Lava Edition

Which Lava Edition friction mallet I buy?

The Lava Edition is available in three versions. The Lava Edition gong mallet features a distinctive roughened, volcanic surface and is available in 30mm, 40mm, and 50mm sizes—the larger the head, the deeper and richer the sound. The Smooth Lava Edition has the same basic construction but a significantly finer surface for a more sensual, delicate tone. The 70mm Lava Edition is the heavyweight of the series—an extra-large ball for particularly melodic, resonant sounds on large gongs.

Below, we explain the differences between the models in more detail.

What makes the Lava Edition special?

all friction mallets Lava Edition are made entirely of natural caoutchouc — the head and handle are made from a single piece of material. This makes them particularly durable, long-lasting, and easy to maintain. The volcanic surface texture produces a unique sound when rubbed, clearly distinct from other mallets: more powerful, more direct, with greater substance in the midrange and low frequencies.

The understated black finish makes the Lava Edition a visual standout in any audio setup.

Lava vs. Smooth Lava: The Difference in Sound

The choice between Lava and Smooth Lava comes down to personal preference regarding sound. The Lava Edition, with its coarser texture, produces a more powerful, rich tone—ideal if you want the gong to respond immediately and the overtones to build up quickly. The Smooth Lava has an extra-fine, textured surface that produces a softer, more flowing sound—more sensual and subtle, ideal for meditative sound journeys and delicate sound design.

Thanks to the special manufacturing process, both versions are completely unique—no two friction mallet exactly alike.

The Lava Edition 70mm: for melodic low-end impact

If you really want to delve into the depths, reach for the Lava Edition 70mm. Its extra-large spherical shape produces exceptionally melodic tones and activates the low frequencies of large gongs in a way that smaller friction mallet achieve. Another advantage: it leaves no residue on the instrument—the gong’s surface stays clean.

Handcrafted from natural caoutchouc sustainable and vegan

All Lava Edition friction mallet 100% vegan and natural caoutchouc from natural caoutchouc . They are manufactured in Germany by family-run businesses. Minor imperfections in the surface are not a defect—they result from genuine handcrafted work and make each friction mallet .

Any questions about the Lava Edition?

Not sure which model or size is right for you? Our chatbot can help you right away. For a personalized recommendation, email us at kontakt@ollihess.de —we’d be happy to assist you.

Lava Edition and Gong Mallets: The Complete Setup

the friction mallet in tandem with your mallets. When you strike the gong with a professional gong mallet, the friction mallet long-lasting, floating overtones. Check out the Intense Line and the Crazy Egg friction mallet if you’d like to compare different friction mallet.