of looking for ready-made solutions, he develops his own designs, tests materials and shapes, and repeatedly tries out his ideas on the gong.
It’s a similar story with Flo. As a trained metalworker and blacksmith, he began building his first handpan in 2018. He experimented for nearly a year before his first instrument was complete. His passion for research and development has remained—and ultimately led him to design and hand-forge his own gongs.
So when we were introduced to his gongs, we recognized many things: the joy of experimentation, the attention to detail, and the courage to forge his own path.
Three Gongs, Three Worlds of Sound
The new Blacksteel gongs all have a diameter of 60 cm (or 24 inches) and, due to their individual finishes, differ significantly in their sound character and appearance:
Blacksteel Gong Stoneshimmer
This Stoneshimmer stainless steel gong, at 49 Hz, is the lowest-pitched of the three gongs. Its sound is dark, deep, and long-lasting. The patina shimmers in shades of purple and gray.
Blacksteel Gong Sunrise
The Blacksteel Gong Sunrise has a warm, balanced, and powerful 62 Hz tone. A complex spectrum of overtones unfolds from the fundamental tone. Its surface displays golden and silver hues.
Blacksteel Gong Oceanwave
At 69 Hz, the Oceanwave stainless steel gong is the most resonant of the trio. Its wave-like tone is complemented by a blue-and-red fire patina.
Each of the three Blacksteel gongs has its own unique character—hand-forged by Flo and crafted as a one-of-a-kind piece.
Be the first to find out when the gongs are available
Flo's first hand-forged Blacksteel gongs will be available from us soon. If you don't want to miss the launch, sign up for our waitlist now. That way, you'll be the first to know as soon as the gongs are available.
Every Blacksteel gong is one of a kind
With these new gongs, the craftsmanship is not only audible but also visible. During the creation process, heat applied to the stainless steel produces extraordinary color gradients. Depending on the temperature, the surface can shimmer in shades of violet, gold, silver, blue, or red. Even a few degrees can change the result.
No two gongs are alike. Every Blacksteel gong bears the marks of its creation and, with it, a piece of its maker's craftsmanship.
When hands, mind, and heart come together, craftsmanship becomes art.
It is precisely this approach that makes the new Blacksteel gongs a special addition to the ollihess lineup.
If you want to learn more about Flo, visit his website, his YouTubechannel, or hisInstagram account.
