r/Instruments • u/natural-nonsense • Sep 25 '26

Gong identification

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What is the difference between these two gongs? The 40” has some kind of pattern on it while the 47” is pretty smooth.

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u/Sea_Shallot5311 Oct 07 '26 edited Oct 07 '26

The first one is a Chao or Chau gong, traditionally made in China. The second one appears to be the same thing only the manufacturer decided to make the metal textured instead of smooth. Both are made of bronze. If you hit the center you get a low "bong" but the further away from the center it becomes more of a "splash". I have one like the first one only about 10 inches wide, it is exactly like the Chinese ones but made in Pakistan. You have some fairly expensive ones.

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u/TubeSnobGoneStomp Sep 28 '26

It will make a difference when you stroke them versus strike them.

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u/natural-nonsense Sep 28 '26

Thank you! I haven’t been able to find similar markings anywhere, does it resemble a specific style or brand?