AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Gongs 2026
The top pick is Paiste 32″ Symphonic Gong ($1,849). Thomann Wind Gong 30 gives you the most for the money at $55. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 59 models across 4 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 31, 2026
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All GongsTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Size32"
This 32-inch Paiste Symphonic Gong is a powerhouse—it's not just a sound, it's an event. It's ideal for composers, film scorers, and percussionists looking for a truly enveloping, resonant tone. Be prepared to dedicate space and a robust stand to this beauty.
Pros
- Exceptional sustain and harmonic complexity due to Paiste’s bronze alloy.
- The large diameter (32 in) creates a truly immersive sonic experience.
- Paiste's renowned build quality ensures long-lasting durability and tonal consistency.
Cons
- The substantial weight (over 35 lbs) demands a sturdy, dedicated stand.
- The harmonic richness might be overwhelming for some minimalist or dry percussion styles.
77AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,849 now$1,849€1,655 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size12"
- Weight0.9 kg
This Thomann Wind Gong is a solid entry point into the world of gongs. It’s great for adding atmospheric textures to ambient, new age, or world music tracks – or just for meditative practice. Don't expect a huge, powerful sound, but it’s surprisingly good for the price and a fun addition to any percussion setup.
Pros
- Produces a surprisingly rich, sustained tone for its size and price.
- Handmade construction offers a degree of individual character and tonal variation.
- The 30 cm diameter is manageable and portable for smaller spaces and travel.
Cons
- The thin gauge bronze will dent relatively easily with mishandling.
- Lacks the complex overtones of higher-grade, thicker-gauge gongs.
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- Size14"
- Weight1.1 kg
This Thomann Wind Gong is a solid, budget-friendly option for adding atmospheric textures to your recordings or live performances. It's a great starting point for percussionists exploring world music or ambient soundscapes, and the size makes it manageable for smaller spaces. Just be aware it's not a substitute for a more premium, thicker gong.
Pros
- Produces a surprisingly deep, resonant tone for its size.
- Handmade in Wuhan ensures a degree of individual character and craftsmanship.
- Relatively lightweight at 1.1kg, making it easy to handle and mount.
Cons
- The handmade nature means tonal variation; consistency is not guaranteed.
- Lacks a stand, requiring a separate purchase for proper mounting and playing.
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- Size16"
- Weight1.6 kg
This Thomann Wind Gong delivers a surprisingly full and expressive sound for its price point. It's a great option for adding atmospheric textures to ambient, world music, or even experimental pop productions. Expect a lovely, shimmering wash, but remember it's a budget-friendly gong, so handle it with care.
Pros
- Rich, resonant tone characteristic of Wuhan-made gongs.
- Handmade construction offers subtle tonal variation and character.
- 40cm size provides a manageable, versatile soundscape.
Cons
- Handmade nature means tonal consistency can vary between units.
- Lacks a dedicated stand, requiring separate purchase for mounting.
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- Size18"
- Weight2 kg
This Thomann Wind Gong is a great entry point into the world of gongs. It offers a beautiful, atmospheric sound perfect for ambient music, sound healing, or adding unique textures to percussion tracks. Be aware that each one is unique and will have its own personality – that's part of the charm, really.
Pros
- Handmade in Wuhan ensures a degree of tonal complexity and craftsmanship.
- 45 cm diameter provides a substantial, resonant wash of sound.
- Wind gongs offer a unique, ethereal texture unlike standard cymbals.
Cons
- The 'may vary in colour and sound' disclaimer means consistency is not guaranteed.
- Lacks a dedicated stand, requiring a separate purchase for proper mounting.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$124 now$124€111 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size16"
- Weight1.7 kg
This Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam is a fantastic entry point into the world of gongs. It’s surprisingly versatile, offering a rich, full tone perfect for world music, ambient soundscapes, or adding a unique texture to orchestral percussion. If you’re looking for an affordable, characterful gong to experiment with, this is a solid choice.
Pros
- Offers a surprisingly deep, resonant tone for its size and price.
- Handmade construction provides a unique character and tonal variation.
- Wuhan bronze alloy delivers a warm, complex wash of sound.
Cons
- The finish can be inconsistent due to the handmade nature – expect blemishes.
- Limited sustain compared to larger, more expensive gongs.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$133 now$133€119 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size20"
- Weight2.2 kg
This Thomann Wind Gong is a great entry point into the world of gongs, especially if you're exploring atmospheric textures and meditative music. The bronze construction gives it a lovely warmth and sustain, though it's worth noting that the handmade nature means each one will have a slightly different voice. Perfect for sound healers, ambient musicians, or anyone looking to add a unique sonic element to their recordings.
