Chapter 2
Practical Considerations:
Budget: Set a realistic budget before you start shopping. Prices range widely. If you're on a budget, avoid overly expensive bowls unless you're specifically seeking unique craftsmanship or rare materials. Mid-priced crystal singing bowls often offer similar resonance and quality as higher-priced options, providing better value. Keep in mind alchemy bowls are going to be double, if not triple the price of a crystal bowl.
Buying Online vs. In-Person: Both have pros and cons. Online offers more variety and generally lower prices, but in-person allows you to test the sound firsthand. If buying online, look for shops with clear return policies.
Building a Budget-Friendly Set:
Prioritize the notes you need most for your practice or purpose. Start with those and gradually add others as your budget allows. At first, consider notes that play well together and are not going to create dissonance. C, E, G are a great combination, especially in the lower octaves.
Consider buying individual bowls from different brands or sources to save money. This might require more patience and research, but it can lead to a unique and affordable set.
Be open to different octaves: You might find a beautiful F note bowl in a lower octave than you initially wanted, but it could still complement your set and offer a rich, deep tone.
Be aware that building a full set might mean acquiring bowls in octaves that aren't your ideal preference, such as higher-pitched notes. A typical set from my experience includes the following: G4 or 5, A4 or A5, B4, C4, D4, E4, F4. As a result, notes E, F, and G are typically high.
If you are looking for just a few notes, C4, E4, and G3 is a beautiful combination.
Larger bowls typically produce deeper tones, while smaller bowls are higher pitched. That said, larger bowls are usually more expensive, so you will need to consider if the deeper note is worth the investment.
Research: Read reviews and compare prices before making a purchase.
Condition: If buying used, carefully inspect for cracks or damage. Ultimately, I do not recommend buying used online unless the seller is reputable.
Return Policy: Always check the seller's return policy in case the bowl doesn't meet your needs when it arrives.