AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Gongs Under $2,000 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 53 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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- 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 53 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 Wuhan Tam Tam 75Thomann64Stable$620€555$620€555Check ↗
- 17
Thomann Wind Gong 80Thomann64Stable$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 Wuhan Tam Tam 100Thomann57Stable$1,241€1,111$1,241€1,111Check ↗
- 29
Thomann Wind Gong 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 Wind Gong 15Thomann49Stable$25€22$25€22Check ↗
- 34
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 18Thomann49Stable$39€35$39€35Check ↗
- 35
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 25Thomann49Stable$50€45$50€45Check ↗
- 36
Dixon 10" China GongDixon49Stable$95€85$95€85Check ↗
- 37
Thomann Tam Gong 38" ESThomann49Stable$744€666$744€666Check ↗
- 38
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 95Thomann49Stable$1,060€949$1,060€949Check ↗
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Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 105Thomann49Stable$1,338€1,198$1,338€1,198Check ↗
- 40
Thomann Wind Gong 110Thomann49Stable$1,450€1,298$1,450€1,298Check ↗
- 41
Asian Sound Chin. Opera Gong Lower ToneAsian Sound46Stable$50€45$50€45Check ↗
- 42
Asian Sound Tamtam TT-20 PAsian Sound46Stable$55€49$55€49Check ↗
- 43
Asian Sound Tamtam TT-25 PAsian Sound46Stable$74€66$74€66Check ↗
- 44
Asian Sound Chin. Opera Gong Jing LuoAsian Sound46Stable$84€75$84€75Check ↗
- 45
Asian Sound Tamtam T-25 PAsian Sound46Stable$86€77$86€77Check ↗
- 46
Asian Sound Tamtam BSLAsian Sound46Stable$95€85$95€85Check ↗
- 47
Asian Sound Tamtam TT-30 PAsian Sound46Stable$109€98$109€98Check ↗
- 48
Asian Sound Tamtam T-30 PAsian Sound46Stable$128€115$128€115Check ↗
- 49
Asian Sound Tamtam TT-40 PAsian Sound46Stable$178€159$178€159Check ↗
- 50
Asian Sound Tamtam TT-45 PAsian Sound46Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
Gongs by the numbers
Measured across all 53 models we track, not a sample.
Median $263 — half of all gongs here cost less.
median of 21 models · 10"–32"
median of 29 models · 1 kg–28 kg
How to choose the best gongs
Size & Material
Larger gongs (20"+) generally offer more sustain and a fuller low-end thump. Bronze is the standard, but different bronze alloys (B20, B8) will affect the tonal character - B20 tends to be brighter and more complex.
Fundamental Tone
This is the primary pitch you hear. It needs to be clear and resonant, not muddy or choked. A good fundamental tone will sit well in a mix and provide a solid foundation for overtones.
Overtone Complexity
Gongs are all about the overtones - those shimmering, evolving harmonics. Cheaper gongs often have fewer, less defined overtones, sounding more one-dimensional. A good gong will have a rich tapestry of overtones that change with how you strike it.
Sustain & Decay
How long the gong rings after being struck. Longer sustain allows for more atmospheric textures and washes of sound. Budget gongs might have faster decay due to less efficient vibration.
Action & Responsiveness
How easily the gong vibrates and responds to your input. A stiff or uneven action will make it harder to control the dynamics and nuances of the sound. A responsive gong feels alive under the mallet.
Buying guide
So, you're chasing that otherworldly gong vibe, huh? It's a sound that can seriously elevate a track - from cinematic scores to experimental rock. But let's be real, those massive Paiste Symphonic gongs costing five grand aren't exactly practical for most of us. This list is about finding gongs that deliver a serious sonic punch without cleaning you out, staying under that $2000 mark. Let's dig in.
Real talk: under $2000, you're making trade-offs. You won't get the perfect, flawlessly hammered surface of a top-tier gong. Expect some inconsistencies in the finish, and maybe a slightly less refined overtone series.
Focus on finding a gong with a pleasing fundamental tone and decent sustain - those are the qualities that'll translate best in a recording or cut through a live mix. Don't be afraid to experiment with different mallets to shape the sound.
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 53 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 Paiste and a Woodstock gong?
Paiste generally has tighter tolerances and a more consistent, refined sound, but they come with a premium price tag. Woodstock gongs offer a more raw, sometimes unpredictable character - they can be a little 'wilder' and more affordable, but also more prone to inconsistencies.
Can I use sticks on a gong?
While mallets are the preferred method, you can use sticks, but be gentle. Hard sticks will dampen the sustain and create a harsher attack. Softer felt-tipped sticks are a safer bet if you're going that route, but mallets are always best for that singing resonance.
What size gong should I get?
A 20" to 24" gong is a great starting point. Smaller sizes (18") are more manageable but have less low-end. Larger sizes (28"+) are a commitment - they're louder, take up more space, and can be harder to control.
How do I care for my gong?
Keep it clean! Dust it regularly with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals. And handle it with care - they're surprisingly delicate despite their size.
Are there any good alternatives to bronze gongs?
Steel gongs exist, and they offer a distinct, more metallic and often harsher tone. They're generally cheaper, but you lose that rich, resonant bronze character. Not really a substitute, more of a different flavor entirely.
