AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Gongs Under $1,000 2026
The top pick is Thomann Wind Gong 30 ($55). Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 65 leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 44 models across 3 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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- 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 ↗ -
- 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 ↗
All 44 gongs
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Thomann Wind Gong 65Thomann64Stable$445€398$445€398Check ↗
- 12
Thomann Wind Gong 70Thomann64Stable$468€419$468€419Check ↗
- 13
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 70Thomann64Stable$546€489$546€489Check ↗
- 14
Thomann Wind Gong 75Thomann64Stable$556€498$556€498Check ↗
- 15
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 75Thomann64Stable$620€555$620€555Check ↗
- 16
Thomann Wind Gong 80Thomann64Stable$620€555$620€555Check ↗
- 17
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 80Thomann64Stable$744€666$744€666Check ↗
- 18
Thomann Wind Gong 20Thomann57Stable$32€29$32€29Check ↗
- 19
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 30Thomann57Stable$73€65$73€65Check ↗
- 20
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 35Thomann57Stable$95€85$95€85Check ↗
- 21
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 45Thomann57Stable$155€139$155€139Check ↗
- 22
Thomann Wind Gong 60Thomann57Stable$267€239$267€239Check ↗
- 23
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 55Thomann57Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 24
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 85Thomann57Stable$837€749$837€749Check ↗
- 25
Thomann Wind Gong 90Thomann57Stable$892€798$892€798Check ↗
- 26
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 90Thomann57Stable$992€888$992€888Check ↗
- 27
Thomann Wind Gong 15Thomann49Stable$25€22$25€22Check ↗
- 28
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 18Thomann49Stable$39€35$39€35Check ↗
- 29
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 25Thomann49Stable$50€45$50€45Check ↗
- 30
Dixon 10" China GongDixon49Stable$95€85$95€85Check ↗
- 31
Thomann Tam Gong 38" ESThomann49Stable$744€666$744€666Check ↗
- 32
Asian Sound Chin. Opera Gong Lower ToneAsian Sound46Stable$50€45$50€45Check ↗
- 33
Asian Sound Tamtam TT-20 PAsian Sound46Stable$55€49$55€49Check ↗
- 34
Asian Sound Tamtam TT-25 PAsian Sound46Stable$74€66$74€66Check ↗
- 35
Asian Sound Chin. Opera Gong Jing LuoAsian Sound46Stable$84€75$84€75Check ↗
- 36
Asian Sound Tamtam T-25 PAsian Sound46Stable$86€77$86€77Check ↗
- 37
Asian Sound Tamtam BSLAsian Sound46Stable$95€85$95€85Check ↗
- 38
Asian Sound Tamtam TT-30 PAsian Sound46Stable$109€98$109€98Check ↗
- 39
Asian Sound Tamtam T-30 PAsian Sound46Stable$128€115$128€115Check ↗
- 40
Asian Sound Tamtam TT-40 PAsian Sound46Stable$178€159$178€159Check ↗
- 41
Asian Sound Tamtam TT-45 PAsian Sound46Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 42
Asian Sound Tamtam TT-50 PAsian Sound46Stable$263€235$263€235Check ↗
- 43
Asian Sound Tamtam T-45 PAsian Sound46Stable$267€239$267€239Check ↗
- 44
Asian Sound Tamtam TT-55 PAsian Sound46Stable$312€279$312€279Check ↗
Gongs by the numbers
Measured across all 44 models we track, not a sample.
Median $178 — half of all gongs here cost less.
median of 20 models · 8"–32"
median of 24 models · 1 kg–14 kg
How to choose the best gongs
Size & Weight
Larger gongs (20"+) offer more low-end thump and sustain, crucial for that wash of sound. Smaller ones are easier to transport and more responsive for detailed playing, but lack the deep resonance. Weight affects sustain and overall resonance; heavier generally equals longer sustain.
Material & Alloy
Most gongs in this price range are bronze, but the alloy composition drastically affects the tone. Higher tin content (typically 70%+) tends to produce a warmer, more complex tone, while lower tin content can sound brighter and more piercing. Be wary of 'mystery metal' - it's often a lower-grade alloy.
Fundamental Pitch & Overtones
A gong's fundamental pitch is the primary note you hear, but it's the overtones that give it character. A good gong will have a rich overtone series, creating a shimmering, evolving sound. Cheap gongs often have a harsh, unbalanced overtone profile.
Finish & Lathing
A rougher, less-refined lathing (the grooves cut into the gong's surface) can create a more complex, textured sound. However, a sloppy lathing can also introduce unwanted ringing or harshness. The finish affects brightness - a darker finish tends to dampen the high frequencies.
Playability & Response
How easily can you elicit sound from the gong? A responsive gong reacts to subtle mallet strikes, allowing for nuanced dynamics. Stiffer or poorly balanced gongs can be harder to control and limit your expressive range.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're chasing that gong vibe - the shimmer, the drone, the otherworldly feel. But you're not about to drop serious cash on a Paiste. Good call. There's a ton of solid gongs under $1000 that'll get you a great foundation, especially if you're looking for something to layer in a recording or add some atmosphere to a gig. Let's break down what you can realistically expect and find some bang-for-your-buck options.
At this price point, you're trading off something - usually refinement. Don't expect the perfectly balanced overtone series of a top-tier Paiste. Look for gongs with a decent weight for their size and pay attention to reviews mentioning the overtone profile.
A slightly rougher lathing is generally a good thing, but avoid anything that looks obviously sloppy. Consider your application: a recording setup can tolerate a bit more 'character' than a live gig where you need consistent, controllable sounds.
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 44 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 gong and a tam-tam?
Gongs are typically round and produce a more sustained, resonant tone. Tam-tams are irregularly shaped and tend to have a shorter, more percussive sound with a more complex, often clangorous, overtone series. They serve different sonic purposes.
What kind of mallet should I use?
Experiment! Soft felt mallets will produce a mellow, sustained tone. Harder mallets (like rubber or nylon) will give you a brighter, more aggressive attack. Leather mallets offer a balance between the two. The mallet material significantly impacts the sound's articulation.
Can I hang a gong from a cymbal stand?
Absolutely, but make sure it's sturdy. A heavier gong needs a robust stand to prevent unwanted vibrations and instability. A dedicated gong stand is ideal, but a well-built cymbal stand will usually suffice.
I hear about 'Fulcrum' gongs - what are those?
Fulcrum is a brand known for good value. Their gongs are generally well-made for the price, offering a good balance of sustain and overtone complexity. They're a solid starting point if you're unsure where to begin.
My gong sounds harsh - what can I do?
Try dampening the gong with a cloth or your hand. The placement of the mallet strike also matters; hitting closer to the edge produces a brighter tone, while hitting closer to the center yields a warmer sound. Experiment with different mallets too.