Pros
- Rich, sustained tones ideal for ambient and meditative soundscapes
- Handmade construction offers a degree of tonal variation and character
- Solid bronze construction provides excellent resonance and projection
Cons
- Wuhan-made gongs can exhibit inconsistencies in finish and hammering
- Lacks a dedicated stand, requiring separate purchase for mounting
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$155 now$155€139 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size22"
- Weight3.1 kg
This Thomann Wind Gong delivers a surprisingly rich and atmospheric sound for a budget-friendly option. It’s a great entry point for exploring gong timbres – perfect for ambient music, sound healing, or adding a unique textural element to orchestral or world music settings. Just be prepared to factor in the cost of a stand.
Pros
- Produces a surprisingly deep, resonant tone for its size and price.
- Handmade in Wuhan ensures a degree of craftsmanship and sonic variation.
- The bronze alloy delivers a warm, complex overtone structure.
Cons
- Lacks a dedicated stand, requiring a separate purchase for proper mounting.
- The 'may vary in colour and sound' disclaimer means consistency is not guaranteed.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$178 now$178€159 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size20"
- Weight2.9 kg
This Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam is a solid entry point into the world of gongs. It's great for adding atmospheric textures to cinematic scores, world music, or even just creating a unique vibe in a rehearsal space. It won't compete with a high-end Paiste or Zildjian, but it offers a good sound and feel for the budget-conscious percussionist.
Pros
- Handmade construction offers unique tonal variations and character.
- Wuhan production ensures a reasonable level of quality control for the price.
- 50cm diameter provides a substantial, resonant wash of sound.
Cons
- Variability in color and sound is inherent; consistency is not guaranteed.
- The bronze alloy is likely a lower-grade, resulting in a less complex sustain.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$200 now$200€179 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size24"
- Weight4.5 kg
This Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam is a great entry point into the world of gongs. It offers a surprisingly full and rich sound for the price, perfect for adding cinematic textures to ambient, orchestral, or world music projects. Be prepared to experiment with striking points to unlock its full potential.
Pros
- Deep, resonant tones offer a truly atmospheric soundscape.
- Handmade construction ensures unique character and tonal variation.
- Wuhan bronze provides a warm, complex overtone series.
Cons
- Finish can be inconsistent due to the handmade nature; expect some blemishes.
- Lacks a dedicated stand, requiring a separate purchase for optimal use.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$333 now$333€298 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 59 gongs
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 65Thomann64Stable$423€379$423€379Check ↗
- 12
Thomann Wind Gong 65Thomann64Stable$445€398$445€398Check ↗
- 13
Thomann Wind Gong 70Thomann64Stable$468€419$468€419Check ↗
- 14
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 70Thomann64Stable$546€489$546€489Check ↗
- 15
Thomann Wind Gong 75Thomann64Stable$556€498$556€498Check ↗
- 16
Thomann Wind Gong 80Thomann64Stable$620€555$620€555Check ↗
- 17
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 75Thomann64Stable$620€555$620€555Check ↗
- 18
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 80Thomann64Stable$744€666$744€666Check ↗
- 19
Thomann Wind Gong 20Thomann57Stable$32€29$32€29Check ↗
- 20
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 30Thomann57Stable$73€65$73€65Check ↗
- 21
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 35Thomann57Stable$95€85$95€85Check ↗
- 22
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 45Thomann57Stable$155€139$155€139Check ↗
- 23
Thomann Wind Gong 60Thomann57Stable$267€239$267€239Check ↗
- 24
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 55Thomann57Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 25
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 85Thomann57Stable$837€749$837€749Check ↗
- 26
Thomann Wind Gong 90Thomann57Stable$892€798$892€798Check ↗
- 27
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 90Thomann57Stable$992€888$992€888Check ↗
- 28
Thomann Wind Gong 100Thomann57Stable$1,241€1,111$1,241€1,111Check ↗
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Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 100Thomann57Stable$1,241€1,111$1,241€1,111Check ↗
- 30
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 110Thomann57Stable$1,562€1,398$1,562€1,398Check ↗
- 31
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 115Thomann57Stable$1,785€1,598$1,785€1,598Check ↗
- 32
Thomann Wind Gong 120Thomann57Stable$1,897€1,698$1,897€1,698Check ↗
- 33
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 120Thomann57Stable$2,232€1,998$2,232€1,998Check ↗
- 34
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 125Thomann57Stable$2,456€2,198$2,456€2,198Check ↗
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Thomann Wind Gong 130Thomann57Stable$2,791€2,498$2,791€2,498Check ↗
- 36
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 130Thomann57Stable$3,126€2,798$3,126€2,798Check ↗
- 37
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 140Thomann57Stable$4,467€3,998$4,467€3,998Check ↗
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Thomann Wind Gong 15Thomann49Stable$25€22$25€22Check ↗
- 39
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 18Thomann49Stable$39€35$39€35Check ↗
- 40
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 25Thomann49Stable$50€45$50€45Check ↗
- 41
Dixon 10" China GongDixon49Stable$95€85$95€85Check ↗
- 42
Thomann Tam Gong 38" ESThomann49Stable$744€666$744€666Check ↗
- 43
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 95Thomann49Stable$1,060€949$1,060€949Check ↗
- 44
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 105Thomann49Stable$1,338€1,198$1,338€1,198Check ↗
- 45
Thomann Wind Gong 110Thomann49Stable$1,450€1,298$1,450€1,298Check ↗
- 46
Thomann Tam Gong 52" ESThomann49Stable$2,120€1,898$2,120€1,898Check ↗
- 47
Asian Sound Chin. Opera Gong Lower ToneAsian Sound46Stable$50€45$50€45Check ↗
- 48
Asian Sound Tamtam TT-20 PAsian Sound46Stable$55€49$55€49Check ↗
- 49
Asian Sound Tamtam TT-25 PAsian Sound46Stable$74€66$74€66Check ↗
- 50
Asian Sound Chin. Opera Gong Jing LuoAsian Sound46Stable$84€75$84€75Check ↗
Gongs by the numbers
Measured across all 59 models we track, not a sample.
