AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Gongs for Intermediate 2026
The top pick is Thomann Wind Gong 50 ($155). Thomann Wind Gong 80 leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 59 models across 4 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 31, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- 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 ↗ -
- Size26"
- Weight6.7 kg
This Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 65 delivers a seriously impressive sonic bang for your buck. The large diameter and Wuhan bronze create a deep, swirling resonance perfect for cinematic scoring, world music, or adding dramatic flair to rock and metal. It’s a fantastic starting point if you’re exploring the world of larger gongs and Tam Tams.
Pros
- Rich, complex overtones characteristic of Wuhan bronze.
- Hand-hammered construction provides a nuanced, organic feel.
- 65cm diameter offers a substantial, resonant sound projection.
Cons
- Inherent manufacturing variations mean each one sounds subtly different.
- Weight makes it less suitable for travel or smaller setups.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$423 now$423€379 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size26"
- Weight5.7 kg
This Thomann Wind Gong is a fantastic entry point into the world of gongs. It's got a really gorgeous, sustained tone that’s perfect for sound healing, film scoring, or adding a mystical vibe to your music. Just be aware you'll need to budget for a stand – it’s a hefty piece!
Pros
- Deep, resonant tones provide a truly atmospheric soundscape.
- Handmade construction ensures a unique character and tonal complexity.
- 65cm diameter offers a substantial and impactful sonic presence.
Cons
- The weight (nearly 12.5 lbs) makes transport and mounting challenging.
- Lack of a dedicated stand requires a separate purchase, adding to overall cost.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$445 now$445€398 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size28"
- Weight6.3 kg
This Thomann Wind Gong delivers a powerful, foundational tone perfect for world music, ambient soundscapes, and film scoring. The size and bronze construction provide a substantial presence, though be aware of the potential for tonal variation due to its handmade nature. It's a solid choice for those seeking an impactful gong without a premium price tag.
Pros
- Deep, resonant tone with surprising sustain for its size.
- Handmade in Wuhan ensures a degree of craftsmanship and tonal complexity.
- 70cm diameter provides a substantial, impactful sound.
Cons
- The 'may vary in colour and sound' note indicates inconsistent quality control.
- Requires a dedicated, robust stand – not included, adding to the overall cost.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$468 now$468€419 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size28"
- Weight7.7 kg
This Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam is a serious contender for anyone seeking deep, meditative tones. The large size and Wuhan bronze construction create a rich, sustained sound, and the handmade nature means each one is slightly unique – perfect for sound therapists or musicians exploring ambient soundscapes.
Pros
- Deep, resonant tones ideal for meditative practices.
- Handmade construction provides unique tonal character variations.
- Wuhan bronze offers a warm, complex harmonic profile.
Cons
- Significant weight (7.7kg) makes transport and mounting challenging.
- The inherent variability in handmade instruments may require experimentation.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$546 now$546€489 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size30"
- Weight6.5 kg
This Thomann Wind Gong delivers a really impressive, deep resonance for the size. It's a fantastic addition for film scoring, ambient soundscapes, or adding a touch of the exotic to any percussion setup. Just be aware you'll need to budget for a stand separately, and it's not something you'll be quickly tweaking for different sounds.
Pros
- Deep, resonant tones create a captivating atmospheric wash.
- Handmade in Wuhan ensures a degree of individual character and craftsmanship.
- 75cm diameter provides a substantial and powerful sonic projection.
Cons
- The raw finish requires careful handling to avoid scratching or marking.
- Lacks a dedicated stand, increasing the overall investment.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$556 now$556€498 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size32"
- Weight10.5 kg
This Thomann Wind Gong delivers a seriously impressive, swirling soundscape. The size and bronze construction create a deep, resonant tone perfect for atmospheric sound design, world music, or adding a dramatic flair to orchestral arrangements. It's a great option for those seeking a large, hand-crafted gong with a distinctive voice.
Pros
- Deep, resonant tone achieved through careful hammering techniques.
- Large 32in diameter maximizes sustain and sonic complexity.
- Handmade construction ensures unique tonal character and subtle variations.
Cons
- Significant weight (over 23 lbs) makes transport and mounting challenging.
