Gongs #6-Bowing Revisited

By request, a very clear demonstration of the basic bowing technique for Gongs.

[@68PieceDrumKit]

Very nice Michael.

[@mattgagnon1580]

I’m using a German Bass Bow on my 34” wind gong and I just can’t get the gong to sing. Am I using the wrong bow for this gong?

[@Gongtopia]

Any type and size of bow should work. Make sure the bow is tight and you have plenty of rosin. I use 'Pop's Bass Rosin,' which I have found to work best. You might need to experiment to find the right angle and pressure on the edge. Also try starting at the edge of the bow (where there's the most tension) by your hand. Slowly pull it toward you and 'dig in,' feeling how it contacts with the gong. Some gongs take a bit of work to get going. Good luck!

[@TheMysticAgent]

Oh my gosh...my hands are opening up. And, I don't like this sound much...hilarious. Thank you so much for sharing this. WOnderful idea!

[@Gongtopia]

The Mystic Agent - Bowing is not for everyone or every musical situation. I never bow the Gongs for a Meditation session, but it’s a great sound for improvised music or soundtracks. - MB

[@TheMysticAgent]

@@Gongtopia I love disonance.

[@Gongtopia]

@@TheMysticAgent Disonance has its place…

[@TheMysticAgent]

@@Gongtopia, yes it does!!! Polarities are here to inform us.

[@mrcharliekane]

is it possible for a flat gong to not be bowable? the edge of my gong isn't sharp and it's a little thick should it still be possible to bow regardless?

[@Gongtopia]

There's a multiple faceted answer to this. Not all gongs will react well to a bow. As for "is it possible for a flat gong to not be bowable?" I take it you mean a Wind Gong (or similar). I bow flat gongs all the time. It's not necessary to have either a thin or thick edge, what's most important is your bow and your rosin. Make sure your bow is tight and you have enough rosin (I still prefer 'Pop's Bass Rosin.' Many people swear by good cello rosin. YMWV). You may have to work with the angle of the bow on the gong. Press down and draw the bow. If you don't feel friction, or get a sound, you may need a) more rosin, b) a better bow, c) more rosin on a better bow. Also try different places around the edge. Keep experimenting. ~ MB

[@mrcharliekane]

@@Gongtopia thanks for the quick reply. your channel rules. I will have to try a better bow!