Gongs

What is a gong?

A gong is a traditional metal instrument that is set into vibration by strike rubbing. The circular metal disc, usually made of bronze, is suspended vertically and struck with a mallet or friction mallet with a friction mallet . The resulting vibrations produce a fundamental tone as well as long-lasting overtones that can fill entire rooms.

Which gong should I buy?

Buying a gong means finding an instrument that suits your personal sense of sound, your intended use, and your playing style. Every gong has its own unique character—shaped by its material, size, craftsmanship, and how it’s played. That’s why there isn’t just one “right” gong—rather, there’s the instrument that suits you and your needs.

Whether for meditation, sound baths, sound therapy, yoga, or concerts—the intended use is also an important factor in choosing a gong. Take the time to figure this out and get to know different timbres—often, it’s only when you listen to and play the instrument that you’ll discover which one truly speaks to you and suits your needs.

Important questions to ask yourself before buying a gong:

• Where would you like to use the gong?
• What kinds of sounds appeal to you the most?
• What size gong is right for your intended use?
• How much gaming experience do you have?

Do you have any questions for us, or would you like to learn more about the tone of a gong? Olli Hess and his team would be happy to advise you personally before you buy a gong—it’s easy to reach them by phone or email.

Which gong is best for beginners?

There is no single “perfect” gong for beginners—what matters is how and where you want to use your instrument and which sounds appeal to you. A medium-sized flat gong is particularly versatile and is therefore often chosen as an instrument for beginners.

It’s worth listening to or trying out different gongs to explore your personal preference for sound and find the right instrument for your needs. Some people are drawn to warm, calm tones, while others prefer powerful vibrations or a broad range of overtones.

If you're unsure, Olli and his team will be happy to advise you personally and help you choose the right gong for your needs.

Which gongs are suitable for sound healing?

Gongs are often used in sound therapy, gong meditation, sound baths, and relaxation sessions. Which gong is best suited for sound healing depends mainly on your personal perception of sound and your intended use.

Flat gongs are often used to create a tranquil atmosphere with rich overtones. These instruments respond sensitively to different playing techniques and offer a wide range of timbres—from gentle, harmonious tones to powerful vibrations.

Our ollihess flat gongs, made of nickel silver, were developed specifically to offer this tonal diversity. The Sadja, Wega, and Freya models each have their own unique tonal character and open up different possibilities for consciously shaping sound. Ultimately, your personal hearing and experience will determine which gong is the best fit for you.

Note: Sound healing refers to the conscious use of sounds and vibrations to create moments of calm, mindfulness, and inner awareness. Gongs are frequently used in sound therapy, during meditation, or as an accompaniment to relaxation sessions.

What does a gong sound like?

The sound of a gong depends on several factors: the material, diameter, design, and playing technique all influence its resonance, dynamics, and timbre. While some gongs produce warmer, more tranquil sounds, others generate a broad spectrum of overtones or powerful sound waves.

What types of gong are there?

A basic distinction can be made between three categories: Flat gongs, humpback gongs and kettle gongs. The flat gong is characterized by its rather flat disc, the humpback gong is clearly curved in the middle, the kettle gong is reminiscent of a drum. You can only buy flat gongs in the ollihess store.

Flat gongs are divided into Fen gongs and TamTam gongs. The Fen gong—often also called a Feng gong—is formed from a very thin metal that becomes progressively thinner toward the edge. The Fen gong is forged flat and without a rim and is characterized by a multifaceted sound. The TamTam gong, on the other hand, is distinctly bent at the rim, which produces a full-bodied sound. Flat gongs are well-suited for the energetic cleansing of rooms or for use in sound therapy.

The humpback gong is characterized by a clear bulge in the middle. In contrast to the flat gong, it is only struck in the middle. Its sound is warm and calm and, in contrast to the TamTam gong, does not swell after strike but develops a muted and floating tone. The humpback gong also has a specific pitch.

Due to their shape, kettle gongs are often referred to as bronze drums. They are mounted on a metal body much like a drumhead, so that the striking surface is perpendicular to the floor.

