Gong & Tam Tams - Percussion Instruments

Musical Instruments

Careers in Music

Musical Instrument - Gong

Gong

The Gong is a tuned percussion instrument that consists of a round disc made out of bronze and is played with a beater.

The round disc is suspended from the top and when hit, it produces a deep rich sound.

Features and Look

Gongs vary in size and range anywhere between 3 in ( diameter ) 

Most gongs have a raised center ( while some others don't ) and the sound quality that is produced on hitting the Gong is in relation to its construction - that is the dimensions of its raised center or boss, the rim as well as the bow of the Gong.

Gongs have been a part of numerous cultures and regions especially in Malaysia, China, Burma and other parts of Southeast and Central Asia.

Gongs have an important role to play even in the Gamelan music of Indonesia.

Tam Tams are similar to the Gong but unlike the Gong, the Tam Tams are untuned percussion instruments. Used extensively in classical orchestras, the Tam Tam is suspended from a frame and has a hammered flat surface about 100 cm in diameter.

To play the Tam Tam, a soft headed drumstick is used.

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