The ultimate guide to gongs

A gong is a large, circular metal percussion instrument played using a mallet. Unlike a cymbal, which generally produces a more immediate and defined attack, a gong can develop and evolve after it's struck, producing layers of resonance, harmonics and sustain.

Gongs are used in an incredibly wide range of settings. They're found in orchestras and film scores, used by bands to create dramatic swells, and are also popular in meditation, yoga and sound-bath environments. The right gong depends heavily on what you want to use it for, as different designs, sizes and materials can produce very different sounds.

There are several broad categories of gong, although there's plenty of crossover between them.

Symphonic Gongs

Symphonic gongs are perhaps the most recognisable type in Western orchestral and musical settings. They're generally large, complex-sounding instruments capable of producing powerful swells, deep fundamental tones and a huge amount of sustain.

They're available in a wide range of sizes, with larger models generally producing a deeper and more expansive sound. A 32" symphonic gong is often considered a particularly useful starting point, offering a good balance between sound, portability and price.

Planetary Gongs

Planetary gongs are tuned around specific frequencies associated with the planets, moon or other celestial bodies. They're particularly popular for meditation, sound therapy and wellness applications, but can also be used as musical instruments.

Both Paiste and Meinl offer extensive planetary-tuned ranges, with each gong providing its own tonal character and frequency.

Wind Gongs

Wind gongs, sometimes known as Feng gongs, have a flatter profile than traditional Chau gongs and generally feature little or no raised rim.

They can produce bright, explosive attacks alongside long, shimmering decays, making them particularly effective for atmospheric playing and sound therapy.

chau Gongs

Chau gongs feature a distinctive raised rim around their edge and are traditionally associated with Chinese gong manufacture.

They can produce a powerful initial attack followed by a broad, resonant decay, making them useful in both musical and ceremonial settings.

Sound Creation & Speciality Gongs

There are also plenty of gongs designed specifically to create unusual tonal experiences. These can include chakra gongs, decorative gongs, sound-creation models and other specially tuned instruments.

These are particularly popular for sound therapy and meditation, but there's nothing stopping you from incorporating them into a musical setup if you like the sound they produce.

Size has a major influence on the character of a gong.

Smaller gongs tend to offer a brighter, quicker response and are easier to transport, making them a practical choice for smaller spaces or players building a collection.

Larger gongs generally produce deeper, darker and more powerful tones, with greater projection and sustain. Of course, the exact sound also depends on the gong's construction, profile and material, so size isn't the only factor to consider.

Paiste is one of the most important names in European gong manufacture, and Andertons is proud to be one of the UK's leading Paiste gong dealers.

The range covers a huge selection of instruments, including Symphonic, Planet and Sound Creation Gongs, as well as other specialist models. Paiste's gongs are known for their complex tonal characteristics, exceptional sustain and high level of craftsmanship.

The Sound Creation series offers a particularly broad range of contrasting tones, while the Planet Gongs are tuned around planetary frequencies. For players looking for a traditional orchestral-style instrument, the Symphonic range is a great place to start.

Meinl offer an equally varied selection of gongs through their Meinl Sonic Energy range.

The collection includes Planetary Tuned Gongs, Chakra Gongs, Wind Gongs and Chau Tam Tams, alongside more unusual designs such as the Flower of Life and Don Conreaux Eight Corners of Heaven gongs.

Meinl's range covers both musical and sound-therapy applications, with instruments manufactured in Germany and China depending on the series.

A gong is only part of the setup. You'll also need a suitable gong stand, as well as a mallet for playing it.

Gong stands are available in different sizes and designs, with options in both wood and steel. Some feature wheels or adjustable legs to make positioning and transportation easier. It's important to choose a stand that's appropriately sized for your gong.

You may also want to consider a gong case if you're transporting your instrument regularly, particularly with larger and more expensive models.

There's no single "best" gong. The right choice depends on how you intend to use it and, perhaps most importantly, which sound you connect with.

For orchestral and musical applications, a Paiste Symphonic Gong is an excellent starting point.

For meditation, sound therapy and wellness, planetary, chakra and sound-creation gongs from Paiste and Meinl offer a huge variety of tonal possibilities.

For a traditional Chinese-style sound, consider a Chau or Wind Gong.

If you're buying your first larger gong, a 32" model is worth considering. It's a popular size that provides a substantial sound without becoming excessively difficult to transport or accommodate.

If you're looking to try some out before you make a purchase, reach our to ouT drum department to make an appointment!

Gongs are incredibly versatile instruments, and there's much more to them than simply choosing the biggest one you can find. Size, profile, tuning, construction and intended use can all have a significant impact on the sound.

Paiste and Meinl offer some of the most extensive gong ranges available, covering everything from traditional symphonic instruments through to planetary and specialist designs. Whichever direction you take, the best way to choose is to listen to as many different gongs as possible and find the one whose sound works for you.