Gongs
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About Gongs
Gongs — those large, flattened discs of tuned metal we drummers can’t keep our hands off — have their roots in 6th-century ceremonial services in China, Java, and Indonesia. Today, you’ll find gongs suspended on stands in band rooms, mounted behind large, prog-rock drum kits, and used in wellness sessions across the globe. Whatever your purposes, you’ll find gongs of all sizes and prices at Sweetwater.
Shop for Gongs by Brand
Are you looking for a particular brand of gong? Use the Brand filters on the left side of our page to quickly narrow down your search. Dream gongs, Meinl gongs, gongs from Paiste, Sabian, Zildjian, and Wuhan — they’re all just a click away.
Gong FAQs
How Do You Play a Gong?
Gongs are large plates of metal with lots of inertia behind them. If you whack a gong from a resting state, you may end up cracking it or damaging its tonal properties. The proper way to play a gong is to “charge it” by gently tapping around the edges with a soft mallet to build up a base vibration. Then, once the molecules are in motion, you’re free to unleash the beast. Sweetwater’s advice: never play too hard on a gong or strike it dead center. You’ll get the sweetest tone using a medium strike halfway between the center and edge of the gong.
Just for fun: Here’s Sven Meier of Paiste demonstrating advanced gong techniques on a massive, 80-inch Paiste symphonic gong!
What Are Gongs Used For?
Gongs were first used for ceremonial rituals in East and Southest Asia. Historic gongs were mainly of the bossed (raised center) or bowl varieties and were typically crafted from bronze, brass, or copper. Today, however, most gongs sold at Sweetwater are flat in the center to promote a more complex tone and supply that classic “bullseye” look. Most gongs are made from cymbal bronze, though other alloys are used as well.
Gongs Versus Tam-tams: What’s the Difference?
The flat, suspended discs most of us drummers know as “gongs” are, in reality, tam-tams. This instrument rose in popularity in symphonic music in the 1800s onward — examples including Puccini’s Madama Butterfly and various Wagner operas — and, as a result, later broke into progressive forms of rock and metal. The tam-tam’s flatness is believed to produce a richer harmonic balance and less of a defined pitch than traditional bossed gongs. Semantically speaking, the term “tam-tam gong” is incorrect. But, honestly, without clarifying “gong,” 90% of audiences might assume you’re talking about Girl Scout cookies or a popular European cartoon character.
Are Gongs Cymbals?
Gongs and cymbals share many similarities. For example, both instruments are often round, thin discs of bronze or musical alloys that have been hammered into shape to produce a desired sound. To confuse the matter, most gongs today are produced by popular cymbal makers. That said, gongs and cymbals are musically distinct, and you’re likely to get strange looks from orchestral percussionists and forum users if you refer to your new gong as your “gong cymbal.”
Get Started with Your New Gong!
Ready to purchase your first or next gong or tam-tam? Sweetwater makes it easy. If you don’t know where to begin, reach out to our highly knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700. They’ll help you choose the right gong for you!
If you prefer to shop entirely online, Sweetwater’s website has tools to narrow down your gong choices based on your desired specs, such as the brand, price range, gong size, and more. Select your preferred specs in our convenient product filter and explore your options!
What are the most popular brands for Gongs on Sweetwater.com?
What are the most popular Gongs on Sweetwater.com?
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Paiste 32 inch Symphonic Gong
4 out of 5 stars 1 review
$2,000.00 -
Wuhan 32-inch Hand-hammered Chau Gong
5 out of 5 stars 1 review
$1,374.43 -
Zildjian 24-inch Wind Gong - Etched Logo
5 out of 5 stars 1 review
$479.95 -
Meinl Sonic Energy CH-TT30 30-inch Chau Tam Tam Gong
5 out of 5 stars 1 review
$1,199.99 -
Dream 20-inch Black Dot Chau Gong
5 out of 5 stars 2 reviews
$274.99
Why shop Gongs at Sweetwater.com?
With a massive selection of Gongs, free shipping, a free 2-year warranty, 24/7 access to award-winning support - and more - Sweetwater gives you more than any other retailer! If you have any questions about Gongs, make sure to give your personal Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700.
