There is a lot about the Chinese gong that many people don’t know about. This instrument is an ancient one and it is still in use to date, as people still believe in its implications. If you don’t know what this instrument is and you want to know, you are at the right place.
The chinese gong symbolizes blessings and prosperity to many people. The instrument is made with a metal disc or bonze along with a few other steps. It also has 3 different types that many people don’t know about.
This article will discuss a little about the history of gongs and how to make them. It also has the different types and a brief explanation of each of them. So, it is only right for you to read this article keenly if you want to learn these things.
A brief history of the Chinese gong
People also know this instrument as the Chau gong. In ancient times people who get the opportunity to touch the instrument got proclaimed blessed and prosperous. It is also a greatly important part of ancient music. The Chinese gong existed since 500 A.D and this shows how old the instrument is. People used it for many things and it was a great plus to the life of every Chinese person.
What the Chinese gong is made of?
The report has it that magic is the final substance needed to make a Chinese gong. However, manufacturers use physical materials like bronze, brass, and metal discs to produce this instrument. Also, they can use alloys that are copper-based to produce this ancient musical instrument. The major material gets heated and forged into shape, and then it gets cooled off and designed to the beauty you see.
Types of the Chinese gong
There are three major Chinese gongs you should know about. All three have different purposes.
Bowl gongs
They make this instrument to have the shape of a small bowl as the name implies. People also call them singing bowls because of their mode of use. You can rub them with the sounding tool to produce a certain sound or hit them to make another. They mostly keep them on cushions.
This instrument doesn’t make the conventional heavy sound that gongs make. It produces a rather light sound like that of a little bell. Although some people see it as less of a gong, it is still in the class.
Suspended gong
As the name implies, this sound instrument gets hung and suspended in the air. They are even bigger and have many things they symbolize. The instrument is flat and round, and it is one of the biggest gongs available. It has holes around the edge and ropes usually go through all of them.
Bossed gong
On this instrument, there is usually a sharp knob in middle. It has a rather heavy sound and some spiritual implications, as some traditions suggest.
Conclusion
To get a Chinese gong, there are some things you must know about it, which are its type and history. They have suspended gongs, bowl gongs, and bossed gongs. The instruments are more traditional than they are for fun.
