Gongs are a popular type of thick cymbal originating from East and South-East Asia. They are now used globally in various settings, including ceremonies, orchestral music, and home decorations!
They’re usually made of bronze with various alloys. In this article, you’ll find both big orchestral gongs and some of the small desktop versions worth checking out.
I’d highly recommend the Sabian 52402 24″ Symphonic Gong. It’s a fantastic all-rounder with excellent quality, size, and sound.
My second recommended gong is the Zildjian 12″ Table-top Gong and Stand Set. This affordable option offers great quality and won’t burn your pockets.
The 5 Best Gongs (2026)
Let’s compare these in more detail.
1. Sabian 52402 24" Symphonic Gong
First on the list is this high-quality symphonic gong. Sabian, a renowned name in cymbals and percussions, offers the 52402, a 24” wide symphonic, suspended gong.
It features a sturdy and powerful fundamental note boosted by a blend of supporting harmonies and overtones.
This creates a warm, full response, giving your music the sound you need. This high-quality item will last a long time and is suitable for professional use.
2. Zildjian 12" Table-top Gong and Stand Set
The Zildjian 12” gong set is the best table-top gong available. It includes a 12” gong with a beautifully lathed front and back, making it a true eyecatcher. The set also features a mallet and a wooden stand.
The mallet is soft but large, creating a rich yet mellow sound. The included strings work, but consider replacing them with leather or stronger strings for better durability.
The sound from this gong is higher due to its smaller size compared to standard orchestral gongs, but it’s still suitable for home use.
3. Paiste SG15032 32" Symphonic Gong
The Paiste SH15032 is a 32” symphonic sustained gong, ideal for orchestral and ceremonial use. Its sound is rich and full, making it perfect for grand performances.
Since it’s so large, you can create various sounds by hitting different spots in different ways, giving you many more options when playing.
The sound sustains for a long time, allowing you to create various effects. The stand and mallet are sold separately.
4. Wuhan Chau Gong - 36"
Wuhan Chau Gong originates from Wuhan, China, the birthplace of gongs. Here, the factory continues to produce traditional gongs using age-old methods.
Each gong is handmade from a single-cast bronze. At 36″ long, it’s crafted for orchestral use and is found in orchestras globally.
5. Woodstock Chimes WDG
If you’re after a mini desk gong, consider the Woodstock Chimes WDG. This handmade gong measures 6” in diameter and sits on a 12” high black ash wood stand. It comes with a small mallet.
This gong is sturdy and affordable, making it a great buy for meditation or as a gift. It adds a beautiful touch to any living room or office.
Stands and mallets
There’s a big difference between a desk gong and a full-sized one. Desk gongs usually come with a stand and mallet since they’re often used as gifts or decorations rather than for music.
Big orchestral gongs are sold without a stand or mallet. You’ll need to purchase a suitable stand and mallet(s) separately.
Where do you hit a gong?
Many believe gongs should only be struck in the middle, but that’s not true. While you can hit the center with the mallet, it’s often not the gong’s sweet spot.
You need to practice and find the sweet spot for your gong to get the best sound. This might include discovering various sounds based on where you strike and exploring different techniques like priming or spinning.
How does a gong sound?
The gong has a precise pitch, a dark timbre, and a full, round sound. These qualities make it ideal as an effects instrument. However, playing it too hard can cause the sound to go overboard and miss its intended tone.
How loud is a gong? (in dB)
It depends on the gong’s size, as larger gongs will naturally be louder. For standard orchestral gongs, the noise is around 85-90dB, similar to a hairdryer or lawnmower.
What is the purpose of a gong?
The gong is an ancient Asian instrument with various uses. Historically, it announced the entrance of an Emperor or signaled ceremonial events. Today, it’s primarily used in orchestras for creating eerie and dramatic moments, a practice that began in the early 19th century.
Gongs are frequently used in meditation and sound healing therapy because the rich, mellow sound helps people relax.
Is a gong pitched or unpitched?
Gongs can be pitched or unpitched. Those with knobs are usually pitched, though this depends on the maker’s methods.
Summary
I hope this article helped you learn about gongs. I also hope you found what you were looking for, whether it was a table-top mini gong or a full-sized orchestral gong to expand your percussion collection.
My top pick is the Sabian 52402 24″ Symphonic Gong, a standout choice offering excellent sound and ideal size.
My budget pick is the Zildjian 12″ Table-top Gong and Stand Set, an affordable choice for those on a tight budget seeking a decent quality gong.