Guide

Buying a gong - what you need to look out for

Buying a gong - what you need to look out for

Buying a gong means choosing a powerful instrument that can be used in many areas - for example in meditation, sound journeys or deep bodywork. How intense the sounds are and how much joy the gong gives you depends on various factors: the area of use, the type of gong, the size of the gong, how it is made, the materials used - and last but not least, how well the gong suits you and your practice. In our article, we show you what you should look out for when buying a gong!

For which application would you like to buy a gong?

Gongs can be used in very different areas. Before you buy a gong, first ask yourself exactly how and where you want to use the sound instrument. Depending on the area of application, gongs with different sound characteristics and sizes are suitable.

Gongs are often purchased for these areas of application:

  • Gong meditations: With gentle, sustaining 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. When using gong meditation, make sure the sound is clear, harmonious and not too overwhelming.
  • Gong baths & sound journeys: Particularly large gongs are often used in gong bath s - also known as sound baths. Gongs from 80 cm produce particularly intense vibrations and have a broad sound spectrum.
  • Sound therapy: In sound therapy, a particularly fine vibration and frequency behavior as well as sound pattern is required. Gongs with these characteristics have a holistic effect on body and mind.
  • Private gong practice: If you want to explore the gong freely at home for the first time, a more compact gong that is versatile is also suitable for private sound practice. Combine it with a lightweight gong stand, which is ideal for smaller rooms.
  • Concert area: For the concert area, you should buy a gong that is powerful, dynamic and versatile in terms of sound - an instrument that not only fills the room but also carries and impresses emotionally is suitable here.

The Sadja, Wega and Freya flat gongs from ollihess can be used for a wide variety of applications. They can be used for meditation, sound therapy and gong baths as well as for concerts. Each gong is made of high-quality nickel silver and lovingly handcrafted 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 type of gong

There are various types of gong that differ in terms of shape, construction, sound characteristics and area of application. In this article, we will introduce you to the two most common flat gongs: Feng gongs and TamTam gongs. There are also humpback gongs and kettle gongs, although these are used relatively rarely nowadays.

Should I buy a feng gong?

The feng gong is one of the most popular meditation gongs. The feng gong is made of a very thin metal that becomes thinner and thinner towards the edge. It is forged flat and rimless and quickly develops 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. It is clearly curved at the edge, which produces a voluminous sound. The TamTam gong is also well suited for energetic cleansing of rooms. These gongs grow with their volume - from a gentle pulsation to a deep, vibrating fullness of sound.

In our range you will only find flat gongs - in various sizes and vibration characteristics. For us, each instrument is the perfect composition of gong, sound and name. So you will find exactly the gong that suits your energy.

What size gong should I buy?

The size of a gong influences the volume, but also the sound characteristics. If you are clear about the area of application, it will be easier for you to decide on a size. Of course, it also plays a role how much space you have in the place where you want to place your gong in the future. For a small room, you should also choose a smaller gong so that the sound is not too dominant and can unfold harmoniously in the room. For larger rooms, it is advisable to buy a larger gong so that the room can be filled with sound better and the vibration experience is more intense.

  • Gongs 60-70 cm: Ideal for beginners and for meditation or mobile use. Compact, but with an expressive sound.
  • Gongs 80-100 cm: Often used in sound baths, sound journeys or therapeutic settings. Powerful, carrying, with fine sound nuances.
  • Gongs from 100 cm: are often used in larger studios, surgeries or on stage. With enormous width and depth.

Tip: As a beginner, you should start with a medium-sized gong - gongs that are too small are usually difficult to control and move a lot. You should be all the more practiced in moving a large amount of metal skillfully. In our store you will find flat gongs with a diameter of 36 to 40 inches (91 to 102 cm). 

Find out about the manufacture and materials before buying a gong

The manufacture and materials of a gong have a significant effect on the sound. We recommend that you only buy a gong if you have gathered sufficient information about the metal composition and the manufacturing process. Our gongs are traditionally handcrafted and are made exclusively from nickel silver. We also attach great importance to:

Pay attention to these points, among others, when buying a gong:

  • High-quality materials
  • Longevity
  • Sustainable production
  • Handwork
  • Fine surface treatment

A gong is always unique. High-quality gongs are handmade, tested and selected with attention to detail.
OlliHess

Buying the right mallet for your gong

A gong only sounds as good as its mallet. That's why buying a high-quality gong mallet or gong driver is just as important as choosing the gong carefully.

Pay attention to these qualities when buying a high-quality gong mallet or gong driver:

  • Smooth, almost silent touch
  • Lightweight & ergonomic
  • High-quality materials
  • Sustainable & vegan
  • Made by hand

Did you know: The striking noises of a gong strike can have a major influence on the sound. They determine to a large extent how clear, warm and harmonious the gong sounds - or whether disturbing background noises distort the sound. In an ollihess gong mallet you will find a soft insulating layer made of natural caoutchouc and a super soft cover made of high-quality fleece - this composition and the careful workmanship reduce the striking noise to a minimum.

Buy a gong stand for your gong

A stable gong stand ensures a secure hold and optimum vibration development. Opt for a fixed gong stand or a model with castors. It is important that the gong stand is suitable for the desired purpose. You can also choose between wooden or metal materials.

Checklist: What you should look out for 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 area of application: Meditation, therapy, gong bath, private experimentation or concerts
  • Define the sound: What sounds and mood do you want to create: soft, deep or powerful?
  • Select the type of gong: Feng Gong (light, meditative) or TamTam Gong (deep, powerful)
  • Find the right size: For the area of application, your level of experience and the room size
  • Check for materials & production: Prefer high-quality materials and handcrafted production

You should buy these accessories for a gong:

  • Select a suitable gong mallet or gong driver: Matched to the gong and the desired playing technique
  • Decide on a gong stand: Consider stability and design, choose to suit the application

Read more

Your quiet place at home: how to set up a meditation corner with and without a gong