Emperor Gong - Chi

A graceful design reminiscent of caligraphy, this gong captures the romance and splendor of the Far East.

Inspired by traditional Asian design, our Emperor Series offers wonderful sound and is intended to reflect balance, harmony, grace and beauty.

Chinese instrument makers have made gongs for thousands of years and are deserving of their reputation of making the best in the world. Many processes go into creating the special sound of a Chinese Gong, including fine toning as a result of hand-hammering.

In Buddhism, the gong is sounded at the start and end of each day. In Chinese temples, gongs are struck 108 times because it's believed that sentient beings have 108 types of worries. The teaching is this - upon hearing the gong, worries will cease, wisdom will grow.

Nothing has the ability to transport us to another time and place quite like the brilliant resonance of a gong. For over a thousand years, gongs of various types have played an important role in both the religious and secular music of many Asian cultures. Gongs were sounded to chase away evil spirits, warn of invading armies, heal the sick and invoke the spirits of the dead. To be touched by a gong was said to bring happiness and strength. Today, this revered instrument of warriors, emperors, princes and priests adds a special aura to any setting. Handcrafted using traditional methods, Woodstock Gongs bring the ancient wonders of the Far East home. 

Hanging Tips:

Hanging your Emperor Gong:

• Hang your gong directly from the loop at the top of the gong. Don’t extend the top string of the gong by adding chain or string. This may cause the entire gong to swing, when in fact only the center string and clapper should move.

• Hang your gong where the wind can reach it from as many directions as possible. An open corner is ideal when hanging the gong from a building.

• Experiment with hanging your gong at different heights. Wind velocity tends to increase with higher elevations.

• Avoid hanging your gong within two feet of a wall or too close to plants, furniture or anything that might obstruct or divert the breeze. If you have a screened-in porch, you may find that even the screens will impede the breeze enough to prevent your gong from sounding.

• Try hanging your gong in different locations during different times of the year. The prevailing winds change seasonally.

Adjusting your Emperor Gong:

• Make sure the wood piece directly above the gong is level. To adjust this piece, hold the gong and pull up on the side of the wood that is lower until the entire piece is parallel with the ground.

• The clapper should be equidistant from the right and left edges of the gong. To adjust this, raise the upper wood piece on its string, turn it slightly to the right or left and lower it back down on the knot. Keep adjusting until the clapper falls in the center of the gong