Ollihess 60mm Rubber Lava Friction Mallet

Deep rumble. Textured contact.

This mallet features a firmer, rougher surface that interacts more aggressively with the gong. It is particularly effective at drawing out deeper, more grounded friction tones.

About Friction Mallets

Friction mallets are used by applying pressure and movement across the surface of a gong, rather than striking it. This technique draws out continuous tones, often experienced as rising, singing, or “whale-like” sounds.

Different materials and surface textures influence how the gong responds. Softer or tackier mallets tend to create smoother, higher tones, while harder or more textured mallets can access deeper, more rumbling frequencies.

Friction playing is highly responsive to touch. Small adjustments in pressure, speed, and placement can dramatically shift the sound, making these tools ideal for exploratory and immersive playing.

Best suited for: low, rumbling friction tones

Size:

Mallet Length: 8.5" / 21.6 cm
Mallet Head Diameter: 2" / 5.1 cm
Mallet Handle Thickness: .2" / 6 mm

In practice, it invites a slower, more grounded exploration, bringing forward the deeper voice of the gong through friction.