A More Personal Way to Choose an Instrument

Sound instruments are highly individual. Two singing bowls or gongs of a similar size may look alike yet sound and respond very differently.

A Studio Visit gives you the opportunity to hear those differences for yourself, compare suitable instruments side by side and make a considered choice based on the actual instrument rather than photographs or specifications alone.

You may be choosing your first singing bowl, adding to an established collection or searching for a particular gong, tone or character. No previous experience is necessary and there is no expectation that you will make a purchase.

We would rather you leave without an instrument than choose one that is not right for you.

Explore Our Instrument Collection

Our Machynlleth studio holds a much larger collection than we are able to show online, including:

• More than 200 Himalayan Singing Bowls

• Original Singing Gongs in a range of sizes and styles

• Giant and specialist singing bowls

• Bells, tingshas and cymbals

• Mallets and other specialist sound instruments

We can help you compare fundamental tones, overtones, sustain and responsiveness, or explore instruments that complement those you already own.

Playing the Instruments During Your Visit

You are welcome to play and compare appropriate instruments as part of the selection process, using the mallets provided and following our guidance on handling.

Some specialist playing tools require experience and careful technique. Professional Flumies are therefore normally demonstrated by Craig or Jacquie and are not available for general or exploratory use during a Studio Visit.

If you are already an experienced Flumie practitioner, please let us know. Appropriate use may be possible at our discretion.

This allows you to hear the full capabilities of a gong while protecting specialist equipment and the instruments themselves.

Explore Himalayan Singing Bowls
Explore Original Singing Gongs

Guidance Rather Than Teaching

A Private Studio Visit is an instrument consultation, not a lesson.

Our role is to help you listen, compare and make an informed choice. We can demonstrate an instrument, explain its characteristics and suggest appropriate mallets or accessories, but the appointment does not include structured tuition or technique development.

The studio collection is also not available for personal practice, rehearsal or casual drop-in playing.

If you would like to learn or develop singing bowl, gong or Flumie techniques, these are offered separately through our Creative Sound Workshops and one-to-one mentoring.
Creative Sound Workshops.

Specialist Sound Instruments

The studio also holds a changing collection of specialist Himalayan and acoustic sound instruments, including bells, tingshas, cymbals, mallets and unusual instruments selected for their tonal and creative possibilities.

Explore All Instruments

Who Are Studio Visits For?

Private appointments are suitable for:

• Sound practitioners and therapists

• Musicians and composers

• Meditation and yoga teachers

• Workshop facilitators

• Existing bowl and gong players

• People purchasing their first instrument

• Collectors seeking a particular tone or character

• Anyone who values careful listening and personal guidance

You do not need specialist knowledge before visiting. Appointments can be adapted to your experience, interests and intended use.

Your Visit

Studio Visits are complimentary, available by prior appointment only and can last for up to two hours.

Before visiting, please tell us which instruments you are interested in so that we can prepare an appropriate selection wherever possible.

To help protect the instruments and maintain the listening environment, we also ask visitors to remove rings, watches and bracelets before handling instruments and to avoid strongly scented perfumes or oils.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

Before your visit, you can tell us which instruments you are considering and whether you have particular tonal, practical or budget requirements. We will prepare an appropriate selection wherever possible.

During the appointment, you will be able to:

• Hear individual instruments demonstrated

• Listen to and compare instruments side by side

• Experience how they respond to suitable mallets and Flumies

• Compare fundamental tones, overtones and sustain

• Discuss size, weight, portability and intended use

• Ask practical questions about care, handling and accessories

• Receive guidance based on your existing instruments and requirements

The appointment is intended to support instrument exploration and selection. It does not include structured tuition or instruction in playing techniques.

Appointments are private and strictly by advance booking.

Remote Instrument Consultations

We understand that travelling to Mid Wales is not always possible.

If you are looking for a particular instrument but cannot visit the studio, please contact us to arrange a telephone or video consultation. We can discuss your requirements, demonstrate suitable instruments and provide recordings or additional information where practical.

A remote consultation cannot fully reproduce the experience of hearing an instrument in person, but it can provide considerably more guidance than choosing from a product listing alone.

Request a Remote Consultation

Visiting Machynlleth

The Silence In Sound studio is based in Machynlleth, Powys, within the landscape of Mid Wales.

Machynlleth is accessible by road and rail and has a range of independent accommodation, cafés and places to visit. Many customers combine their studio appointment with a short stay in the area.

Full directions and practical information are provided after booking.

Plan Your Visit to Machynlleth

Book Your Private Studio Visit

Studio visits are available by appointment only and must be booked in advance through our website.

Please include a brief note about the instruments you are interested in so that we can prepare appropriately for your visit.

Book a Private Studio Visit

For questions before booking, contact us directly or use the Ask us on WhatsApp button.