Why you need a set of two mallets

Have you just immersed yourself in the colorful world of gong playing? Or have you already gained some playing experience and would like to develop further? Then now is the right time to find out why you should own more than just one mallet in the long term.

What trees and playing the gong have in common

When Olli wants to make the sound of a gong tangible for others, he likes to use the image of a tree: the gong and the mallets are the roots of the tree and therefore the stable basis from which everything grows. So when you start working on your gong, you start building the sound right here - in the roots. With a large mallet, you create a clear or very deep sound on your gong that is so powerful and impressive that - like the strong trunk of a tree - it can hardly be hugged. Once the trunk is upright, you begin to "open up" the branches: from the somewhat thicker ones that start directly at the trunk - to the fine ramifications that reach high into the sky. Small mallets allow you to let these fine branches grow. They produce light and bright tones and allow a whole range of sound variations in addition to the deep base tone.

@Jamie Bechtold

Why you need two different gong mallets

As you may have already noticed, it makes a huge difference whether you use a high-quality gong mallet or opt for a lower-quality model. A well-made mallet with carefully selected materials not only enables you to produce a finer sound - it also prevents back or arm fatigue and ensures that you can enjoy playing for a long time. Once you have found the perfect mallet for you and your instrument, that's half the battle. Beginners often start with just one mallet. This makes sense, especially if you want to gain initial experience and find out how to use the mallet correctly on a gong. Once you have done this, you will quickly realize that you want more. Especially if you have a gong with a diameter of 20 to over 80 inches - you want more sound variety, more flexibility, a different feel or perhaps a new look.

 

That's why you should have a set of at least two different mallets:

• More sound variety - from deep and rumbling tones to airy, light and bright tones
• More or less rhythm, which you can control better with smaller mallets, for example
• More flexibility and overall more fun playing your gong
• More variety for your hands thanks to a different feel
• More for the eye - simply through a new look or an unusual design
• More relaxation, because you can switch between light and heavy mallets

In order to experience the full range of sounds on a gong, it is essential to use another mallet with different specifications. Because only if you use two very different mallets can you get to know your gong and its diversity in its entirety.

Use a large mallet to produce the low and grolly tones on your gong. It allows you to hold the base. A small gong mallet also allows you to produce light and airy sounds. Mid and overtones enliven your sound play enormously. If you combine the two mallets with each other, the result is a wonderful, comprehensive sound.

Olli Hess

Why two identical gong mallets are also more fun

But it's not always two different mallets that bring even more joy and variety to your sound practice. Playing with two identical gong mallets can also make a big difference to your playing experience. Many gong players find it particularly pleasant to hold two identical mallets in their hands. Not only does it feel more balanced, but it also looks very aesthetically pleasing when playing. 

@Kanti Freeman

Which gong mallets should I own as a beginner?

As a beginner, you can of course try out a mallet first. This way you can explore your instrument and find out in practice what your gong playing still needs. If it's the high, clear tones or perhaps you want more rhythm, then you can discover new sides to your gong with the ollihess professional gong mallet move line edition, for example. If you fancy a new kind of playing experience with a super light mallet for large gongs, then the professional gong mallet lite 100 or lite 200 are good for a surprise.

Everything in the ollihess professional gong mallet set

Do you want all the possibilities immediately and virtually no limits to your playing practice? Then we have just the thing for you: With the ollihess professional gong mallet set, almost any sound is possible - from clear and very fine tones to deep and voluminous ones. The set consists of four mallets, which differ in length, head diameter and weight. We have developed the handle and head individually for each mallet and matched them perfectly. You can create a completely individual and distinctive sound with every single mallet. No matter what you choose - as long as you keep moving, try things out and set no limits to your creativity, you will rediscover your instrument again and again. Olli also has a fitting image to finish with: let your gong roll down a long street - in your mind, of course. The gong is "worked" from all sides, there is no pause. You should proceed in exactly the same way when playing the gong: Always keep moving, work your gong over the entire surface and discover the different facets.