How to choose a gong: size, note and use
A gong is chosen with the ears, and with the space it will live in. This guide walks you through the questions that matter, one at a time.
1. Start with the space, and the way you play
Before thinking about notes, picture where the gong will live. A gong played in a small room for one person asks for something different from a gong that has to hold thirty people lying on the floor of a studio. Ask yourself three things:
- Will you move while you play? If you want to walk around the room during a sound bath, a handheld gong is the natural choice.
- How large is the space? Larger gongs reach further and fill a room more easily; smaller gongs stay closer and more intimate.
- Will it play alone or with other instruments? If it joins a handpan, bowls or other gongs, its note matters more (see step 3).
2. Size and register
As a general rule, the larger the gong, the lower its voice and the more it fills a space. This is how our four sizes compare:
| Gong | Size | Tuning | Character | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 cm Handheld | 50 cm / 19.7 in (20″) | G2–G3, your choice | Intimate, portable | Walking sound baths, small rooms, personal practice | 350 € + VAT |
| 60 cm Core | 60 cm / 23.6 in (24″) | C2–C3, your choice | Balanced: depth and response | Meditation, home studio, a first hanging gong | 450 € + VAT |
| 80 cm Low | 80 cm / 31.5 in (32″) | A1–C2, upon availability | Deeper presence | Group sessions, larger rooms | 800 € + VAT |
| 100 cm Low Bass | 100 cm / 39.4 in (40″) | C1–C2, upon availability | Low, enveloping | Large spaces, studios, ceremonies, performances | 1,000 € + VAT |
3. Choosing the note
Every gong has a fundamental: the main note you hear underneath its shimmer. For our 50 and 60 cm gongs you choose it when you order. A few ways to decide:
- Trust what moves you. Play the notes in the Sound Library and notice which ones you return to.
- Pair it with what you already play. The same note as your handpan or bowl, its octave, or a fifth or fourth below usually sit well together. Our free strobe tuner listens to your instrument and suggests these pairing notes for you.
- Follow our recommendation. For the Handheld Gong we recommend A2, A♯2 or B2; for the Core Gong, E2, F2, F♯2 or G2 for a deeper voice.
All our tuning is referenced to A4 = 440 Hz unless you ask for something different, such as 432 Hz. Read more in our guide to gong tuning.
4. Handheld or hanging?
The 50 cm Handheld Gong is made to be held by its cord while you play, so the sound can travel with you. From 60 cm upwards, gongs are played hanging from a stand or a frame, which leaves both hands free and lets the instrument ring fully.
5. The material
Most gongs are made of bronze or nickel silver; ours are stainless steel. Each material ages and sounds in its own way. We make them in nickel silver and titanium on request. We explain the differences, honestly, in our guide to gong materials.
6. Mallets and flumis
The mallet is half of the sound. Choose high-quality mallets suited to your playing style and to the size of your gong: one of our favourite makers is Olli Hess. Flumis (friction mallets) work beautifully on our gongs, on both the front and the back; use a size and pressure that suit the instrument. You will also find a starter flumi and mallet in our accessories.
7. Listen before you decide
Watch the videos on each gong's page: the 60 cm, 80 cm and 100 cm. And if you are still unsure, write to us. Helping you find your instrument is part of the work.
How ordering works
- Add the gong (and any accessories) to your selection.
- Send the request with your preferred note and any questions.
- We reply by email with availability, lead time, shipping costs and the applicable VAT. Nothing is paid before that.
- Your gong is packed with care and shipped with a trusted courier, with tracking and warranty details.
