everything you need to know about gongs.
Phil’s knowledge of makers, manufacturers and the mysterious secrets of these amazing instruments is contained in the articles below. If you still have questions, Phil is always happy to get into an existential debate about the provenance of a gong, or help you date, locate or research a particular instrument!
GONGS OR TAM-TAM - what’s the difference?
A lot of people get confused over the difference between a ‘gong’ and a ‘tam-tam’. Generally, if you are a percussionist or a composer, you make the distinction between the two. Most other people just use the term ‘gong’. These are my definitions…
gong HISTORY
Gongs are thought to have existed in various forms for several thousand years, being one of the earliest metal instruments known…
GONG MAKING - MASTER CRAFTSMANSHIP
The art of making gongs was surrounded by great secrecy and mysticism. Making gongs required great skill and only certain families specialised in their manufacture, much like the making of samurai swords in Japan…
WESTERN GONGS - the big brands & who’s who
From industry stalwarts Paiste to the newer American brands, there have never been as many great western gongs to choose from. Here’s a run-down of the big hitters, young pretenders and my personal favourites.
EASTERN GONGS - a fresh take
Some of the oldest gongs on the world are from the Chao lineage. Here’s how it started and what’s available on the modern market…
independent makers
Gong making is master craftsmanship - many highly skilled makers who originally trained in the big brand factories have struck out independently, and are creating some really exciting, unique work.