Frequently asked questions
What a bowl is, how to choose one, how to make it sing, and everything that happens after you order. If yours is not here, just ask us.
What is a singing bowl?
A singing bowl is a handcrafted metal bowl that produces a rich, resonant tone when struck or rubbed around the rim with a mallet. Rooted in Himalayan tradition, singing bowls are used today for meditation, sound healing, yoga and relaxation.
How do I play a singing bowl?
There are two ways to play a singing bowl. To strike it, tap the outside gently with the padded end of the mallet for a clear bell tone. To make it sing, hold the mallet like a pen, press it firmly against the outer rim, and circle slowly and steadily until a continuous tone builds.
Which mallet should I use?
Use the bare wooden side for rimming and a brighter, clearer tone. Use a suede or felt-covered mallet for striking and a softer, warmer sound. Larger bowls often sound best with a heavier, padded mallet.
How do I play tingsha?
To play tingsha, hold the strap in the middle so the two cymbals hang freely. Then gently tap their edges together, either horizontally or at a slight angle. Let them ring out fully without touching each other again. A light touch gives the purest, longest tone.
Why won't my singing bowl sing?
If your singing bowl won't sing, the cause is almost always technique, not the bowl. Slow down, press the mallet more firmly, and keep even contact with the rim. Strike the bowl once first to start it resonating, then begin circling. A rattling or buzzing sound usually means you're moving too fast.
Do I need a singing bowl set for beginners?
No. One good singing bowl is enough for beginners and for personal meditation practice. Singing bowl sets tuned to different notes are mainly for sound healers and practitioners who run layered sound baths.
Can I play a singing bowl if I'm a complete beginner?
Absolutely. Start by gently striking the bowl and listening to the tone, then practice rimming for a few minutes a day. Most people get a steady singing tone within a week of short practice sessions.
What is a gong used for?
A gong is a large hand-hammered metal instrument that produces deep, powerful waves of sound. Gongs are used in sound baths, meditation, sound healing and ceremonies, because their rich, layered vibration can be felt through the whole body and helps listeners relax deeply.
What is a Tibetan bell and dorje?
A Tibetan bell (ghanti) and dorje (vajra) are a traditional pair of ritual objects in Tibetan Buddhism. The bell represents wisdom and the dorje represents compassion, and they are used together in prayer and meditation. The bell can be rung by gently rotating it or played like a singing bowl by circling a stick around its rim.
Where are your singing bowls made?
All our singing bowls are made in Nepal, in our own workshop using traditional techniques passed down through generations. You're welcome to visit and hear the collection in person.
What size singing bowl should I buy?
Small singing bowls (9–12 cm) have a higher, brighter tone and travel well. Medium bowls (13–15 cm) balance a clear tone with a fuller, longer resonance, which makes them the most versatile choice for a first singing bowl. Large bowls (16 cm and up) give a deeper note you feel as much as hear, and are usually preferred for sound healing.
What note should my singing bowl be?
There's no single “right” note for a singing bowl, so the best choice is a tone that feels good to you. Lower notes feel grounding and calming, while higher notes feel lighter and more uplifting. Because every singing bowl is handmade, we can't guarantee an exact pitch. If you'd like a specific note, let us know and we'll search our collection and ship you the closest match.
Which singing bowl is for which chakra?
Chakra singing bowls are commonly matched by note: C for root, D for sacral, E for solar plexus, F for heart, G for throat, A for third eye and B for crown. Tell us which chakra you'd like to work with and we'll find a singing bowl as close to that note as possible.
Hand-hammered vs machine-made singing bowls: what's the difference?
Hand-hammered singing bowls are shaped by artisans striking the metal thousands of times. This creates richer layered overtones, a longer sustain and a unique character in every bowl. Machine-made singing bowls are cast or spun, so they are more uniform and less expensive, but they usually have a simpler, shorter tone. Visible hammer marks are the easiest way to recognize a genuine hand-hammered bowl.
What payment methods do you accept?
Major international credit and debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Shop Pay, all handled securely at checkout.
