Rare 18.5" Gangsa Gong (gansa, gungsa)

Rare and amazing gangsa gong from the Philippines (or surrounding area).
Handmade and signed by gong smith Huang Liu.

This flat faced gong is 18.5" in diameter, 3.5" deep, weighs 7.4 kg, and is made of bronze. The surface is oxidized bronze from the firing.

I am not entirely certain of the age of this instrument, I acquired it from the son of a now deceased professional south east asian percussionist couple, who said it had been in the family for as long as he could remember. It could very well be an antique, but I cannot say for sure.

Gangsa gongs can be played with a mallet "pattung" style, or with hands "toppaya" style.

When hit with a soft mallet, this gong produces a deep and soulful OM. The fundamental note when played in the center is F# +40. There are several notes to be had depending on where the gong is hit. Meditative.

When played by hand it offers an even greater array of sounds, very expressive. A real joy.

The gong comes by itself, no stand or mallet.

These gongs never come up for sale, I couldn't find a single instance of one being sold online. Here's your chance to add this authentic gangsa gong to your arsenal.

In the sound sample you can hear the gong being played with a large soft gong mallet, followed by a traditional bare teak stick beater, then played by hand. Recording gongs accurately is pretty difficult. My mic failed to pickup the deep low end resonance that the gong sustains. You can hear it in the sample but it's more pronounced in person.