Types of Gongs

Gongs are primarily from East Asia. Often they are flat metal discs hit with a mallet to create a sound. In the 1970s, Chuck Burris created "The Gong Show," where a gong, when hit by a judge, declared a contestant's act a loser. Gongs are exotic and often used to decorate homes, call people to worship and as a musical instrument. Here's some information about gongs.

History

Gongs originated about 4,000 years ago. The first recorded evidence of a gong didn't exist until 500 A.D., but many historians believe they existed much earlier. There were seven types of gongs produced by Burma, China, Annam and Java. Each gong had a different look and sound. During the early days of gong making, the public believed that the producers had help from higher powers and the gongs themselves had a special status in those societies. People who owned gongs were usually successful and had status.

Types

Gongs come in two major categories: hanging gongs and bowl gongs. Hanging gongs are suspended from a stand or rope, as the name implies. Some have raised centers. Bowl gongs sit on a cushion or can also stand alone.

Function

Wind gongs produce sounds that vary depending on the size and the way you strike them. Some rock bands use these and hit them with a drumstick, although traditionally these used soft mallets. A Tibetan gong also has no raised area in the center. These are usually bronze and are used with a stand. In Buddhist rituals, gongs signify the beginning and end of a meditation period.

Identification

Chau gongs are also known as tam-tams. They have a narrow outer lip that makes them look dish-like, and they're usually made of a copper alloy. Opera gongs introduce characters into Chinese operas and have ascending and descending gongs suspended in their own stand. These identify important parts and humor in the opera. Pasi gongs are made of thinner metal and are used by circuses and to announce important events. Tiger gongs have several areas: Hit it in the center, the bullseye, and it has the traditional gong sound; hit on the center of the protrusion, but not right in the middle, and the staying power of the tone lasts longer; the outer ring produces a cymbal crash tone.

Significance

Boa, or nipple gongs, are found in Chinese temples. The nipple gong received its name from the rounded shape protruding in the middle. These are usually thicker than other gongs, and often have bell-like tones. Many musical groups use these types of gongs.

Considerations

Gongs have a place in music, but many are also works of art. A gong adds a dramatic touch to your home's decor, and the right style is a point of interest in any living room with Asian decor. Gongs are also used as garden decorations; these are most often Sabian gongs.