Questions to Ask Before Buying a Bowl!

Why Do You Want a Crystal Singing Bowl?

• Do you intend to use your bowl/s for yourself at home or for others?

• Do you want to facilitate sound healing journeys one day for individuals and/or groups?

• Are you planning on having a “SoundBirth” or becoming a SoundBirth Practitioner? You’ll need a “SoundBirth Bowl!” See section below for more info.

Which Size?

The pitch/es you decide on will determine the size of your bowl to a certain degree. But basically the lower the pitch the larger the bowl and the higher the pitch the smaller the bowl. SoundBirth supplies bowls from 8 - 22 inches.

Here are some other things to consider:

• Do you intend on transporting your bowls?

• If so, how much room do you have in your car?

• The large bowls are quite heavy … how is your strength, your back?

• What is your budget? The larger bowls are of course more expensive.

It is important to choose the correct size for the pitch you are wanting as it determines the thickness of the bowl. You don’t want the bowl to be too thin or too thick … so please check with me before deciding.

What is Your Budget?

• How much do you want to spend?

• Do you want to buy more bowls to add to this one/these in the future? Let’s work out a plan …

Which Type of Bowl?

Most people just order the classic frosted crystal singing bowls. They are opaque and have a slightly rough surface on the outside.

There is the option of having a clear quartz crystal singing bowl which is smooth on the outside and doesn’t create any white noise (slightly scraping sound) sound as you move the striker around the outside. These bowls are a lot more expensive. (I’ve always used the frosted bowls and they work beautifully so don’t feel you need to spend more money to relax people! It’s more about how you play the bowl and harmonise them with other sounds.)

Practitioner Bowl (Bowl on a Handle). These clear crystal bowls on a handle are perfect for those wanting to move around with their bowl. You can walk around a group or individual and move it around in circles to create that binaural beat effect. They have a very clear sound and people love them. There is a bit of a knack to playing them however but it won’t take long to learn!

Which Colour?

Most people just choose the white frosted bowls … but if you would like a splash of colour, see image for some options!

All 99.99% pure quartz crystal.

Available in 432 Hz also.

Which Pitch?

• Do you know which pitch you want?

• Do you prefer the low, middle or high pitches?

• Are you interested in the chakra bowls?

• If you want more than one bowl do you want them to harmonise in a major (happy) sound or minor (melancholy) sound? Or do you want to be able have both harmonies?

• Do you want binaural beats? (Creates a “Wah wah wah sound which entrains the brain into a slower brain-wave state)

• Will you be using your voice (toning, humming, Ommming or singing) with your bowl?

• Do you have any other pitched instruments that you want to harmonise with your bowl/s? (flute, didgeridoo, hand pan)

Which Mallet?

It’s not just about the bowl!

The quality of sound has A LOT to do with the mallet you choose to play it with.

There are a few options! And it is a good idea to have a few different mallets up your sleeve to create a contrast in sound.

White rubber ball mallets‍ - recommended

These are the most popular and are perfect for all sizes and types of bowls. (Included in ANY bowl purchase)

Suede mallets

Easy to get a sound but create a bit of a scratchy sound with the frosted bowls. And harder sound when you strike the bowls. Not my favourite…but I sell them if you want them!

Silicone Mallets

These mallets are pretty awesome because they create less of a scratchy sound when playing the frosted bowls and there is no chance of accidentally scraping the edge as there is no wooden handle! Easy to create a sound too from the very beginning.

The SoundBirth Bowl

The SoundBirth Bowl is the bowl I recommend to expectant couples and birth professionals to use as a support tool during childbirth.

I first used a bowl during my third home birth and noticed how much easier it was to use my voice when I had a consistent tone to lean on. It helped me stay focused and “gave me permission” to vocalise through contractions with ease. Learn more HERE!

• At an ideal pitch that is suitable for vocalising comfortably with during pregnancy and birth - not too high, not too low.

• Comfortable volume - not too soft (so women feel supported when vocalising) and not too loud when played safely (training provided).

• 14-inch bowl (middle-size bowl) - not too heavy to transport.

• Easy for beginners - anyone can play a crystal singing bowl! Learn in 10 mins!

• Reliable tool for birth partners and doulas.

• Ideal for anyone wanting to vocalise with a crystal singing bowl - yoga teachers when “Ommmmming’ with their students, people using vocal toning to assist with healing or managing stress.

432Hz or 440Hz?

Yes, all bowls are available in 432 Hz if this is what you’re drawn to!

Both 432 Hz and 440 Hz bowls are tuned to the same musical notes, but their reference pitch differs slightly - by about 8 cycles per second. This means that a bowl tuned to 432 Hz produces tones that are just a little lower in pitch than one tuned to 440 Hz.

440 Hz is the current international standard for tuning musical instruments. 432 Hz sits just below this and is has been suggested that they can help reduce anxiety and blood pressure, support relaxation, and heighten intuition.

However, if you’d like your bowl to be in tune with a standard instrument such as piano, or other sound healing tools that aren’t tuned to 432 Hz, it’s best to order the standard 440 Hz.
Ask me about this before choosing - I’m happy to help you find the best match for your needs.