Suspended gongs, such as those made by Wuhan, Sabian & Paiste are used in various settings, including in music, mediation, business meetings and social events

(Player uses a Superball mallet and traditional, large head, mallet in the above video)

Gong Mallets, Strikers & Specialized Mallets

Gongs are typically played with gong mallets, and sometimes with wooden beaters, bamboo or western style drum sticks. Mallets usually have heads which are covered in cloth, yarn or natural material. The size of the gong usually determines which type of striker a will use. Gongs under 9 inches (and sometimes 10 inches) are played with 1 inch mallets, wooden beaters or bamboo sticks. Gongs which are 10 inches -12 inches are typically played with small mallets rather than sticks. Likewise, gongs which are larger than 12 inches are also almost always played with mallets. As the size of the gong increases so does the size of the mallet. However, sometimes a player may choose a unusual size mallet to produce sound or effect, so they may choose to use an atypical mallet size for their gong.

It is most common for gongs to be played with one mallet or striker. However, playing with two mallets can be a lot of fun too! Playing with two mallets has certain advantages. Primarily, it is a more dynamic musical experience. Two mallets enables players to create rhythms and rhythms, which are usually not achieved with a single mallet or stick. Further, playing rhythms on gongs creates certain harmonics that are usually not achieved when playing with a single mallet or stick.

There are several untraditional mallets, which gong players use. One popular and effective on are Superball mallets. Superball mallets are the infamous bouncy, Superballs attached to a stick or cable. We carry Mike Balter Superball mallets, which consist of Superball attached to a stick. And we carry Friction Mallets, which consists of a flexible, but strong, rubber coated cable, which has a large Superball attached to one end and a smaller size Superball attached to the other end. Two Superballs on one mallets. They are outstanding! Rubbing a superball mallet against a gong produces an eerie and other-worldly effect, as demonstrated in the video at the top of this page. Aside from rubbing, one can also bounce, skip and probably find some other creative ways to use Superball mallets.

Priming

Priming a gong enables it to begin vibrating. Priming is done by very lightly stroking the gong with one's mallet. Players will often prime the gong prior to the main stroke. Priming significantly enhances the sound of the main stroke. The priming stroke is meant to stimulate the gong and create vibrations that are nearly inaudible to an audience. Priming requires a sensitive touch and is one of the most challenging techniques for players.

Spinning

Spinning is another fun technique with suspended gongs. A spin is accomplished by holding the gong by the rope and spinning (or twisting) the gong in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction until the rope is fully twisted. Then the gong is struck and released causing it to spin around and around while resonating simultaneously. This produces a warping-like sound. The larger the gong, the stronger the warping effect.

Striking

Striking the gong with a mallet is the most common way by which gongs are played. Yet there are several ways to use the mallet. Many gongs, such as the Chau, Chinese, Wind, Symphonic, Tiger & Zodiac, have many places upon them, which can be struck to produce pleasing and interesting sounds. For instance, on a Chau gong one may strike the center (bulls-eye), or the first or second ring around the bulls-eye. Further, one may strike high or low or left or right. And one can create beautiful patterns by striking different areas of the gong.

The two most popular stokes are the bounce (direct) strike and the swipe strike. The direct strike is basic stroke by which you bounce the mallet off the gong. It generally produces a louder tone as compared to the swiping stroke.

The swiping stroke is effective in getting, or keeping, the gong to vibrate while producing a minimum sound from the percussive impact of the mallet against the gong. A The volume of the tone is usually quieter than the volume with a direct stroke. With practice a swipe can produce very good volume while reducing the sound of the impact of the mallet upon the gong.

Additional ways to hit the gong include the muffled stroke, by which the mallet remains on the gong upon striking it. In this case the mallet does not swipe or bounce up off the gong. Another technique is for a player to tap or swipe the side of the gong with a stick or handle of the mallet. This produces a cymbal-like sound.

Exploring

One thing that gongs are great for is exploration. So, have fun exploring and you will likely discover fun sounds and interesting techniques. Enjoy the gonging!

Gongs for Sale

Paiste Gongs

Wuhan & Chinese Gongs

Sabian Gongs & Accessories

Tibetan Gongs - Authentic Bronze gongs from Tibet

Gongs Lessons