If you know why this happens, its very simple to avoid it. The key to using the correct technique is this – these crystal bowls, they literally “throw” the sound. this means the sound waves intensify the further away they travel from the bowls. Depending on the quality of the crystal, the volume can be 10x louder, for those who are further away from the bowls.
Not all instruments have this effect. It’s due to the amplifying effect of the quartz crystal combined with the curved almost tunnel shape of the bowls. I know this because its the same with the guitarist in the rock band I play in. (I am the keyboard player)
He can be playing on stage at top volume and people 3 metres away are getting their ears blasted, but he’s not. He uses a valve amp which is old style, with the sound going through clear crystal tubes. He told me about this years ago.
So with crystal bowls, less is best, keep your playing soft and you won’t hurt peoples ears or give anyone headaches. If you want folks to keep returning to your sound baths, don’t overplay your crystal bowls.
Sharon Quigley
Founder & Principal
International Academy of Sound Therapy