Can I cancel my order after placing it?
Within 24 hours of placing it, yes — contact us directly. Once the parcel has shipped it cannot be cancelled, though you may still request a return if it arrives damaged.
Do you sell gift cards?
Yes, in $50, $100, $200 and $500, delivered by email within minutes. Tick ‘send as a gift’ on the gift card page to add the recipient’s email, a message and the date you want it to arrive. Nothing ships, and the card can be spent on any bowl, gong or tingsha.
Do you sell wholesale?
Yes. We supply studios, shops and practitioners at wholesale pricing. Send us your requirements and we will come back with a quote and lead time.
How much is shipping?
Free worldwide on orders over $100 USD. Below that: within Asia, $15 standard or $30 express; outside Asia, $25 standard or $50 express. We ship with DHL, FedEx, Aramex, UPS or SF Express, depending on where you are.
How long will my order take?
Orders are packed within 2–3 business days of payment, and we do not ship on weekends or public holidays. Delivery then takes 5–10 business days within Asia (3–7 express) and 7–14 outside Asia (5–10 express).
How do I track my package?
Once your order ships you get a confirmation email with a tracking number, usually live within 24 hours. Track it on the courier’s website, or write to us and we will check for you.
Will I pay customs or duties?
Possibly. Your country may charge import duties, taxes or clearance fees; these are paid by the buyer and are not included in our prices. We cannot control delays caused by customs processing.
What if it arrives damaged?
Every piece is inspected and packed by hand, but if something arrives damaged or incomplete, tell us within 48 hours of delivery with clear photos and your order number, then send your full return request within 7 days. Keep all the packaging for the courier’s inspection.
What is your return policy?
We accept returns only if the product is damaged or defective on arrival. The item must be unused, in its original packaging and in the same condition as received. Returns are not accepted for change of mind, and return shipping is the buyer’s responsibility unless the item was damaged or incorrect.
Do you offer exchanges?
If your bowl arrives damaged or incorrect we will arrange a replacement or a full refund, whichever you prefer, at no extra cost. We do not offer exchanges by choice — if you simply want a different bowl, return the item and place a new order.
How do I clean a singing bowl?
To clean a singing bowl, wipe it with a soft, dry cloth after use to remove fingerprints and moisture. For deeper cleaning, wash it gently with warm water and a little mild soap, then dry it completely right away to prevent tarnish. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive scrubbers and the dishwasher, since they can damage the finish and hand-hammered details. A natural patina over time is normal and doesn't affect the sound.
Our full guide to using and caring for your singing bowl covers everyday and deep cleaning, storage, and when polishing will do more harm than good.
How do I remove tarnish or dark spots from my singing bowl?
Start with warm water and a drop of mild soap, then dry the bowl thoroughly. For stubborn marks on a newer bowl, a light metal polish used sparingly will help. Don't use polish on antique bowls, as it strips the natural patina.
Can I put water in my singing bowl?
Yes. A little water inside the bowl creates dancing ripples when you play it and slightly changes the pitch. Empty the bowl and dry it completely as soon as you finish, so no water spots or tarnish form.
How should I store my singing bowl?
Keep it on its cushion or in a padded case, in a dry room away from direct sunlight. When storing several bowls together, place a soft cloth between them to prevent scratches.
Can singing bowls, gongs or tingsha break?
Our instruments are very durable, but singing bowls, gongs and tingsha can crack or dent if dropped on a hard floor or struck too forcefully with a hard object. Keep singing bowls on their cushion, hang gongs securely on a stand, and play everything with a gentle touch to keep the tone clear for years.
How long does a singing bowl last?
A well-made singing bowl can last a lifetime and is often passed down through generations. Hand-hammered Himalayan singing bowls are made from durable metal that doesn't wear out with regular playing. Many players even feel a bowl's tone warms and opens up the more it's played. With basic care, such as keeping it dry, cushioned and away from hard falls, your singing bowl will keep singing for decades.
Still not sure which bowl is yours?
Write to us in Kathmandu and a person who has held these bowls will answer — usually the same day.