- Lacks a dedicated stand; requires separate purchase for mounting.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$620 now$620€555 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 75Thomann64Stable$620€555$620€555Check ↗
- 12
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 80Thomann64Stable$744€666$744€666Check ↗
- 13
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 45Thomann57Stable$155€139$155€139Check ↗
- 14
Thomann Wind Gong 60Thomann57Stable$267€239$267€239Check ↗
- 15
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 55Thomann57Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 16
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 40Thomann64Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
- 17
Thomann Wind Gong 45Thomann64Stable$124€111$124€111Check ↗
- 18
Thomann Tam Gong 38" ESThomann49Stable$744€666$744€666Check ↗
- 19
Asian Sound Tamtam TT-40 PAsian Sound46Stable$178€159$178€159Check ↗
- 20
Asian Sound Tamtam TT-45 PAsian Sound46Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 21
Asian Sound Tamtam TT-50 PAsian Sound46Stable$263€235$263€235Check ↗
- 22
Asian Sound Tamtam T-45 PAsian Sound46Stable$267€239$267€239Check ↗
- 23
Asian Sound Tamtam TT-55 PAsian Sound46Stable$312€279$312€279Check ↗
- 24
Thomann Wind Gong 40Thomann64Stable$99€89$99€89Check ↗
- 25
Thomann Wind Gong 35Thomann64Stable$77€69$77€69Check ↗
- 26
Asian Sound Tamtam T-30 PAsian Sound46Stable$128€115$128€115Check ↗
- 27
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 35Thomann57Stable$95€85$95€85Check ↗
- 28
Paiste 32″ Symphonic Gong32" Symphonic Gong · Paiste77Stable$1,849€1,655$1,849€1,655Check ↗
- 29
Asian Sound Tamtam TT-30 PAsian Sound46Stable$109€98$109€98Check ↗
- 30
Thomann Wind Gong 30Thomann64Stable$55€49$55€49Check ↗
- 31
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 30Thomann57Stable$73€65$73€65Check ↗
- 32
Dixon 10" China GongDixon49Stable$95€85$95€85Check ↗
- 33
Asian Sound Tamtam BSLAsian Sound46Stable$95€85$95€85Check ↗
- 34
Asian Sound Tamtam T-25 PAsian Sound46Stable$86€77$86€77Check ↗
- 35
Asian Sound Chin. Opera Gong Jing LuoAsian Sound46Stable$84€75$84€75Check ↗
- 36
Asian Sound Tamtam TT-25 PAsian Sound46Stable$74€66$74€66Check ↗
- 37
Thomann Wind Gong 20Thomann57Stable$32€29$32€29Check ↗
- 38
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 25Thomann49Stable$50€45$50€45Check ↗
- 39
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 85Thomann57Stable$837€749$837€749Check ↗
- 40
Thomann Wind Gong 90Thomann57Stable$892€798$892€798Check ↗
- 41
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 90Thomann57Stable$992€888$992€888Check ↗
- 42
Thomann Wind Gong 100Thomann57Stable$1,241€1,111$1,241€1,111Check ↗
- 43
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 100Thomann57Stable$1,241€1,111$1,241€1,111Check ↗
- 44
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 110Thomann57Stable$1,562€1,398$1,562€1,398Check ↗
- 45
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 115Thomann57Stable$1,785€1,598$1,785€1,598Check ↗
- 46
Thomann Wind Gong 120Thomann57Stable$1,897€1,698$1,897€1,698Check ↗
- 47
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 120Thomann57Stable$2,232€1,998$2,232€1,998Check ↗
- 48
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 125Thomann57Stable$2,456€2,198$2,456€2,198Check ↗
- 49
Thomann Wind Gong 130Thomann57Stable$2,791€2,498$2,791€2,498Check ↗
- 50
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 130Thomann57Stable$3,126€2,798$3,126€2,798Check ↗
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
Sustain & Overtones
A gong's sustain isn't just about how long it rings, but what it rings with. Intermediate players need to hear those complex overtones, that wash of shimmering resonance, to really explore the instrument's potential. A flat, one-note sustain is boring, even if it lasts a long time.
Responsiveness (Playability)
You want a gong that reacts to your touch - a gentle tap versus a forceful strike should produce dramatically different sounds. Stiffness or a thick profile will dampen your ability to control the dynamics, making nuanced playing impossible. This is key to moving beyond just 'crash' sounds.
Fundamental Tone
This is the core pitch of the gong. It shouldn't be overly bright or harsh; an intermediate player needs a fundamental tone that can blend well with other instruments, or at least be controllable in a mix. That ice-picky high-end can be brutal in a recording.
Size & Material (Bronze vs. Steel)
Bronze gongs generally offer more complex overtones and a warmer, more organic tone. Steel gongs are often louder and more direct, but can lack that depth. Size dictates overall volume and sustain; a smaller gong is easier to control, while a larger one has more headroom.
Mounting & Mallets
The mounting system affects the gong's resonance - a floating mount allows for maximum vibration. Mallets drastically change the tone - softer mallets bring out the lows and subtleties, while harder ones emphasize the highs and attack. Consider both when evaluating a gong's overall character.
Buying guide
So, you're ready to move past the novelty of a cheap souvenir gong and actually start exploring the sonic possibilities? That's awesome. Intermediate players need more than just a loud crash; they need something responsive, with a dynamic range that lets them shape the sound, and a complexity that can add real depth to your music, whether it's a mellow soundscape or a driving tribal groove. Let's find you a gong that'll actually inspire you.
Don't be fooled by cheap, mass-produced gongs. They often have a muddy, undefined tone and poor sustain. Spend a little more for a properly tuned and hammered bronze gong from a reputable maker.
Look for a gong that feels responsive and offers a wide dynamic range - you should be able to coax a whisper-quiet tone and a powerful crash from the same instrument. The mounting hardware is also important; a good floating mount makes a world of difference.
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 Tam-Tam and a Gong?
Historically, 'Tam-Tam' referred to Japanese gongs, often thinner and more complex sounding. Nowadays, the terms are often used interchangeably, but Tam-Tams often have a more defined pitch. Gongs are generally broader and more wash-like.
How do I tune a gong?
You don't really 'tune' a gong in the traditional sense. The pitch is determined by its size and construction. However, you can influence the perceived pitch by how and where you strike it.
What's the best way to mount a gong?
A floating mount is ideal. It allows the gong to vibrate freely and maximizes its resonance. Avoid direct contact with a hard surface, which will dampen the sound.
What kind of mallets should I use?
It depends on the sound you're after. Soft felt mallets are great for subtle, atmospheric tones. Harder rubber or bristle mallets will give you a louder, more aggressive attack.
Can I use a gong in a rock band?
Absolutely! A well-chosen gong can add a lot of texture and drama to a rock mix. Just be mindful of the volume - it's easy to overpower everything else. Experiment with dampening to control the sustain.
