Tam-Tam Gongs*
Chao Gong - centering - working inwards
Tam-Tam Gongs have a strong bent edge, a middle area which is turned golden - the center, again black, for the deep vibration.
- Diameter: 15 - 100 cm
- With matching mallet and string for hanging
- Material: 7 metals
- Larger sizes on request
- Made in Wuhan, China
The rim is left in the slag color that is created when the metal is cast (not staining), the middle area is turned thinner with knives to allow the greatest possible vibration. The center, on the other hand, is again black and left with thicker material so that it provides enough weight for the best vibration. Thus the rim, like a drum frame, gives the membrane in the center the stability for an especially long resonance. From a size of approx. 45 cm Tam-Tams are no longer struck in the centre, but rather in the golden area. This avoids damaging the gong when the centre is struck to the maximum. The full richness of sound can be achieved if the vibration is built up slowly and increasingly in the golden range. It is recommended to breathe into the rhythm of the gong and to adapt to this rhythm, then the sound unfolds particularly well. Tam-tams can also be played very well by rubbing them with special mallets.
A heavy striking with a wide swing of the mallet should be avoided altogether. This would bring the gong out of its resting state into the greatest deflection and loudest sound and this would easily overstrain the material and in the worst case traumatize the ears in the vicinity (experienced often enough at trade shows).