I've noticed a number of people coming up to me at the end of my sessions who are curious to learn more about the instruments I use during a sound bath. In response to that, I thought it might be good to showcase some information each month on a different instrument from my sound sessions.
This month, I'm introducing the centre piece of my sound sessions: the Chau Gong, all the way from Wuhan in China.
I was drawn to this gong for a number of reasons. I lived in China for many years and feel a strong sense of connection to its ancient history, culture and civilization. I feel this is somehow embodied in the Chau gong, and I just cannot get enough of it's earthy, grounding undertones!
Aesthetically speaking, to me it just looks so ancient and holds a strong presence in the room.
32" Chau Gong from Wuhan, China
So what is a Chau gong? All gong are unique, even gongs of the same type, but typically speaking Chau's are known for their grounding, earthy tones and tend to be made of copper-based alloy, bronze, or brass. After working with my chau, I’ve grown to know its sweet spots and how to draw out an array of overtones using different types of mallet and techniques.
Chau gongs produce rich overtones with an enormously wide range of volume, making them a favourite of sound therapists. All gongs are unique, and frequencies produced can vary based on a huge number of factors, including size, shape, materials used, temperature, mallets and techniques from the sound practitioner. As you work with a gong, you find ways to draw out overtones and harmonics - and every now and then, my Chau still surprises me with an entirely new set of overtones.
I like to pair my Chau gong with a Chinese wind gong during my sessions, as the two complement each other in terms of the range of sound they give me access to; deep and grounding with the former, and lighter, higher frequencies with the wind gong.
I hope this gives you a bit more insight into the Chau gong.
Next month I'll post on the Koshi Chimes... watch this space!