A gong is a large, circular metal percussion instrument—usually made from bronze or brass—played with a mallet to produce deep, resonant tones that range from meditative to dramatic. Long used across Asia in religious rituals, gamelan ensembles, and martial arts, it’s especially iconic in Indonesia. Today, gongs are embraced globally in sound healing, yoga, orchestras, and even film scoring, thanks to their powerful vibrations and ability to induce calm or command attention. Their rich cultural roots and versatile sound make them a valued instrument for spiritual, musical, and therapeutic practices.
History of Gong
The gong is an ancient percussion instrument with over 2,000 years of history, believed to have originated in Southeast Asia or China. Early use is traced to cultures in China, Myanmar, and Indonesia, with China often considered the birthplace due to archaeological and written records. Originally used in rituals, royal courts, and spiritual ceremonies for its powerful, resonant sound, the gong became central to Indonesian gamelan music by the 6th century. It later spread to India, Thailand, and Vietnam, taking on various cultural and ceremonial roles. Though no single inventor is known, gongs likely developed independently across regions with metalworking traditions. By the 18th century, they entered Western orchestras and are now widely used in music, meditation, and sound healing, symbolizing power, peace, and harmony.
Types of Gong
Gongs come in a variety of types, each offering unique sounds and cultural roles. The Chau Gong (Tam-Tam) from China is flat with a rim and produces deep, dramatic crashes, ideal for orchestras and film scoring. The Wind Gong, also from China, is rimless and delivers bright, fast-decaying tones, perfect for meditation and ambient music. The Opera Gong is small, high-pitched, and often used in Chinese opera to cue mood changes. The Bao Gong (or nipple gong) from Southeast Asia has a raised center and emits a clear, melodic pitch, commonly used in ceremonies and ensembles. The Gamelan Gong from Indonesia features a convex shape and knob center, forming the rhythmic and harmonic base of gamelan orchestras. The Planetary Gong, developed in the West, is tuned to specific frequencies for sound healing and yoga. Lastly, the Bossed Gong Circle (Kong Wong) from Thailand consists of multiple tuned nipple gongs arranged in a circle, played melodically in classical Thai music. Each gong offers a distinct voice—from cosmic resonance to ceremonial rhythm.
Feng Gong
★★★★★ - “Great Sound! For the money, you do get a brilliant medium-sized gong. The sound is terrific. Well worth buying. Fast delivery too”. - Verified Buyer
The frameless Feng Gong is a versatile instrument ideal for meditation, yoga, sound therapy, and even as elegant home décor. Its smooth, polished brass surface produces long-lasting, calming resonance that helps reduce stress and deepen mindfulness. Commonly used in yoga studios and healing spaces to enrich ambiance, it creates a serene, focused atmosphere. This 35cm gong comes with a wooden mallet for optimal sound and features subtle handcrafted details that add unique character. Weighing just 400g, it's lightweight yet powerful—perfect for those seeking both aesthetic beauty and therapeutic sound.
Pleiku Gong - 25cm
★★★★★ - “Fantastic delivery. Great sound and speedy delivery”. - Verified Buyer
The 25cm Pleiku Gong is a compact, beautifully handmade instrument perfect for creating a calm and meditative atmosphere at home, in yoga studios, or therapy rooms. When gently struck, it emits soothing tones that promote focus, relaxation, and emotional balance—ideal for beginners, wellness practitioners, or anyone exploring sound healing. Lightweight and easy to hang or hold, it’s also suitable for marking meditation sessions or gentle healing rituals. Crafted from solid bronze and brass with unique hand-beaten patterns, each gong comes with a wooden beater and makes a thoughtful, eco-friendly gift for musicians or therapists.
Purchase the Pleiku Gong - 25cm Here.
Xiao Mini Gong
The Xiao Mini Gong is a traditional 10cm Chinese cymbal crafted from durable brass, known for its clear, resonant tone and professional-grade sound quality. Ideal for meditation, relaxation, and sound therapy, its compact size makes it easy to hang and use in small spaces. With rich brown, yellow, and red tones, it adds visual charm as well as sonic depth. Easy to maintain with a damp cloth or brass cleaner, this mini gong is a reliable, portable choice for therapists or mindfulness practitioners seeking a focused, calming sound tool. Use with care; not recommended for unsupervised children.
Purchase the Xiao Mini Gong Here.
Tips for Choosing the Right Gong
When choosing a gong, think about your purpose, space, and experience level. For meditation, yoga, or sound healing, a feng (wind) gong provides soothing, bright tones and quick resonance. For dramatic sound with deep overtones—ideal for ceremonies or orchestras—a Chau (tam-tam) gong is best. Smaller gongs (20–35cm) suit beginners or home use, while larger ones (50cm+) are better for sound therapists and performers. Consider material (bronze or brass), shape (rimmed or flat), and tuning (like planetary frequencies). Gongs are great for musicians, teachers, healers, and anyone seeking focus, energy clearing, or calm. Always listen before buying—every gong sounds different.
The Pros and Cons of Buying a Second-Hand Gong
Buying a second-hand gong can be budget-friendly and eco-conscious, often offering unique character, especially with vintage or handmade pieces that have aged into rich, complex tones. These older gongs may feature craftsmanship no longer found in mass-produced models. However, second-hand options come with risks—hidden damage, wear, or lack of accessories and warranties. New gongs, by contrast, offer reliable quality, size and tuning control, and are ideal for beginners, sound therapists, or gifting. Handmade gongs—new or vintage—strike the best balance, combining artisanal quality with deep resonance while supporting fair trade and tradition. Choose based on your goals: second-hand for uniqueness, new for peace of mind, handmade for lasting performance.
Unique Gong Accessories
Enhance your gong experience with thoughtful accessories that elevate sound, comfort, and care. Start with a variety of mallets—soft for warm, deep tones and harder or flumi mallets for sharp or eerie effects. A sturdy stand is essential, whether freestanding, collapsible, or wall-mounted, and a padded bag ensures safe transport and storage. Maintain your gong’s shine with microfiber cloths or metal polish (test first), and treat wooden parts (like stands) with natural oils like linseed or beeswax. For practice or sound control, dampeners help manage sustain, while rollers create wave-like textures ideal for meditation. Add sound layers with bells, chimes, or singing bowls, and complete your setup with floor cushions for comfort and decorative touches like chakra symbols or silk cloths for personal flair.
Gong in Popular Music
The gong is a versatile instrument found across genres—from traditional Asian music like Indonesian gamelan and Chinese opera to Western classical, ambient, psychedelic rock, and sound healing. In gamelan, it anchors rhythm and form, while Western orchestras use the Chau gong for dramatic flair. Iconic bands like Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and The Who used gongs for their atmospheric power, and composers like Hans Zimmer feature them in film scores for emotional impact. Sound healers and artists such as Laraaji and Deva Premal use planetary gongs for their calming, meditative resonance. With ancient roots and a powerful sonic presence, the gong remains a cross-cultural force in music today.
