Types and Patterns

Every Sounding Bowl is individually hand made. For ease of specifying I have selected various designs that have proven popular and listed them below. Should you wish to specify something special or a different number of strings, just phone and talk it over with me.

Tuning on the parallel strung Sounding Bowls is exceptionally reliable, sometimes holding true for many weeks. The fan strung Sounding Bowls, though still more reliable than a guitar or violin are less robust than the parallel strung ones. All Sounding Bowls are strung with Phosphor Bronze wound guitar strings. Replacements are available locally or from me.

Fan strung Sounding Bowls are deeper in body than the parallel strung ones. Their tone is rich and intimate, drawing the player into a more contemplative space than the parallel strung Sounding Bowls whose tone is more inclusive and social in its effect.

The largest Sounding Bowl is about 27” (70cm.) in diameter. With two full octaves on its fifteen parallel strings, it has a very rich sound and long sustained notes. Commonly tuned to Aeolian mode or an A key. other tunings are possible.

The parallel strung ten string bowl is one of the most popular models. It has a lyrical tone and is light enough for most people to hold or to rest on a lap while playing. At 19” (49cm) diameter it is tuned either to a GAB pentatonic with two full octaves (from G-e) or in the diatonic mode from B-d.

The small parallel strung bowl has seven strings giving a nice range from g-e in the pentatonic scale. This is a very simple bowl to play and hold, lightweight and small at less than 13” (35cm) diameter. It’s bright and gentle tone appeals particularly to the less experienced player.
I also do an eight string bowl in this series.

Cross Strung Sounding Bowls have two sets of strings in a medium shallow bowl. The left hand set is fan pattern and tuned to chords. The right hand set passes partly over the left set and is tuned sequentially. This allows the left hand to accompany a tune played with the right. These are available in twelve string(21 inch) and seventeen string (24 inch) versions.

Two sizes of fan strung Sounding Bowls are popular. The ten string is about 18”(46cm) diameter. Tuning is most commonly diatonic in D from B-d. The Balinese pentatonic bi-lateral tuning is an exciting option.
The seven string fan strung Sounding Bowl is usually about 15” (39cm) diameter and tuned to a pentatonic scale. Eight string diatonic versions are also possible.

The underside of the parallel strung Sounding Bowls is now hand carved. Feedback from customers of carved bowls was so positive that I have made this standard from Sounding Bowl No.100 on. The texture of carving is an added sensory experience when handling such a beautiful instrument.

Each Sounding Bowl is supplied in a case which is craftsman made to the same high standards as the instrument. Keeping your Sounding Bowl in it’s case protects both wood and strings from premature ageing. For transportation these beautiful shaped cases offer secure protection at minimum weight. Those who need to entrust their Sounding Bowls to baggage handlers may like to use a sturdy cloth bag over the carrying case.

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