Working with Gongs #3: Superball Friction Mallets/Flumi

This video is now 11 years old. It was good for it's day, but I have a newer video (Jan 1, 2022) on Flumi playing here: • There's the Rub: Super... ~ MB 9/27/22
A look at some Superball Friction Mallets/Flumi on the Gong
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As always, you can find me at: www.gongtopia.com
While I make these videos all by myself, I need to thank both
Paiste cymbals sounds gongs - www.paiste.com
Balter Mallets - vicfirth.zildjian.com/mallets...
for their continued support. It means a lot to me and I don't take it lightly. Their gongs & mallets help me to realize the sounds that I hear in my head. I've been officially with Paiste for 20 years and Balter for 18 years, but I used their gongs & mallets for many years before that. So thanks again for your continuing support!
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If you have any questions, or any topics you would like to see me cover, put them in the comments below. ⬇︎
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I need to thanks those who have generously made a donation to this channel. These donations have helped me to improve the quality of my videos and I sincerely appreciate your support! This video was sponsored by myself. To help me create more videos, please consider a donation. Thanks! www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_... ☕︎

[@NATmusic27]

I think my neighbours are going to like this instrument

[@Gongtopia]

My neighbors are ecstatic about mine…

[@zelly8163]

Thank you so much. I appreciate your passion, one of the most amazing musical experiences was being let loose at a drum shop in Sydney Australia with two 32 inch Paiste Gongs, the first gongs I ever played and it was a slightly frightening yet exhilarating trip into Shambhala. I have a very humble rig myself yet use many of the same instruments. If I lived in the States would definitely make it to one of your workshops, so thank you for being on youtube

[@concepnin]

Literally sounds out of this world.

[@LuisGutierrezG123]

This is so cool!!

[@68PieceDrumKit]

Absolutely wonderful!!

[@danjf1]

Some freaky sounds - great!

[@mingwu4331]

Fantastic!

[@luzycaballero]

Fantastic sounds. Thank you!

[@Gongtopia]

You are very welcome.

[@bidder321]

That sounded freaking cool o_0

[@soundhealingbygene]

This is needed

[@MidnightLight.]

Informative - thanks!

[@raymondhorton9668]

Very helpful!

[@aloebeara]

This sounds like the sound effects from the original Star Trek. Way cool.

[@3243_]

Not to mention many a 1968-70 "Dark Star" or "Morning Dew" by the Grateful Dead.

[@berndschumannsvideos]

And thanks again...!

[@millionfye]

This makes me want to work on a film

[@carlile2316]

Thanks !

[@elsaanndo7720]

Great video thank you

[@Gongtopia]

You are welcome.

[@natbartels6184]

This makes me miss playing percussion in my undergraduate orchestra

[@Gongtopia]

Experimental percussion has been my thing since the early 1970s. I mean, percussion is so wide open that it begs you to experiment! Thanks for the comment.

[@snaidin]

Excellent! At the orchestra we have Ludwig gongs from the 1970's. Is it possible to find similar gongs to buy in the U.S.? Is there any classification fot those gongs? Thanks!

[@gongtopia7336]

If they are early 1970s then they are most likely Paiste Gongs, because Ludwig was the USA distributor. If they are from the mid-late 1970s, then they are Taiwan made Gongs that Ludwig imported after they dropped Paiste. The Taiwan Gongs are made of a rather soft brass/bronze (?) and I haven't seen them since the 1970s. I happen to have 2 of them. I have seen them on Ebay though. But you would be better off buying a Chinese made Chau or a Paiste.

[@joebleasdale5557]

Makes me think of Frasier’s jingle orchestra 😂

[@gongmaster9]

To my knowledge the friction technique is invented by a dutch guy in the 90's. he used rubber bouncing balls that children use on the street, using a nail as the stick to hold the ball. I am still using them since 2001,

[@Gongtopia]

I'm not sure who actually invented it, but I was shown the idea by a guy from Paiste many years ago. He also showed me how to make my own mallets from 'super balls,' which was way before any of the commercially made ones came out. I have an older instructional article on my website (gongtopia.com) about how to make your own. If you ever remember the Dutch guys name, post it here. Thanks! ~ MB

[@gongmaster9]

His name is Hans Uijleman as the first ever as far as I know, He used it to set the tone for his harmonic voice activation. Izzy Elk also Dutch was the second one, who used/developed in a more sound continuation, the flow so to say. I am the third one ( my truth) and the first "being guided" to amplify the cosmic energies of the moment,coming from the planets. at that specific day.. The masters of sound and energy "called" me to stay away from fame and fortune. so i could do what i had to do to be in service.

[@scherenschnitt6333]

In Germany and maybe in Nederlands we call rubberballs for children Flummi. There you have the origin of the name.

[@Si-Al-Ti]

sounds like a choir with some scary effect on.

[@RaigaYApsbrge]

ありがたい

[@ilyinigor497]

Клаааасс! Хочу такой!

