Gongs
Gongs have a wonderful effect
when used with many participants, for some as a result of the great crashing
sounds they make, for others because of the vibrations they produce. It is crucial to maintain some control during a gong playing session as they can be deafening!
Gongs can be suspended in
specific frames, hung in groups from racks made of bamboo for collective
playing, or moved around to individuals using rope handles. Be careful, they can be heavy.
A gong can add immense drama to situations and
often people who don’t enjoy loud sounds in day to day life will enjoy the
sound of gongs when immersed in the moment.
They come in a variety of sizes, giving
different tones, quality of sound and lengths of sustain
Gongs sound best with heavy but soft beaters,
although having a range of beaters is advisable: hard ones to maximise their
effect for people with limited movement or have hearing impairment and soft, light ones for the more
enthusiastic percussionists.
If you can only afford one, we suggest a large wind gong. Being so big it is easy to hit, has a long sustain and wonderful vibrations if touched with fingers or feet.
Alternatively a Tibetan gong which is two-tonal and much lighter to carry
