The Chinese gong has been used for centuries as a tool for communication. It has also been sounded on ceremonial occasions, and even in healing rituals. Its rich sound has become familiar throughout the world, but most people don’t know much about this instrument, which has a historical and cultural background as rich as the tone it produces. 
The gong is a metal disc, which is sounded by striking the surface with a wooden mallet which has a rounded head. It comes in various sizes, and is made of either brass or bronze. The size and metal of the gong is what decides its pitch, shrillness, volume and – in other words – all facets of the sound it gives out. The larger the gong, the deeper its chime will be, since a larger volume of metal is set vibrating – giving rise to a larger wavelength(and lower frequency) of sound.
Gongs are also classified into three types depending on their construction – they can be of the “suspended”, “bossed” or “bowl” type. Suspended gongs are almost flat discs, which are held vertically using cords threaded through holes made near the top rim. Bossed gongs are raised in the center, and may be played while suspended horizontally. Bowl gongs are shaped like bowls or bells, and are rested on cushions. These instruments are fun to play and they also look very unusual. Chinese gongs make a very pleasant sound.