AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Gongs Under $500 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 35 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 35 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 Wind Gong 20Thomann57Stable$32€29$32€29Check ↗
- 14
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 30Thomann57Stable$73€65$73€65Check ↗
- 15
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 35Thomann57Stable$95€85$95€85Check ↗
- 16
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 45Thomann57Stable$155€139$155€139Check ↗
- 17
Thomann Wind Gong 60Thomann57Stable$267€239$267€239Check ↗
- 18
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 55Thomann57Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 19
Thomann Wind Gong 15Thomann49Stable$25€22$25€22Check ↗
- 20
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 18Thomann49Stable$39€35$39€35Check ↗
- 21
Thomann Wuhan Tam Tam 25Thomann49Stable$50€45$50€45Check ↗
- 22
Dixon 10" China GongDixon49Stable$95€85$95€85Check ↗
- 23
Asian Sound Chin. Opera Gong Lower ToneAsian Sound46Stable$50€45$50€45Check ↗
- 24
Asian Sound Tamtam TT-20 PAsian Sound46Stable$55€49$55€49Check ↗
- 25
Asian Sound Tamtam TT-25 PAsian Sound46Stable$74€66$74€66Check ↗
- 26
Asian Sound Chin. Opera Gong Jing LuoAsian Sound46Stable$84€75$84€75Check ↗
- 27
Asian Sound Tamtam T-25 PAsian Sound46Stable$86€77$86€77Check ↗
- 28
Asian Sound Tamtam BSLAsian Sound46Stable$95€85$95€85Check ↗
- 29
Asian Sound Tamtam TT-30 PAsian Sound46Stable$109€98$109€98Check ↗
- 30
Asian Sound Tamtam T-30 PAsian Sound46Stable$128€115$128€115Check ↗
- 31
Asian Sound Tamtam TT-40 PAsian Sound46Stable$178€159$178€159Check ↗
- 32
Asian Sound Tamtam TT-45 PAsian Sound46Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 33
Asian Sound Tamtam TT-50 PAsian Sound46Stable$263€235$263€235Check ↗
- 34
Asian Sound Tamtam T-45 PAsian Sound46Stable$267€239$267€239Check ↗
- 35
Asian Sound Tamtam TT-55 PAsian Sound46Stable$312€279$312€279Check ↗
Gongs by the numbers
Measured across all 35 models we track, not a sample.
Median $124 — half of all gongs here cost less.
median of 15 models · 8"–26"
median of 16 models · 0.9 kg–6.3 kg
How to choose the best gongs
Size & Material
Obviously, bigger gongs have more sustain and a lower fundamental tone. Bronze is the standard - look for B20 bronze for a richer, more complex sound than cheaper alloys. Smaller gongs (under 20") can be surprisingly effective for subtle textures but won't deliver that massive, room-filling wash.
Fundamental Tone
This is the core pitch of the gong. Lower fundamentals (like C or D) provide a deeper, more resonant thump, great for ambient soundscapes or adding weight to a drum kit. Higher fundamentals (F or G) are brighter and can cut through a mix better, but might lack that low-end presence.
Harmonic Complexity
A good gong isn't just a single tone; it's a wash of overtones. More complex harmonics create a richer, more interesting sound - this is what gives a gong its character. Cheaper gongs often sound 'flat' and one-dimensional.
Finish & Craftsmanship
Look for a consistent, even finish - ripples or imperfections can create unwanted ringing or muddy the sound. Hand-hammered gongs generally have more character and better harmonic development, but they'll also cost more. Machine-made gongs are fine for budget options, just be aware of potential imperfections.
Mounting & Suspension
How the gong is mounted dramatically affects its resonance. A simple rope suspension is the most common and effective. Avoid cheap plastic stands; a solid, stable mount will allow the gong to vibrate freely and unlock its full potential.
Buying guide
Alright, let's talk gongs. You're looking for that otherworldly shimmer, that wash of sound, but you don't want to drain your gig budget on a massive antique. Finding a gong that sounds decent, is built reasonably well, and doesn't completely disappear in a band mix under $500 is totally doable - but you gotta know what to look for. This isn't about flashy marketing; it's about getting a gong that'll actually work for you, whether it's adding atmosphere to a recording or just messing around in your practice space.
At this price point, you're making trade-offs. Don't expect the sustain or harmonic richness of a $1000 antique. Focus on finding a gong with a fundamental tone that suits your needs and a decent level of harmonic complexity.
Pay attention to the mounting - a wobbly stand will kill the vibe. A slightly larger diameter (20-24") will generally give you the most bang for your buck.
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 35 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 generally round and produce a more sustained, wash-like sound. Tam-tams are often irregularly shaped and have a more distinct, bell-like tone with shorter sustain. They're both cool, just different flavors.
Can I use a gong with sticks or mallets?
Absolutely! Soft mallets will bring out the overtones and create a dreamy texture. Harder sticks will give you a more percussive attack and a louder sound. Experiment to find what you like.
My gong sounds muddy - what's wrong?
It could be the mounting - make sure it's free to vibrate. The room acoustics can also play a role; try moving it to a different location. Sometimes, a gong just needs to be played for a while to 'open up'.
What's the best bronze alloy for a gong?
B20 bronze is the gold standard - it's a blend of copper and tin that delivers a rich, complex tone. Cheaper gongs might use different alloys, which often sound duller and less resonant.
I'm a beginner - what size gong should I get?
A 16-20" gong is a good starting point. It's manageable to handle and versatile enough for a variety of applications. Don't feel pressured to go huge right away.
