FAQ

Singing bowls are from Nepal. They are not from Tibet. They are called Tibetan becuase they have been traded by Tibetan merchants in Tibetan shops for decades. Plus there is no marketplace for Nepali goods - all Himalayan crafts tend to be called "Tibetan." Historically, most Himalayan crafts are made by Newari (Nepali) artists, including the singing bowls. Even in antiquity, Tibetan goods were often made by Newari people. They were the great artisans of the region and continue to be so today.

Today, singing bowls are embraced by all religions and can be found in temples and churches of all faiths.

Traditionally, singing bowls are associated with Mahayana Buddhist practices, especially Zen sects, around Asia.

They can be found today in temples and meditation halls in Japan, Korea, Vietnam and Nepal where they are used as sound instruments, altar objects and collection vessels.

Similar bowls can also be found in museums in Thailand and Cambodia, where they may have been used as offering bowls or water sprinkling bowls.

Singing bowls originated in Nepal. The idea later spread to other parts of Asia where each culture made their own types of singing bowls.

While some claim the singing bowls were first made in China, Japan or even Mesopotamia, these are not correct.

There is no evidence of any singing bowls earlier than the Himalayan singing bowls of Nepal, which go back to the 11th or 12th century.

Antique singing bowls are made from bell metal bronze: 77-78% copper and 22-23% tin. They contain no other metals in any quantity above tiny traces and never contain lead or mercury. There is no such thing as a "7 metal singing bowl." This is a myth.

Yes - Joseph records every singing bowl himself using professional audio equipment. The bowls really sound like this - there is no editing, effects or manipulation to the sound of any kind. We use very transparent sounding small diaphragm condenser microphones which convey the sound exactly as it is. The only thing to keep in mind is that you control the volume. Singing bowls are not particularly loud.

More than just a nice sound, singing bowls have a special relaxing power. It is somewhat of a mystery how they do it.

The bowls produce multiple tones all at once: a low fundamental tone, a mid harmonic overtone and a high harmonic overtone.

All of the tones ring at their own volume, for their own length of time and with their own unique rhythmic pulsing, what I call warble.

Yet all of the tones also harmonize and sing together, producing a unified chord.

Furthermore, singing bowls produce a vibration that you can feel.

Whether it is the harmonic overtones or the vibration, or the complex experience combined, something about singing bowls causes a very special effect.

The effect is immediately relaxing, soothing and joyful. In fact, almost everyone smiles the first time they hear a singing bowl.

The vibration of singing bowls also impacts the environment. They make any room feel peaceful and comfortable. It is an amazing thing to experience.

The whole effect can be said to be healing. They promote such a good feeling that it can be a very powerful, lifechanging experience for many.

People heal. Singing bowls make pleasing sounds. The power of a singing bowl is to aid in your own process of healing. Sound in any form can be beneficial. Singing bowls are the most soothing and nicest sounding of any instrument. The only thing more effective is your own voice.

You can play the singing bowl either by striking it or playing it around the rim. Video instructions coming soon!

Antique singing bowls can be safely cleaned with Barkeeper's friend. It does leave fine scratches and will remove any color on the surface of the bowl.

A better option is full polishing. Unfortunately I do not have a polish to recommend as the museum polish I used for many years went out of business.

Before cleaning, please contact me with photos for advisement.

No - just dust them ocassionally. Play them regularly for your own benefit.

Singing bowls play all different notes. In my many years working with them, I have plotted a bell curve of the tones produced. The least common tones seem to be B and E. The most common tones seem to be A and F.

Absolutely. They clear any stray and lasting vibrations in an environment. They make any environment feel clear and peaceful. They are also effective to clear books, crystals and other objects.

Absolutely singing bowls contain no hazardous metals and are completely safe to use. The sound is gentle and the volume is never very loud. The exceptions are crystal bowls which can be extremely loud and potentially dangerous to your hearing. My antiques are completely safe.