[@PinoyConvergeTheGMAFan]

Bakit Hindi Siya Nag Barong Si Michael?

[@theguitarden6920]

How do you get it to sound so smooth? I've noticed for me, particularly with larger flumi, it sounds too much like what it is - a piece of rubber being dragged along the surface...!

[@Gongtopia]

It takes a lot of practice and keeping a steady pressure against the Gong. I like to hold it very close to the ball to have control over the pressure. I tend to use more pressure with smaller balls, less with larger. Each Gong will be different too, requiring you to learn how each one reacts to your touch.

[@ProfessorChocolateCake]

Try using violin rosin

[@phillong8013]

Hi Michael! I'm a paiste gong enthusiast and have a 60's 24" and 26" symphonic... I would love some input and recommendation for these types of friction mallets for the gongs I have and where I can find some. I'm virtually inexperienced with those types of mallets but really want to get into it! Any help would be appreciated! Phil

[@Gongtopia]

Friction mallets (aka Flumi)-you can make your own as I describe on my website: www.gongtopia.com/sound-chamber/friction-mallets.html You can also buy various types from Gong dealers around the world, like gongs unlimited (USA) or thomannmusic (Germany/Europe). etc. I have also written about them in my blog, 'The Way of the Gong'™ - thewayofthegong.blogspot.com/2019/12/gong-hacks-13.html - and other posts on mallets An easy starting point is to spend $20 on a set of Balter 'Super Rub' mallets (3 different sizes) and take it from there. As you gain experience, you will also understand the sounds you make more, and will find yourself gravitating towards certain ones. Then you will hear new sound in your mind and will need to explore to find out what & how to make them…

[@phillong8013]

@@Gongtopia Michael.. Hi and thanks so much for the reply and information! I'll check it out.. I agree... starting out with a $20 pair to get started is best.

[@Tamalain]

The large old ball made me think of the Doomsday Machine.

[@Gongtopia]

[Shhhhh! That's a secret!]

[@kalwidorntheimmortalcaptai2435]

👀

[@rantallion5032]

Excellent video but i was looking for "Working with Bongs" peace KOT

[@michaelsage74]

😂

[@russellcrawford7453]

How does one measure a GOG from the edges of the back to the other side?

[@Gongtopia]

Russell Crawford - Yes, measure your gong from the back, edge to edge. Because they are hand made, they diameter will often vary some. Most times the designated diameter is rounded up to the nearest inch: a 30” Gong may actually be only 29.65” in diameter.

[@TrashMojo]

I really want to get some friction mallets now.

[@gongmaster9]

Go to a shop that sells the children bouncing balls they use on the street, stick a nail in it, thats all ans much cheaper/better then this mallet stuff. I should know as i am using them since the invention of this techiique by a dutch gongplayer

[@yannbertho8863]

any infos concerning what frequencies ?

[@Gongtopia]

Do you mean specific frequencies when playing the flumies? Yes and no. I have found that each gong is different, so whereas one flumi will get a specific frequency on say, gong A, it may be a completely different frequency on gong B. Also, the sound/frequency can change from day to day on the same gong. Unless someone can play the exact same way, under the exact same conditions each time, there are too many variables to make flumi playing a precise art. For example, one of my main flumi gangs has decided to be 'different/difficult' the past month or so, and will not yield up the same sounds that it usually does. This has ben a problem in trying to compose for, and score, flumi parts. I can specify, "Use a 4.5mm flumi to produce a sustained C#," but it's nearly impossible for someone to recreate it as specified, because their gong (and even flumi) is different. SO I don't necessarily think in specific frequencies, but more in creating the best sounding frequency I can at any given time.

[@Keskusrikospoliisi]

wow its singing at 2:31

[@alisagracheva9997]

Would 26" gong also sound good with friction mallets? Or it's too small? What brand of gong do you recommend?

[@Gongtopia]

A 26” would work fine. Most gongs over 15/16” will work, but a lot depends on the gong. Smaller, lighter gongs might not be very stable and will move too much when you push on them, but 26” is big and heavy enough. It also comes down to your touch and technique. As for “What brand of gong,” it’s really about what gong speaks to you. A Paiste Symphonic, Chinese Chau or Wind, or something by one of the custom gong makers would be fine. A lot depends on your budget too. Try to play some different ones if you can to get an idea of what type of sound you are attracted to. I hope this helps!

[@alisagracheva9997]

@@Gongtopia Thank you so much for a detailed response! I appreciate your time and expertise! :)

[@alisagracheva9997]

Gongtopia I am sorry to bug you again... I received the gong, i ordered Chao, and when it’s hanging, it’s not fully vertical. Is it a defect? Should it be hanging directly down, or it’s normal for the gongs to NOT be exactly vertical? Thank you for your time 🙏🙏

[@Gongtopia]

@@alisagracheva9997 Sorry that I didn't see this sooner. I've been locked away in my studio working on a new project. Most gongs should essentially hang 'vertical.' But depending on how they are drilled for the cords, and the weight/shape of the gong, they may hang a bit off of vertical. This shouldn't affect the sound any. If it sounds good and plays well, it should be no problem. If you have concerns, contact who you bought it from. (Realize I'm commenting having not seen the gong or a photo of it.)

