Born from the Earth itself, materials extracted and through the toil, sweat and skill of those inspired minds. Gongs are Cast, forged and brought to life within the
hands of the Gong maker.
From the simple intention for the notification of time, to the sacredness of the invitation to the Gods; the Gong is the gateway.
The keeper of hours. There is harmony and inharmonicity of tone contained within.

Brought Forth from the metal grain, the deformation of atoms. The character of the gong is developed and persuaded toward many colours and tones.
The ritual of the gong maker is as sacred as is the deliverance and birth of a new born child.
From the flames of the forge of the gong makers of millennia past, to the rolling mills that produce the stock sheet that today’s musical instrument makers
utilize.
The intention has always been the same, focus upon development and the nurturing of each blank as if it were his own child.

The wish to honor with commitment, the desire to create and fulfill his role. He instills character, colour and tonal structure.
The blank that we cast, roll, forge and spin into the desired form. The hammer is taken to hand as we deliver the fundamental.
The formation of shape adding soul and depth. We map with our hands, strike and create landscapes of tone and colours.
We may determine, through learned practices how the gong shall sing. Restriction may be introduced, as we also may provide allowance for greater
timbre. Definite or indefinite, the decision is always within the hands of the gong maker.

For those who, later shall interact and find relationship with a gong. The possibility of further nurturing is achievable, through the inherant nature of the metal alloy.
Its ability to retain memory within its atomic structure. With every further moment of interaction, it is the ability of the individual to be able to further
the development of the gongs character. Thus the individual shall further his or her own development.
The gong is not a simple sheet of metal, truly it should be viewed as an extension of our spirit. Described as a sounding board,a reflector of one’s soul.
Of which we should revere as most sacred.

As our heart resounds, so too the gong will resonate with and deliver our emotive state of being and becoming.
If we are angry, then the gong is angry. If we find sadness, the gong shall express our sadness. If we find joy in our moments, then the gong will deliver
our joys to the world. The gong will play you, as you will play the gong.

Thus we may ask "who is really under the rein of control?".

Gongs are created with specific purpose, modelled and fashioned by the inspired mind. Viewing the Gong as a tool, in the hands of one individual its application serves so differently to that it might in the hands of another or within a group interactive session.
It may be the marriage of, the combined effort of the thoughtful mind of the Gongmaker and the resonant quality of the metal utilised for the gong’s manufacture that determines its best purpose. Or it may simply be the style in that the way the individual interacts with the gong, the method played that
is the key to the response gained.

Inspirations for modern gong production vary, Paiste utilise particular esoteric belief and spiritual lore and associations. Combined with input from individuals noted
for their noted wisdoms. The mathematical calculations from which gong size and required fundamental note are given. I would also believe that the behaviour of the
gong and its tonal structure, how it responds and delivers is as unique as the person who interacts with it, this I again
like to think is a result of the combination of inspired minds.
 
The inspired mind being the Gongmaker, the inspirer being a greater ‘unseen’ collaboration, of which is interpretable in numerous ways.
The Gongmaker also, working as a group in the production of gongs where a combined inspired mind effort is required. Resulting in multiple input of
model ideas to produce new and unique instruments.

Surely then it has to be a preset in the mind of the Gongmaker to create a masterpiece of sound production with every gong forged, even with the
huge volumes of gongs on order due to the popularity of their use in therapeutic healing use, alongside the usual addition of a gong to the drummers kit.
Gongmakers claim that there are never any mistakes made in production, resulting in no wastage of metal surely is proof of the skill of the gong
makers involved. Is the skill of metal forming already instilled into the psyche of the Gongmaker, or indeed is the skill merely channelled by the
Gongmaker from that unseen collaboration previously spoken of?.

But can a gong not forged by the hands of the ‘inspired’ Gongmaker be of use to the hands of the therapeutic healer?, or even be worthy of place in
the drummers kit?.
No matter what inspirations or calculated data have been utilised, the sweat and blood and time taken. Can we say that it is solely the actions of the individual who
connects with the gong who determines the response of the gong. True a cast Chinese gong, forged with little or no intention or will from a Gongmaker
may sound dull in comparison with the hand forged gong of a particular character.
The cast gong may not sing the overtones that the hand forged gong may do so, but still may initiate the required response, fuelled by the individuals intention to deliver
and his or her interactive technique employed.
Intention then may be the key, and overriding force that determines the resulting composition that is delivered, even the harsh heavy handed strike of
the fiery gong in possession of by the drummer. If the heart and intention of the individual is at the forefront of their work then the required response is
attained.
Trusting intuition and following prompts to deliver what is required at that time for that individual or group.

"Diversity and experimentation with the familiar and unfamiliar is an important element of healing with sound.
  Individuality and expression of self is imperative, trusting your own intuition"

 If you are considering purchasing a Paiste Gong, i can highly recommend the services of Julian Marsden at ecymbals.co.uk.
 Julian is able to order any of the Paiste Gongs in Production, and is able to supply Gong, stand and mallet packages.
 I would also recommend visiting Gongforum.co.uk.