How big is an Ollihess gong?

ollihess gongs range in diameter from 36 to 40 inches. The larger the gong, the more playing experience you should have. As a beginner, it makes sense to start with a medium-sized flat gong. Gongs that are too small are usually hard to control and move around a lot, while gongs that are too large require more playing experience. In our shop, you can buy gongs for both advanced players and beginners. In either case, if you’re unsure, contact Olli and his team by phone or email before purchasing a gong so they can help you find the right instrument for you.

What effect does a gong have?

The sound waves of a gong can have a calming effect and promote relaxation. Today, gongs are used in many different contexts—including sound therapy, meditation, and as an accompaniment to relaxation activities. How sounds are perceived is always an individual experience and depends on the person and the context in which the gong is played.

Where are Ollihess gongs made?

Our gongs are crafted in Germany as part of a long-standing collaboration with gong maker Broder Oetken. Every step of the process is carried out with great care and a wealth of artisanal expertise—from the selection of materials to the tonal tuning of the finished instrument.

We deliberately produce in small batches. Each gong is personally played by Olli Hess and tested for sound, craftsmanship, and expressiveness. Only when all criteria are met does it become part of our collection. This is how we combine traditional craftsmanship with continuous innovation and the insights of our community—because much of the inspiration for our sound instruments comes from our interactions with the people who play them every day.

What do the ollihess gongs Sadja, Wega, and Freya sound like?

The Sadja, Wega, and Freya models differ in their timbre, overtone spectrum, and dynamics. This allows you to find the gong whose sound best suits your personal preferences and intended use.

The ollihess Sadja gong has a warm and deep timbre. Its sound creates a profound sense of connection to the earth. Depending on the size, you may notice subtle differences in the sound.

The ollihess Wega gong completely envelops you with its powerful vibrations. Wega is considered the most important star of the Sun and is also the brightest in the northern sky. The gong’s deep tones and broad spectrum of overtones create a very special energy.

In the ollihess Freya gong, the fundamental tone and overtones come together. The sound spectrum is balanced and harmonious.

Buy the right gong mallet and friction mallet ollihess

The full sound spectrum of your gong unfolds when played with a suitable gong mallet or friction mallet. Our gong mallets and friction mallets developed based on our own practical experience to meet various needs and applications, and are perfectly matched to our instruments.

The development process incorporates Olli Hess’s many years of experience as well as feedback from our community. In addition to the ergonomic handle with a thickened end, it is the core of the mallet head in particular that makes the difference. The soft natural rubber head and the felt insert are individually tailored to each mallet. The result: minimal impact noise and a nuanced sound development.

The weight, size, and material of the mallet also have a significant influence on the sound. Soft mallets produce warmer and gentler tones, while harder ones can produce noticeably sharper tones. The size of the mallet head also plays a role: a small mallet head allows you to play high notes, while a large one generally produces lower notes.

Which mallet or friction mallet is friction mallet you and your gong also depends on your individual needs. Using an unsuitable mallet can damage the surface. We’d be happy to assist you in selecting and purchasing a gong. In our shop, you’ll find not only various gong mallets and friction mallets but also other gong accessories that are perfectly matched to our gongs.

Quality you can hear in every gong

Before we add a gong to our product line, it undergoes several quality checks. We inspect every instrument thoroughly—from the gong’s appearance and craftsmanship to the most important aspect: its sound. Olli Hess personally plays each gong and evaluates its tonal range, resonance, and unique character. Only when everything meets our standards does the gong receive the ollihess seal—a registered trademark—and is added to our collection.

Handcrafted gongs—sustainably and carefully crafted in Germany

Our gongs are crafted in close collaboration with the Broder-Oetken Gong Manufactory in Germany, using traditional handcrafted methods. We deliberately produce in small batches and prioritize high-quality, locally sourced materials, short transport distances, and responsible production practices.

People, materials, and quality are at the heart of our decisions. That’s why we work with partners who share these values just as deeply. Each instrument is carefully crafted with the time and attention a gong needs to develop its unique sound.