[@alisagracheva9997]

@@Gongtopia Thank you so much for taking the time to reply! You are so wonderful! Your knowledge and expertise are appreciated greatly!

[@ricucci-hillmusic]

I loved this demonstration but I would have appreciated the gong to be stopped before each try.

[@Gongtopia]

Well, you can't have everything. Part of the idea is the continuum of the sound. Maybe next video…

[@desoliver9712]

Does it work on Tam-tams

[@JohnLRice]

Yes, in fact in this video Michael IS using a tam-tam! ;-)

[@shuttlebugrecords]

Would this trick work on a wind gong aswell?

[@JohnLRice]

Yes! hhhmm, 6 years ago, I hope you've tried it by now! ;-)

[@gongmaster9]

yes also windgongs do the trick, as they are of less weight one pushes the gong more backward, so ultimite pressure/friction can not be achieved

[@diogosaraiva5230]

@@JohnLRice The shape of the gong surface influence it? Flumies work better on a symphonic gong or on an earth gong? (Suppose they are the same size) Also, nepalese gongs respond very well to friction mallets. Thank you

[@davon233]

This the sound I been hearing and everyone callin it the Jesus trumpets

[@Gongtopia]

I prefer Buddha Bugles…

[@BenjaminBuchanan]

It'd be more helpful if it was muted before each demonstration.

[@jamesohara4295]

Rubber is organic and the way to keep it in good condition is to wash it with high sented soap

[@Gongtopia]

These are all (at least the ones that I’ve used) synthetic compounds, not rubber. I keep them in zip-loc bags to keep them clean and from drying out.

[@jamesohara4295]

@@Gongtopia Mm, apparently that's about all you can do is keep them from drying out, but you do know you can make your own, I doubt if this is as good as the super ball material, but you can make your own balls if not coat your mallets with the stuff, sciencebob.com/make-your-own-bouncy-ball/ kzbin.info/www/bejne/pX7Oqn9pqJ6Ffas

[@Gongtopia]

@@jamesohara4295 I've been making my own friction mallets for 20+ years now. I use commercially made balls of various types. I'm not sure of the quality of the borax based balls. It's a big project to get things right and create the right sized molds, etc. I know people who have tried-some had good results, others, well… www.gongtopia.com/sound-chamber/friction-mallets.html

[@jamesohara4295]

@@Gongtopia Wish I had the wherewithal to house one of these things :( Trawling the internet for a synthesizer gong, [ yeah, I know :) ], found this, kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKXblmZnf6ukgLc

[@Gongtopia]

@@jamesohara4295 Interesting. I was doing that with a MOOG back in the late 1970s when I was doing a lot of electronic music.

[@joefender9836]

How to write notation it ?

[@Gongtopia]

Something like this is very tricky to notate. There are 3 ways I would do it: 1) Using standard notation, notate the length of the sound, then write out a description of how the sound should vary - “Keep the sound steady, building it up,” or “Vary the sound thinking of ‘waves’ rather than a steady stream of sound.” Or just designate the time and leave it up to the player what to play during that time. 2) Use verbiage only, describing the type of sound/effect desired and offer reference points: “Start just after the clarinet enters and play until the gong hit.” 3) You could also use graphic notation of some sort describing pitch, duration m& movement. The composer could get very specific as to what instruments are used: “Use a 30” Paiste Symphonic Gong and a Bear Love #6 Flumi mallet,” or leave it up to whatever the player has available.

[@joefender9836]

@@Gongtopia Mr do you have email ? I Will try to write the notation after that I will send you to check my notation. Correct or no

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

I think I've just discovered the real reason why whales are beaching themselves.

[@anargiros]

if you .....can see ,,,,you can se your mistake......if........

[@matycee]

hey wait....you said it wasn't gonna move.

[@sebastianzaczek]

It Wouldn't move too much that it's an issue, smaller gongs will move more, larger ones will move less

[@soundhealingbygene]

Ill build a blasterbeam if more people followed my channel i do this too

[@victormanuel369]

A door to the Hell.

[@Gongtopia]

More like a portal…

[@wendymasters2115]

It is helping my pain is helping lion gruad i think flui can sound comes out and It is comeing out jack and flui

[@wendymasters2115]

It is loud 😨😭😨😬😦😫😯😦😩😰😨😦😭😦👽👾😦👾👽👾👽👽👾👾👾👾👾💩👾😛😡😱😿🙈😇😷😈😾😼😻🙎🙊😡😰😾🙉😡😜🙀😾😨😹😼🙀😰😺😸👱😠

[@faithite]

sound like creepy whale. >< but wonderful.

[@anargiros]

,,,,you do big mistakes

[@Gongtopia]

anargiros karytianos - Thank you…