A gong mallet is a very versatile sound tool - you can use it to create special effects or conjure up deep and long-swinging vibrations from your gong. A gong driver connects you to your sound instrument in its very own way - but which one is right for you and your needs?
This article is intended to help you find the gong driver that best suits you, your gong and your playing style. Whether for sound meditation, sound baths, concerts or sound therapy - we will show you what you should look out for when choosing a gong driver.
What sounds would you like to create with the friction mallet ?
A gong mallet creates crystal-clear highlights, causes the surface of your gong to vibrate intensively for a long time and produces spherical sounds. Depending on how the friction mallet is designed, what material it is made of and what surface the head has, very different sounds can be produced. Of course, your individual playing style and the instrument on which you use it also have a significant influence on the sound.
In principle, however, it can be said that
- Fine, high overtones: Choose a gong driver with a smaller head and a rougher surface. It is ideal for precise and clear sound lines.
- Deep, intense vibrations: Go for a friction mallet with a larger head that has more contact with your gong. A finer surface also ensures a deeper sound.
- Versatile soundscapes: Combine different friction mallet to fully exploit the sound spectrum of your instrument.
What size is your gong?
The size of your gong naturally has an influence on the choice of the right gong reamer. The larger your gong, the larger the friction mallet head should be. However, smaller friction mallet can also be used on large gongs, for example if you want to set sonorous accents. The reverse is not recommended, however: Using large friction mallet on small gongs can overstimulate your instrument.
Gong driver for large and small gongs:
- Large gongs (> 60 cm): Use larger models such as the Intense Edition 70 to develop the full volume and depth and at the same time create very fine nuances. However, small gong drivers can also be used wonderfully on large gongs.
- Kleine Gongs (< 60 cm): Kleine Gongreiber wie zum Beispiel die Smooth Lava Edition 30 bieten dir Kontrolle und ein feines, helles Klangbild. Zu große Gongreiber hingegen überreizen dein Klanginstrument und sind daher nicht zu empfehlen.
Which type of gong would you like to play?
There are very different types of gong that are characterized by certain features and therefore behave differently depending on which gong driver you use. For example, the same friction mallet can produce a completely different sound on a flat gong than on a curved gong. The shape of the gong surface also influences how the friction mallet let has to be guided.
- TamTam gongs: TamTam gongs have a flat surface with a slightly curved edge. Depending on the friction mallet , a dark, vibrating rumble or a deep humming sound is produced.
- Feng gongs: Feng gongs, also known as wind gongs, have a very flat playing surface with no curvature. As a result, they react very directly to the friction mallet and usually develop brighter, clearer tones with a quick response.
Our tip: Test different friction mallet to find out how your gong reacts to them.
What is the friction mallet intended for?
Gong drivers can be used for calm sound meditations, powerful sound baths, energetic concerts or in sound therapy. Which gong driver is the right one for the respective area of application depends primarily on the energy or mood you want to create.
- Sound meditation, sound journeys, sound therapy: Prefer models that produce gentle and long-lasting sounds. Models with a medium to large head enable calm vibrations that create space and lead to relaxation.
- Concerts and experimental gong playing: With gong drivers like our Crazy Egg, you can set visual and acoustic accents. It offers different playing options and brings liveliness to your sound practice. Use smaller gong mallets such as the Intense Edition 50 on a large gong to create eye-catching sound accents.
Which playing technique would you like to use?
Depending on your playing technique, different gong mallets may be better suited to you and your gong. If you use your gong mallet for long-lasting, constant sounds, make sure above all that the friction mallet lies comfortably and balanced in your hand - so that you can concentrate fully on your gong playing.
- Slow circular movements: Choose a gong mallet that matches the size of your gong. Use small friction mallet for smaller gongs and medium to large friction mallet for larger gongs.
- Targeted bowing: Choose smaller friction mallet for larger gongs to create sonorous accents. Or try friction mallet with different surfaces to experiment.
- Use two friction mallet at the same time: Lighter models are particularly suitable for two-handed playing.
Pay attention to quality, material and balance
The sound produced by a gong driver is largely determined by the quality of the materials, workmanship and construction. This is what characterizes a high-quality gong driver:
- natural caoutchouc: natural caoutchouc is soft, durable and leaves no marks on your gong.
- Optimally roughened: A finely or coarsely roughened ball surface prevents squeaking when playing - resulting in a pure sound.
- Ergonomic balance: The head and handle of a grater should be perfectly matched - this ensures comfortable handling.
- Durable and sustainable: High-quality, regional materials, clean workmanship and fair production influence the sound.
Did you know?
Every ollihess gong mallet is the result of Olli Hess ' own sound practice and many years of experience with our loyal community. the attention to detail and personal contact with our producers make the difference. Every friction mallet is handcrafted by Olli and his son David in Germany and made from sustainable materials.
Which friction mallet is suitable for singing bowls?
Many gong grinders can also be used on singing bowls . Again, the larger the singing bowl , the larger your friction mallet should be. For example, the friction mallet Lava Edition 40 / 50 enables very deep as well as soft and bright tones on a large singing bowl.
Tip: To find out more about ollihess singing bowl recorders, please read the detailed descriptions in our store or our blog post "Our top mallets for singing bowls" - there you will find information on the compatibility of our mallets and friction mallet with singing bowls.
Do you have any personal preferences?
Design, color and shape play an important role. A gong driver that appeals to you visually and haptically strengthens your connection to the instrument and to your sound practice. To get to know your preferences even better, you can ask yourself the following questions:
- Are you a fan of clean lines or do you like it playful?
- Are you fascinated by unusual shapes like the Crazy Egg?
- Do you prefer warm earth tones or light shades?
- Do you like subtle colors or would you prefer something brighter?
Still unsure? We will advise you personally!
Choosing the right gong driver can sometimes be challenging - and that's exactly why we're here to help. Use our WhatsApp chat at the bottom right of our website or contact us via our contact form - however you prefer. We take our time, listen and give honest advice.
