Lava Edition

Which Lava Edition friction mallet should I buy?

The Lava Edition is available in three versions. The Lava Edition friction mallet has a characteristically rough, volcanic surface and is available in 30mm, 40mm, and 50mm – the larger the head, the deeper and fuller the sound. The Smooth Lava Edition has the same basic construction but a much finer surface for a more sensual, delicate sound character. The Lava Edition 70mm is the heavyweight of the series – an extra-large ball for especially melodic, far-reaching sounds on large gongs.

Further below, we explain the differences between the versions in more detail.

What makes the Lava Edition special?

All friction mallets of the Lava Edition are made entirely from natural caoutchouc – head and handle from a single cast material. This makes them particularly robust, durable, and easy to care for. The volcanic surface structure creates a unique sound when rubbed, clearly distinguishing it from other friction mallets: more powerful, more direct, with more substance in the mid and low ranges.

The subtle black also makes the Lava Edition an optical eye-catcher in any sound practice.

Lava vs. Smooth Lava: the difference in sound

The choice between Lava and Smooth Lava is a matter of sound preference. The Lava Edition, with its coarser texture, produces a more powerful, richer tone – ideal if you want the gong to react immediately and quickly build up overtones. The Smooth Lava has an extra finely roughened surface, which produces a more delicate, flowing sound – more sensual, more subtle, ideal for meditative sound journeys and nuanced sound design.

Both versions are absolute unique pieces due to the special manufacturing process – no friction mallet is exactly like another.

The Lava Edition 70mm: for melodic depth

If you truly want to explore depth, choose the Lava Edition 70mm. Its extra-large spherical shape creates exceptionally melodic sounds and activates the deep frequencies of large gongs in a way that smaller friction mallets cannot. Another advantage: it leaves no residue on the instrument – the gong surface remains clean.

Handcrafted from natural caoutchouc – sustainable and vegan

All Lava Edition friction mallets are 100% vegan and made from natural caoutchouc. They are produced in Germany in family-run businesses. Small irregularities in the surface are not a defect – they result from genuine handcraftsmanship and make each friction mallet a unique piece.

Any more questions about the Lava Edition?

Unsure which version or size is right for you? Our chatbot can help you directly. For a personal assessment, write to us at kontakt@ollihess.de – we are happy to advise you.

Lava Edition and Gong Mallets: the complete setup

The friction mallet works hand in hand with your mallets. With a Profi Gong Mallet, you strike the gong impulsively, and the friction mallet then creates long-lasting, floating overtones. Also check out the Intense Line and the Crazy Egg friction mallet if you want to compare different friction mallet characteristics.