The Bao (pronounced, "bow") is also called a nipple gong, so named because it has a rounded-bell shape at the center of the gong. The bao gong is great for producing, rich, bell-like sounds.

Each bao produces a strong, sustaining fundamental tone with subtle overtones. The subtle overtones are harmonious and lovely. The metal of a bao is considerably thicker than that of a wind gong and unlike the flat wind gong shape the bao has a significant lip. (The thickness of metal and shape primarily determine the effect of the gong.) Whereas, the wind gong has a strong shimmering effect, the bao sounds is bell-like with overtones.

Each size bao gong is designed to harmonize with and compliment any other size. Playing two or more baos together forms a fascinating & pleasurable percussion set-up.

The bao is traditionally considered a "sacred" gong; and accordingly is used in Chinese temples. Whether used in temples, at home, on stage or elsewhere, it's bell-like musical quality is very beautiful.

Four Sizes: 12", 14", 16", 18"

12" Wuhan Bao Gong WU008-12

(Photos: 1st Photo: Close-up of 12" Bao Gong; 2nd Photo: 12" Bao gong. The bao has a distinctive face with a bell at the center, roundedness and a valley at the edges and a 2 - 3" lip around the gong's circumference)

List Price: ~~$126.95~~

Sale Price: $94 (includes tax & shipping in continental U.S.)

(Photos: 1st Photo: Close-up of 14" Bao Gong; 2nd Photo: 14" Bao gong)

List Price: ~~$166.75~~

Sale Price: $124

Delivery: FedEx Ground; arrives in 3 - 5 days in continental U.S.

List Price: ~~$166.75~~

Sale Price: $124

Wuhan Bao Gong 16” (WU008-16)

(Photos: 1st Photo: Close-up of 16" Wuhan Bao Gong; 2nd Photo: 16" Wuhan Bao with gong mallet; 3rd Photo: 16" & 14" bao gongs with mallets)

List Price: ~~$285.75~~

Sale Price: $198 (includes tax & shipping in continental U.S.)

Includes: Small Gong Mallet

Delivery: FedEx Ground; arrives in 3 - 5 days in continental U.S.

List Price: ~~$285.75~~

Sale Price: $198 (includes tax & shipping in continental U.S.)

Wuhan Bao Gong 18" (WU008-18)

(Photos: 1st Photo: 18" Bao Gong; 2nd Photo: 18" & 16" Bao with gong mallets)

List Price: ~~$369.00~~

Sale Price: $239 (includes tax & shipping in continental U.S.)

Includes: Small Gong Mallet

Delivery: FedEx Ground; arrives in 3 - 5 days in continental U.S.

List Price: ~~$369.00~~

Sale Price: $239 (includes tax & shipping in continental U.S.)

Playing the Bao Gong

The main striking region of the bao gong is the nipple (bell-shape region in the center of gong), however, the flat surface can also be struck for additional tones and effects.

The nipple produces with deepest bass on the gong. The nipple also produces a strong, long sustaining, fundamental tone with subtle overtones. If the nipple is struck repeatedly, then the overtones become more pronounced. The larger the bao gong, the deeper the bass. Subtle differences in tones can be produced by striking different regions of the bell.

The flat surface of the gong also produces a bell-like sound. Yet the flat surface is higher pitched and produces a trashier quality than the nipple. The flat surface also produces a strong fundamental tone with subtle overtones.

Playing the bao in a gong stand will allow you to easily produce beautiful tones that resonate and sustain. In addition, the bao can produce tones, which are similar to the tones of a tongue drum. When the bao is placed on the floor, or rug, and rested against an object, such as a chair or cabinet, and played on the nipple, then it will produce beautiful, soothing and mellow tongue-drum like tones. So, whether in a stand or on the floor a bao is a lot of fun to play and hear.

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