Median $278 — half of all gongs here cost less.
median of 21 models · 10"–32"
median of 34 models · 1 kg–33 kg
How to choose the best gongs
Size
Bigger isn't always better. A smaller 16" or 18" gong is surprisingly versatile for tight spaces and controlled swells, while a 32" or larger will give you that massive, room-filling wash. Think about your application - a bedroom studio needs different dimensions than a stadium gig.
Material & Alloy
Traditionally, gongs are bronze, but the exact alloy drastically affects the tone. Higher tin content (like a Paiste Bronze gong) tends to be brighter and more complex, while lower tin content (like a Chau gong) will have a deeper, more fundamental tone with a more pronounced low-end thump. This is a huge factor in how it cuts through the mix.
Shape & Profile
A flat gong will generally have a more even tone and a cleaner articulation. A 'wind gong' (more deeply domed) will have a more ethereal, swirling sound with longer sustain and more overtones, but can be harder to control. This impacts how easily you can get a clean hit versus a wash.
Fundamental vs. Overtones
Every gong has a fundamental tone (the main pitch) and a collection of overtones. A good gong will have a clear fundamental but also a complex and pleasing arrangement of overtones - not a harsh, ice-picky mess. Cheap gongs often lack this balance and just sound clangy.
Mallet Compatibility
Different mallets (hard, soft, wrapped) will drastically alter the gong's sound. Some gongs respond beautifully to soft felt mallets for subtle textures, while others demand a harder mallet to really bring out their power and projection. Consider what sounds you're going for.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're thinking about adding a gong to your arsenal. They're not just for Tibetan monks or movie soundtracks - a well-chosen gong can add a seriously unique sonic texture to everything from ambient soundscapes to hard-hitting rock tracks. But gongs are weird. They're not like cymbals; they're a whole different beast, and knowing what to look for can save you a lot of frustration and cash. Let's break it down.
Don't get lured in by the price tag. Cheap gongs often use inferior alloys and sloppy manufacturing, resulting in a thin, brittle sound with a lot of unwanted high-frequency ringing. Spending a bit more on a reputable brand (Paiste, Chau, Earthworks) generally guarantees a more musically useful instrument.
Listen to sound samples online, but if possible, try before you buy - the subjective nature of gongs makes that crucial.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 59 gongs from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the difference between a Chinese gong and a Tibetan gong?
Generally, Chinese gongs (like Chau gongs) have a lower profile and a more fundamental tone with a strong low-end. Tibetan gongs tend to be deeper and more domed, with a more complex overtone structure and a brighter, more ethereal sound. It's a broad generalization, though - there's a lot of variation within each category.
Can I use sticks on a gong?
You can, but it's generally not recommended unless you're going for a very specific, aggressive sound. Mallets are the preferred method for most applications; sticks can damage the gong and produce a harsh, brittle tone. Think of it like hitting a cymbal with a drumstick - it's possible, but not ideal.
How do I care for my gong?
Keep it clean! Dust it regularly with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals. And most importantly, store it properly - hanging it vertically prevents it from warping. Direct sunlight and extreme temperature changes are also bad news.
I'm on a budget - what's the cheapest gong I can get that's still usable?
You can find decent-sounding gongs in the $50-$100 range from brands like Efni. Just be aware that you're making compromises - the sustain won't be as long, and the overtone complexity will be limited. It's a starting point, not a long-term investment.
My gong sounds harsh and clangy - what can I do?
Experiment with different mallets! A softer mallet will tame the high frequencies. Also, try dampening the gong with your hand or a cloth to control the sustain and reduce the overtone complexity. Gong stands with built-in dampening can also help.
