How to choose the singing bowls? 5 Factors to consider

1. Types of singing bowls

If you go to shops, many types of singing bowls are available.  Instead of being clueless after arriving at the shop, self-educate yourself about the types of singing bowls in advance.  The types of singing bowls can be broadly categorized in terms of its process of formation and time span of its formation. 

a. Process of formation – According to process of formation, there are two types of singing bowls. i.e handmade singing bowls and machine made singing bowls. You can find the details here – difference between handmade singing bowls and machine made singing bowls.

b. Ages of its formation- According to time span of its formation, there are two types of singing bowls i.e antique/old singing bowls and new singing bowls. Antique singing bowls are formed 100-150 years ago that carries its values of artisans and cultures from generation to generations. The sound of antique singing is of superior quality and authenticity. And the new singing bowls are by its name only it’s new in its formation of time span. The new singing bowls are also the high quality singing bowls. Many people are confused in new singing bowls as it is named differently by different people. Antique singing bowls are generally more expensive than the new singing bowls.

2. Sizes of singing bowls

Sizes of singing bowls are important factors to consider while choosing a singing bowls. The sizes of singing bowls vary from small, medium, large and extra-large in its sizes. The small singing bowls are normally 4 inches -6 inches, Medium 7inches to 27 cm. Large singing bowls are normally 50cm – 60 cm and Extra-large are above them. Large and extra-large singing bowls are used by the sound therapist to give vibrations on whole body by standing or sitting inside of the singing bowls.

Smaller bowls produce higher frequencies, high tone whereas larger bowls generally produce lower frequencies, creating a deeper and more resonant sound. Small size singing bowls are low in weight because of its size and so the weight of the bowls increases upon the increase in sizes of the bowl. Also, small size singing bowls are less expensive due to its less weight and so the price increases upon the increase of weight and vice versa.

Therefore, you can choose to buy sizes of the singing bowls depending upon your budget .

3. Sound, notes and vibration of singing bowls

While choosing a singing bowls, sound, notes and vibration of singing bowls are most crucial and important factor to consider. Let have some ideas on them.

Singing bowls can produce various sounds, ranging from warm and mellow tones to bright and sharp ones.  Large singing bowls have low pitch and deep sound whereas small singing bowls have high pitch and sharp sound. So, depending upon what type of sound you prefer, you can choose the singing bowl.

Similarly, singing bowls are classified into different notes, often associated with musical scales. Common notes include C, D, E, F, G, A, and B with each note corresponding to a specific frequency. The note is determined by the size, shape, and thickness of the bowl.

The vibration of a singing bowl is also an important aspect, as it can be felt physically. It is often used by singing bowl massage therapist for vibrational massage over body. You can find more vibrations on larger bowls and less vibration on small bowls.

So, as a conclusion, depending upon your need of sound, notes and vibration, you can choose singing bowls.

4. Designs and appearance of singing bowls

To choose a singing bowls in terms of designs and appearance of singing bowl totally depends upon the perception and personal preferences of the buyer. Some singing bowls feature intricate engravings, symbols, or mandalas on the surface and some singing bowls specially traditional singing bowls are often have simple and classic designs. A buyer can choose any of them, but the first priority should be given to resonance of sound of singing bowls that touches the heart and soul of the buyer. Designs and appearance are secondary factor to consider while purchasing of singing bowls.

 However, the designs and appearance of singing bowls contribute to a visually engaging and aesthetically pleasing experience. The visual aspects of singing bowls contribute to a holistic and multisensory experience during meditation, relaxation, or sound healing practices.