Differences between gong mallets and gong drivers

There are basically two methods to elicit the sound variety of a gong: rubbing or strike. Either gong mallets or gong drivers are used for this, which have various differences. We would like to explain these differences to you here. First and foremost, several questions need to be answered: Which gong do you own, which key do you want to achieve and whether you want to hold the notes for a longer period of time? All these and other characteristics are decisive for choosing the right gong mallet or gong driver.

Features of a gong mallet

A gong mallet is the most common tool used to make a gong vibrate. It is a kind of mallet that is covered with a fabric with which the gong is struck. Depending on the point of impact and the characteristics of the gong, different tones sound.

In terms of its visual and tactile appearance, the Mallet is significantly heavier and more solid than the friction mallet. It also makes a much more valuable and solid impression, as the style is more robust and thicker. In terms of weight, there are also various classifications of mallets. In principle, gong mallets can be used to play light to very low tones. Of course, it depends on the gong, the mallet, its characteristics and the technique. The point of impact is also decisive for the timbre. The gong mallet is also characterized by the deep sound carpet, which is not possible with a gong mallet.

What distinguishes ollihess mallets

Compared to competitor products, ollihess completely dispenses with various binding agents such as adhesives or similar in the manufacture of the Gong Mallets. Instead, the individual components are designed in such a way that they appear to be made from a single piece or, in some cases, are made from a single piece. The mallets are also ergonomically shaped so that nothing stands in the way of long hours of play. In addition, the colors in the head area are unique and real eye-catchers. As with all ollihess products, you can clearly feel and hear the incomparable quality that has gone into the development and construction.

Features of a gong driver

In contrast to the gong mallet, the gong reamer is much smaller and easier to handle. As the name suggests, the gong is rubbed with a mallet, while a mallet is struck against the gong. This also produces completely different sounds. While the sounds with a mallet are usually very sweeping, steady tones can be elicited from the gong with a gong mallet. Holding tones is also much easier with a reamer than with a mallet. 

Speaking of tones: a gong driver offers a very broad sound spectrum. From particularly bright frequencies to very low tones, you can reproduce almost all tones with a gong driver.

Why a gong driver from ollihess?

As with all our products, the quality of the gong grater is paramount. This starts with the materials of the graters. Our graters have a special material composition made of rubber or rubber. We will also be offering gong graters made of caoutchouc in the future. With these special materials, we guarantee that your gong will not be scratched and that you can elicit indescribable sounds from it.

Mallet or reamer?

Of course, in the end the question remains as to which is more sensible or better - the Gong Mallet or the friction mallet. The answer: both. Depending on the intended use and type of sound, either the mallet or the reamer may be the better choice. However, one thing is certain: the interplay between the two instruments produces enchanting and indescribable sounds. Especially when the reamer and mallet bear the name ollihess.