Buying a gong means choosing a powerful instrument that can be used in many areas – for example, in meditations, sound journeys, or deep bodywork. How intensely the sounds affect you and how much joy the gong brings depends on various factors: the area of use, the type of gong, its size, its craftsmanship, the materials used – and, importantly, how well the gong suits you and your practice. In our article, we'll show you what to look for when buying a gong!
What do you want to use a gong for?
Gongs can be used in many different areas. Before buying a gong, first ask yourself how and where you intend to use the sound instrument. Depending on the application, gongs with different sound characteristics and sizes are suitable.
Gongs are often purchased for these applications:
- Gong Meditations: With gentle, resonant sounds, the gong supports your mindfulness and inner peace during meditations. If you only want to meditate for yourself, you can start with a smaller TamTam or Feng Gong. For use in gong meditations, ensure a clear, harmonious sound that is not too overwhelming.
- Gong Baths & Sound Journeys: In gong baths – also known as sound baths – particularly large gongs are often used. Gongs from 80 cm create especially intense vibrations and have a wide sound spectrum.
- Sound Therapy: In sound therapy, a particularly refined vibration and frequency behavior, along with a distinct sound profile, are essential. Gongs that exhibit these qualities have a holistic effect on body and mind.
- Private Gong Practice: If you're looking to explore the gong freely at home for the first time, a more compact and versatile gong is also suitable for private sound practice. Combine it with a lightweight gong stand, which is ideal for smaller rooms.
- Concert Settings: For concert settings, you should choose a gong that is powerful, dynamic, and sonically versatile – an instrument that not only fills the space but also emotionally resonates and impresses.
The flat gongs Sadja, Wega, and Freya from ollihess can be used for a wide range of applications. They can be used for meditations, sound therapies, and gong baths, as well as for concerts. Each gong is crafted from high-quality nickel silver and lovingly handmade in Germany. In every ollihess gong, you will find a finely tuned sound spectrum and lasting quality – whether you are a beginner or a professional.
Buying a Gong: Choosing the Right Gong Type
There are various types of gongs that differ in shape, construction, sound behavior, and application. In this article, we introduce the two most common flat gongs: Feng Gongs and TamTam Gongs. Additionally, there are bossed gongs and bowl gongs, but these are relatively rarely used today.
Should I buy a Feng Gong?
The Feng Gong is one of the most popular meditation gongs. It is crafted from very thin metal that gradually becomes thinner towards the edge. Flat and forged without a rim, it quickly unfolds its power. Its sounds are extremely multifaceted and are often described as floating or spherical.
Should I buy a TamTam Gong?
The TamTam Gong is ideal for deep physical experiences, sound therapies, and gong baths. Its edge is distinctly turned up, which creates a voluminous sound. The TamTam Gong is also well-suited for the energetic cleansing of spaces. These gongs grow with their volume – from a gentle pulse to a deep, vibrating richness of sound.
In our range, you will find exclusively flat gongs – available in various sizes and with different vibration characteristics. For us, each instrument is the perfect composition of gong, sound, and name. This way, you will find exactly the gong that resonates with your energy.
What size gong should I buy?
The size of a gong influences its volume, as well as its sound characteristics. Once you are clear about its intended use, it will be easier to decide on a size. Naturally, the amount of space you have for your gong also plays a role. For a small room, you should choose a smaller gong so that the sound doesn't become too dominant and can unfold harmoniously. For larger rooms, it's advisable to buy a larger gong so that the space can be better filled with sound and the vibrational experience is more intense.
- Gongs 60–70 cm: Ideal for beginners and for meditations or mobile uses. Compact, yet with an expressive sound.
- Gongs 80–100 cm: Often used in sound baths, sound journeys, or therapeutic settings. Powerful, resonant, with subtle sound nuances.
- Gongs from 100 cm: Are often used in larger studios, practices, or on stage. With enormous breadth and depth.
Tip: As a beginner, you should start with a medium-sized gong – gongs that are too small are often difficult to control and move a lot. You should be skilled at skillfully moving a large amount of metal. In our shop, you will find flat gongs with a diameter of 36 to 40 inches (91 to 102 cm).
Learn About Manufacturing and Materials Before Buying a Gong
The manufacturing process and materials of a gong significantly influence its sound. We recommend that you only purchase a gong if you have gathered sufficient information about its metal composition and production process. Our gongs are made using traditional craftsmanship and are exclusively crafted from nickel silver. We also place great importance on:
Pay attention to these points, among others, when buying a gong:
- High-quality materials
- Durability
- Sustainable Production
- Handcrafted
- Fine Surface Finish
A gong is always unique. High-quality gongs are handcrafted, tested, and selected with attention to detail.
Olli Hess
Buying the Right Mallet for Your Gong
A gong only sounds as good as its mallet. Therefore, choosing a high-quality gong mallet or friction mallet is just as important as carefully selecting the gong itself.
When buying a gong, a high-quality gong mallet or friction mallet should have these qualities:
- Gentle, almost silent strike
- Lightweight & ergonomic
- High-quality materials
- Sustainable & vegan
- Handcrafted
Did you know: The striking sounds of a gong mallet can have a significant impact on the overall sound. They largely determine how clear, warm, and harmonious the gong sounds – or if distracting background noises distort the tone. In an ollihess gong mallet, you will find a soft damping layer made of natural caoutchouc and a super soft covering of high-quality fleece – this composition and careful craftsmanship reduce striking noise to a minimum.
Buying a Gong Stand for Your Gong
A stable gong stand ensures secure support and optimal sound development. You can choose between a stationary gong stand or a model with wheels. It's important that the gong stand suits your intended use. You can also choose between wood or metal materials.
Checklist: What to Consider When Buying a Gong
Finally, we have compiled all the important points for buying a gong in a checklist for you.
Before you buy a gong:
- Clarify intended use: Meditation, therapy, gong bath, private experimentation, or concert performance
- Define the sound profile: What sounds and mood do you want to create: gentle, deep, or powerful?
- Choose gong type: Feng Gong (bright, meditative) or TamTam Gong (deep, powerful)
- Find the right size: For the intended use, your experience level, and the room size
- Check materials & craftsmanship: Prefer high-quality materials and handcrafted production
Accessories you should buy with a gong:
- Choosing the right gong mallet or friction mallet: Matched to the gong and the desired playing technique.
- Decide on a gong stand: Consider stability and design, choose one suitable for its intended purpose
