Why these three?
All three gongs measure 60 cm, yet they sound completely different. The difference lies in Florian Schmähl’s technique: how long the steel stays in the fire, how deeply it is hammered, and where the tension is applied.
This is how the patina you see in the pictures is created. It’s not a coat of varnish, but rather color created by heat, which is why no two gongs are exactly alike. What you’re ordering is a one-of-a-kind piece that’s handcrafted after you place your order.
The Worlds of Sound
Each gong is listed with its fundamental tone, characteristics, and audio sample. If you're unsure, the comparison chart below shows them side by side.
The Deepest
A depth that resonates throughout the room. Unusually deep for a 60-cm gong—normally, you’d need a much larger gong to achieve this. Purple-gray fire patina, well-defined fundamental tone.
690.90 € including tax
The Balanced One
A warm sound that builds slowly. First the fundamental tone, then the overtones build up on top of it. Ideal for opening a session. Its solid tone can be combined effectively with vocals or singing bowls .
690.90 € including tax
The One Who Moves
Blue-red fire patina, 69 Hz. For meditation and sound baths. A detailed description of the sound follows.
690.90 € including tax
Not yet available for purchase
Which one suits your work? The fundamental tone, character, and use of the three gongs side by side.
Color comes from fire
No paint. No printing.
What looks like colored light is actually the surface. When heated, the stainless steel forms an oxide layer that shimmers violet, gold, or blue, depending on the temperature. Just a few degrees difference—a whole different look.
That's exactly why no two Blacksteel gongs are exactly alike. Yours will look like the one in the photo, but not exactly the same.
The Workshop
Built by Florian Schmähl
Flo is a locksmith and blacksmith by trade. In 2018, he came across a tongue drum in a music store, was fascinated by it, and decided to build his next instrument himself. After nearly a year of experimentation, his first handpan was complete.
Since then, he has been building them in Freilassing, less than 20 kilometers from Salzburg. Handpans require precision work down to the millimeter: for each tone field, he tunes a fundamental tone and two overtones, hammers them into shape, and repeatedly heats the metal in the furnace—otherwise, the tuning won’t hold. That keen ear and that patience are now embodied in the gongs.
"I still can't stop researching, experimenting, reading, and listening."
Before You Order
Tell us what you want to use the gong for. We'll give you our honest opinion on which of the three is right for you.
Tell us what you want to use the gong for. We'll give you our honest opinion on which of the three is right for you.
Due to a new EU packaging regulation, we are currently unable to ship directly to Germany. We are working hard to find a solution.
Part of our product range is still available for order at thomann.de.
We'll be happy to notify you by email as soon as we can resume shipping to Germany.
We've noted your email address and will let you know as soon as we can resume shipping.
