30" (B2-5) Chau Gong by Raven Sounds, Handmade Traditional Bronze Gong, Free Mallet.

Authentic Handmade Gong
Each gong is unique, and the one you hear in the sound file is the exact gong you will receive. While there may be slight variations in appearance, your gong will have the same overall look and feel as the one pictured.

How Our Gongs Are Made
Raven Sounds gongs are designed and tested in the USA and handmade from bronze — 80% copper, 20% tin. We specify a thicker gauge than a typical traditional-style gong; the added mass gives a deeper fundamental, more intricate overtones, and a wider dynamic range from a soft touch to a full strike. Each one is individually recorded before it ships.

Chau Gong Characteristics
Often referred to as the original traditional style gong, the Chau produces a deep, rumbling sound from its center, complemented by mid to high tones from its mid-range lathed area. The outer lip offers controllable sound direction, making the Chau a versatile choice for both high and low tones.

Chau Gong at a Glance
Style: traditional Chinese Chau — the classic gong with a deep center, a lathed mid-band, and a raw outer lip
Sizes: 18" to 32"
Note: every Chau is one of a kind, so the note belongs to the individual gong, not the size. The gongs we've stocked have generally fallen between about D2 and F#3, with larger sizes usually — not always — lower. The current note for each size is shown in the size selector, and the recording on this page is that exact gong.
Material: handmade bronze, 80% copper / 20% tin
Includes: a Raven Sounds Cosmic Tones gong mallet and a hanging cord

How a Chau Gong Sounds
Struck at the center with a padded mallet, a Chau opens with a low, rolling fundamental that builds for a moment before it blooms — the swell the style is known for. Move the strike toward the lathed mid-band and the mid and upper partials come forward; play the outer lip and the tone turns brighter and more directional, with less swell. Played softly it stays warm and controlled; struck hard, the wash builds into a full crash. Listen to the recording on this page — it's the exact gong for the size you select.

Chau vs. Wind vs. Sun
If you're choosing between our three most common styles: the Chau has the deepest, most controlled center tone and the widest range from whisper to full crash, which is why it's the traditional choice for sound baths and meditation. The Wind Gong is fully lathed front and back and sits brighter, with faster-blooming, higher overtones and a strong, roaring center — it speaks quicker. The Sun Gong sits between the two: a wind-style body with concentric lathing that adds control and depth and makes it less likely to crash. Every one is recorded, so hear all three before you decide.

Chau Gong FAQ

What note is a Chau gong?
There isn't a single answer — each handmade Chau carries its own fundamental. Ours have mostly fallen between D2 and F#3, generally lower as size goes up. The note for the current gong in each size is in the size selector, and the recording is that gong.

Which size should I get?
As a starting point: 18"–22" for personal practice, small rooms, travel, and as an accent gong alongside larger gongs or in a set. 24"–28" is what most studio and smaller sound-bath practitioners choose, and it also works well as an accent gong. 30"–32" for larger rooms and as the centerpiece of a set.

Does a bigger gong just mean a lower note?
Not only. In our experience the larger the gong, the more versatile and dynamic it tends to be — a 32" gong can give you many more distinct sounds, from a soft whisper to a full crash, than an 18" can. Every gong is unique, so this isn't an absolute rule, but it's the main reason practitioners size up beyond what the room needs.

Does it come with a mallet?
Yes — a Raven Sounds Cosmic Tones mallet and a hanging cord ship free with every Chau.

How do I hang it?
By its cord from a stand rated for its diameter, with the face free to swing.

Complimentary Cosmic Tones Mallet ($49 Value)
Enhance your gong playing with a complimentary Raven Sounds Cosmic Tones Gong Mallet when you purchase any gong. Our mallets are designed for optimal sound production, offering a more nuanced and expressive playing experience compared to the standard mallets often included with gongs.

A Note About Gong Sizes
Each of our gongs is a unique, handmade item. Because of this, the actual size may vary slightly. We typically find that most gongs will be approximately 1/4" to 1/2" smaller than their stated size.

Fundamental Notes
The listed note and octave represent the gong's primary center tone. While we do our best to capture an accurate representation of this note, the actual tone can vary based on volume and overtones. Please refer to the sound file for the best example of the gong's sound.

See the full Raven Sounds gong collection for other styles, or browse additional gong mallets.