Chinese Brass Gongs
The gong belongs to the percussion family and they produce a very distinct tone. It can come in a variety of shapes and sizes and just like different languages and dialects, these different gongs have followed a long evolution through time, depending on the culture behind it. It is also considered as one of the oldest musical instruments in the world. Archeologists had dug up gongs which were used almost four thousand years ago.
Gong has an interesting history. It was said to have been first used in China, more particularly in the sixth century. There was an ancient document which reportedly said that the use of gong was taught to the Chinese by another country and culture in Central Asia. However, this specific country could not be determined. Yet, as time passed by, the Chinese have acknowledged and used gong as one of their native instruments. The resounding sound of a gong is likely associated with Chinese rituals.
This musical instrument is also used in various occasions and rituals. Its sound was used to signal the people that the Emperor is around or that other important religious and political figures have arrived. The sound of the gong is also a significant signal in the field of war.
From China, the use of gong was also adapted in Java in the ninth century. The Chinese and the Javanese made their gongs differently. The Chinese made huge but flat gongs. On the other hand, the Javanese made theirs with a turned down rim and added a knob-like shape in the center of the gong. The use of a gong then spread all throughout Asia, prompting each country to come up with gongs of different shapes.
Some gongs have a flat surface, but some have a "nipple" or a central dome. The rims of the gongs should be turned down and do not have sharp edges just like the cymbals. It could appear suspended in air with a string, or it can be arranged on a flat surface like a bowl.
Suspended gongs are rather flat and they hang vertically by cords that pass along the rim. They are sounded off by using a mallet or a bamboo stick.
Bowl gongs, like the name suggests look like bowls and they rest either on a special fabric or plainly on the ground. You can play the bowl gongs in different ways; you can use a mallet to produce the sounds or you can choose to rub it with your hands. The sound from a bowl gong has to be heard to be believed, it is a very special sound that's for sure.
Gongs are fabricated by hammering metal. Most gongs are made of brass but there are some bronze gongs, as well. These bronze or brass gongs are usually combined with other metals. These gongs specifically handcrafted that is why they are very special. The sound it produces is also very special and distinct, and although no two gongs are like each other, their differences are only minor and are hardly noticeable.
