Beginners Guide to Gongs – The Sound Journey Store - Canada's Largest Selection of Bowls, Gongs and more Skip to content

We are closed to support our students in this week's Tuning Fork and Himalayan Bowl Workshops. All orders placed after April 23 will be shipped after April 30th 2024.

Beginners Guide to Gongs

Beginners Guide to Gongs

Gongs are such unique instruments. There are so many factors that can determine the sound. The best way to buy a gong is to come and try one, but we know that not everyone can travel to Niagara. For those can't come to our shop, here are videos to help you make your decision.


Gongs for Sale!

We are in the process of building our gong video library, so not every gong that we have listed for sale has an attached video file.  If you want to watch a video of one of our gongs for sale that we don't have posted, please let us know and we will make a video and send it to you within 24 hours. 


Paiste VS Chinese

Which one is better? Neither. All gongs are made differently, and therefore they sound different. Here is some information to help you understand the manufacturing process, and to give you a bit of a compare and contrast.

Paiste gongs are made from a brass known as nickel silver which is a formula of 63% copper, 25% zinc and 12% nickel. They are made from a round disc of bronze alloy that is heated, shaped, hammered and tuned to become a beautiful instrument. Paiste gongs have been handmade since the 1940's in Northern Germany.

Chinese gongs are made from cast bronze, with a formula of approximately 76% copper, 23% tin and with traces of zinc/iron. They are cast in a fire, and then hammered and tuned to become beautiful instruments. Like the name suggests, these gongs are handmade one at a time in China, where the instruments originates.

We honestly suggest that you listen (hear and feel), to the gongs and decide what you like the best. There is no wrong choice. 


5 F# Gongs - 5 Different Sounds

Curious of what all of the different gongs sound like? Check out this blogpost and listen to 5 different F# gongs, they are all made with a different material and style.  We carry Paiste, Chau, Wind, Solar, Earth & more!  

5 F# Gongs - 5 Different Sounds

Can you hear a difference? Let us know which gong your liked better!


3 A# Gongs - 3 Different Sounds

Once again another selections of 3 gongs, each with the same fundamental. Listen and compare all three to see which one you prefer. We just received a shipment of Dragonfly Mallets, which are hand made in Buffalo, NY. We are very impressed with how they sound on these gongs. All prices are listed in the comments below each video.

3 A# Gongs - 3 Unique Sounds


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