More sounds using a bow, this time on various bronze discs.

One sound I love is bowed Sound Discs. These are very thick, heavy discs made by Paiste. They are like a Crotale without the cup. By bowing them on the edge you get a beautiful high tone that is quite ethereal.

Below is the track, Aurora Borealis, from my CD, Stars Show The way,

played on bowed Sound Discs.

Next is bowing a large Symphonic or Chau type Gong, Play the bow on the back of the turned edge. It can be flat or angled a bit - experiment for the best sound.

Another view from the back.

The track below is, Dark Sun, from my CD, Stars Show The Way. It is a 32” Paiste Symphonic Gong played with a bow and large mallet.

You can also easily bow cymbals by pulling the bow across the cymbal’s edge.

You can also bow small, hand held objects like this Cup Chime.

Top photo, Patters 2, and all other photos, © 2008 Michael Bettine

All sound examples © 2002 Michael Bettine

Back