If you want to get the most from your Gong/s, you need the the right mallets for the sounds you want to get. Mallet choice can make a great difference in the sound obtained. This article will look at mallet choices and sounds.

1 - Use the proper sized mallet for the size Gong you have. If you want a big crash sound, you need a big mallet. A 32" Gong needs a bigger mallet than a 22" one. A 40" needs a bigger one than a 32". You get the idea. To get a big piece of metal to vibrate fully, you need a big, heavy mallet. A bigger mallet will also bring out more bass tones.

Pictured below (L-R) are some of the mallets I use on Gongs 24"-32" in diameter:

A - Vic Virth GB-1(large lamb's wool covered head)

B - Paiste (medium lamb's wool covered head)

C- Mike Balter GM-3 (yarn wound head)

D - Ludwig (metal handle with weighted, medium fur covered head)

2 - Pictured below (L-R) are mallets I use on Gongs 16"-24" in diameter. Note: I will use these models on larger Gongs for certain sounds/effects.

A - Mike Balter GM-3 (yarn wound head)

B - Mike Balter WG1 (small yarn wound)

C - Traditional Chinese (cloth wound felt head)

3 - Different types of mallets will bring out different tones. Various cord or yarn wound vibe/marimba mallets will bring out more high frequencies and little or no low ones. Try striking the center of the Gong for a higher pitched bell-like tone. Use 2 mallets on or near the edge for a great roaring sound.  You can use a very hard wood or poly mallet (BB11 below) for bringing out the very high harmonics, but care must be taken to not strike so hard as to damage the Gong. Pictured below (L-R) are:

A - Balter Basics BB6 (soft cord)

B - Balter Basics BB5 (medium cord)

C - Balter Basics BB3 (soft yarn)

D - Balter Basics BB2 (medium yarn)

E - Balter Basics BB9 (soft rubber)

F - Balter Basics BB8 (medium rubber)

G - Balter Basics BB11 (hard poly)

4 - I also make some of my own mallets for special sounds, like bringing out certain harmonics/tones, or a more focused tone. Pictured below (L-R) are:

A - Zero Impact (extra soft, fur covered)

B - Gong Hammers (hard felt end - very focused sound)

C - Soft, Weighted (yarn wound - for tuned Gongs)

D - Compact, hard head (yarn wound)

5 - I also use a lot of specialty sticks and beaters to draw out different sounds & effects. Pictured below (L-R) are:

A - Pro-Mark TUBZ (hollow plastic tubes)

B - Vic Firth BAMS (split Bamboo)

C - Vic Firth BLADES

D - Pro-Mark Sabar sticks

E - Wooden knitting needles

6 - Various Superball Friction Mallets

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