“We become what we behold. We shape our tools, and then our tools shape us.” -Marshall McLuhan

Introduction:

Exploring the realm of sound healing 6 years ago has been a fascinating journey and continues to change my life day after day, and I'm sure like most people, it has its ways of bringing back my mind and soul’s inner peace.

With years of experience and knowledge at hand, I am so excited to share with you my personal favorites among the many brands and myriad of sound healing instruments I've tried!

These instruments go beyond mere melodies; they possess the power to resonate with our inner beings, offering a unique avenue for holistic well-being. From the ethereal tones of chimes to the grounding vibrations of ocean drums, each instrument on my list has a distinct character and therapeutic effect.

Join me as I uncover and share the profound impact these instruments have on our mental, emotional, and even physical states.

Fingers-crossed, among these items will hopefully become your new favorite!

Sound Healing Drums

1. REMO Buffalo Frame Hand Drum

I have this drum on 16” and 21”. Remo brand Buffalo vegan hide drum inspired by the frame drums of the Native American Cultures. It comes with a rope handle and a soft-tipped beater. Standard style with a plain white head so you can decorate it with your own muse or just leave it as is (Of course, I fully recommend you make it your own and add a hint of your personality).

Manufactured with Remo's Fiberskyn 3 drumhead and patented ACOUSTICON drum shell. Its shell produces the same tonal characteristic found on traditional wood shell drums with excellent projection and enhanced low-pitched fundamentals.

While a lot of healers play around with drums, I find that sometimes–they tend to give me anxiety especially since the drum is a loud percussion that targets our heartbeat. However, I must say that this drum is beautifully handcrafted and that the sound it omits is similar to the way it has been created and designed–with such care, and purpose. When it’s played with intention, it will create gorgeous sounds.

2. Ocean Drum: REMO Drum Lullaby Ocean Disc

This is the drum I personally use and love! It is definitely my favorite for its soft sounds. As I previously mentioned, drums can create a strong beat, and sometimes be triggering for a lot of people, especially when not played with intention. But with this Ocean Drum? I’m happy to announce you can never go wrong with this one. When I say, it can sing me to sleep in seconds— best believe I will get my REM sleep in no time with its soft beats.

The Lullaby Ocean Disc® features a soft, comfortable playing surface combined with a padded interior shell which provides a gentle whooshing, womb-like sound soft enough to soothe a baby to sleep.

Chimes

1. Zaphir Chime - Jeweled colored Winter Blue Moon (midnight blue)

Do know that they have 5 options based on the 5 elements and seasons but this is definitely my favorite! The Zaphir chimes have a more crystalline sound compared to the Koshi's but are a bit more delicate (my preference of course). It channels the winter season, where in many cultures is associated with resting and introspection.

Not only does it facilitate deep relaxation, it also allows you to replenish your energy reserves and restore balance within your body, and mind. Not to mention, the sound itself is so soothing it could put a crying baby to sleep.

2. TreeWorks Bar Chimes

My favorite chimes and I use it on every sound bath, somehow this is my most complimented chime by my clients as well. Given its reduced range, this chime is perfect for pieces that require shimmery textures.

By sweeping your hand across the bars you'll produce a brilliant twinkling sound that naturally fades and echoes away. It’s very easy to bring along with me on sessions, and it’s always the perfect hint of soothing to add to my sound baths.

3. Three Tone Chime

This chime is amazing when you want to garner back the attention of your clients, and if needed–maybe your kids as well.

Its chime is the perfect, long, and clear “DING” —a meditation chime that gives you the perfect calm sound for meditation moments that’s in need of clarity– giving you the feeling of a fresh and clean start/finish.

4. Kenari Seed Shell Chimes

I can’t believe these things even exist, and I managed to get my hands on it! If you’re a sound healer who loves to do their sessions by the beach, or near any body of water–this chime is definitely for you.

The sound is so unique, yet so soothing where the Kenari Seed Chimes are like metal bar chimes but with hollow seed shells that create a woody sound with crisp projection when running your hand through them — the sound is reminiscent of a flowing stream of water or a rainstick.

I had to wait a few months before I could purchase this beautiful chime due to it being sold out all the time, but hopefully with your luck, it’s available and ready to go.

5. Etched Flower of Life Tingsha

I just want to rave about this gorgeous handmade chime! It’s a Tibetan Tingshas, and these are traditionally used for meditation, ritual ceremonies, and as an elegant and powerful decorative element.

As said on its page, it indeed has a crisp sound that just etches its way onto your soul, perfect for the final touch you need to wrap a sound healing session all together.

Rattles

1. Cacho Gourd & Seed Pod Shaker

I just want to rave about this gorgeous handmade chime! It’s a Tibetan Tingshas, and these are traditionally used for meditation, ritual ceremonies, and as an elegant and powerful decorative element.

As said on its page, it indeed has a crisp sound that just etches its way onto your soul, perfect for the final touch you need to wrap a sound healing session all together.

2. Peruvian Amazon Gourd Rattle

This is a ceremonial rattle that’s also hand-crafted by artisans in the Peruvian Amazon. You can buy this in three different sizes, so the volume of the sound may differ per size. Shamans use rattles to guide us into entering a different space of healing, accessing other realms as mentioned on the site and shifting our energy.

For me, I find this rattle anchoring me in times where I feel light-headed and lost, it just has this way of cleansing negative energy and spiritual blockages every time I use it, and with its rhythmic sound, I feel more intertwined with my sessions.

Pyramid & Kalimba

1. Crystal Singing Pyramid- 10 inch

If you’re a sound healer, then you probably know that you need a good pyramid. But not just any old regular pyramid, one that could keep up with the tenderness and soothing sounds of your bowls. I found this pyramid months after practicing sound healing with my bowls, and let me just say that I never host a session without bringing this with me.

This has the characteristics and healing properties similar to singing bowls and gongs, but with a distinct feel – they have a noticeably higher vibration and lighter resonance than crystal singing bowls as mentioned on the site. For a tiny instrument, it manages to beautifully go along with my bowls.

2. Kalimba: - HOKEMA Sansula Renaissance

I like to call this one the “little hand piano”. When I’m in need of a quick pick-me-up, just a craving for some soothing sounds to calm me down or keep me company, this compact mini piano just gets me to a place of tranquility without hardly even trying. It’s easy, graceful, tiny, and produces serene sounds.

There you have it, and thank you so much for reading! I know that the transformative power of sound is truly remarkable, and while all sound-healing instruments are amazing with their own strengths. My list has stood the test of time, and has been an all-time favorite from my clients—and husband!

The instruments on this list aim to encourage thoughtful introspection and self-discovery as you connect within yourself so feel free to add them to your existing collection of sound-healing instruments. Among my personal favorites, the kalimba's melodic charm, the soothing whispers of the ocean drum, and the precise vibrations of tuning forks stand out. Each instrument contributes to a symphony of well-being, offering a unique experience for those seeking balance and harmony in their lives,

As you traverse the world of sound healing, please consider incorporating these instruments into your own wellness routine– I promise you, it will be a magnificent upgrade to your practice.

Of course, if you’re a beginner-–this list was meant to find you, hoping that it resonates with your needs and meets your goals as a rookie sound-healer. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at info@basilalchemy.com, I’d love to chat and find out your favorite!

If you're intrigued by the potential benefits of sound healing instruments, I encourage you to explore further.

Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer, the world of sound awaits your discovery. Embrace the harmonious journey, and perhaps, consider adding these instruments to your collection.

As I always say, your path to holistic well-being might just be a few resonant tones away.

All my love,

Thais ✨