A virtual version of this chau gong is now available for use in your browser. It was created to be as intuitive an instrument as possible, allowing players to click on the instrument (using their mouse) to play or choose from a series of keyboard keys as they wish.
You are able to control dynamics, tone, and even pitch through easy-to-use controls that mirror actual sensation of playing a big percussion instrument. Where you hit the gong disc alters the quality of sound. If you tap the raised center part called the boss, then you’ll get a deep and basic boom note that anchors frequency. However, if you hit towards outer rim then you will hear a bright and sparkling crash sound containing more high frequency.
How to Use the Virtual Gong
To hit the center of the gong you simply press your mouse on the raised centre boss, or instead, if you prefer accurate control then you can use keyboard. Pressing G on the keyboard will give you a center strike for this low boom. Likewise, pressing H will be a rim strike giving crash effect. This means you don’t have to reach for your mouse, keeping both hands in a comfortabley position for playing.
The swell mechanism mimics the feel of a mallet being rolled over instrument’s surface. With the mouse, hold down the click over the gong to generate the swell. The longer it is held the louder volume becomes. It creates a traditional crescendo, then you simply release the click and allow the sound to bloom and subside naturaly. Swell automatically is achieved by holding down the Space bar on keyboard. It begins slowly to build in volume until key is released when it lets the full resonance ring out. It is a good trick for adding dramatic weight to a moment or for building tension in a musical phrase.
To further refine your sound there are a few controls at the bottom of main instrument display. These give you options to change the size of the gong. Three sizes are available. The small size is 20 inches, and the medium 28-inch size is default and gives you a more rounded tone. The large 36-inch size give you lowest fundamental frequency with the longest sustain. Expect the sound of this to linger for seconds. Depending on the texture required for your project, select your size based off accordingly.
Various performance functions is available via the transport buttons. For example, the big crash button allows you to slam down on the rim with maximum force in an instant. That’s perfect for strong accents. The auto swell button starts a gradual increase that slowly rises over a six-second period then peaks as it decays to a final strike to finish; automatically building without you having to think about it. The damp button is what you’d imagine: It mimics the sound of a player placing their palm on top of the metal, choking every note that rings out. You can use this for a rhythmic staccato effect and/or clear path for the next hit.
To the right is a master volume slider where you can control the overall level of the instrument compared to other audio sources. Layering sounds is always a good idea on this instrument as well. The natural decay on the gong means you can stack hits in such a way as to make a complex shimmering texture. Begin by using the auto swell and then add one centre boom when it starts to peak on the swell. This produces a rich cinematic chord that feels expansive. Experiment with the damp function between quick hits too for a rhythmic pattern different than a continuous wash of sound.
When you click on the fullscreen button, the widget fills the whole screen and offers more space to appreciate the ripple effects and mallet animation. If you ever forget keyboard mappings, there is a handy quick reference in the help panel (the button in the top right corner of the widget).
Experiment with various sizes and their strike zone. Letting go of the gong allows you to listen to the way it fills space. It’s an atmospheric, weighty instrument and you need to really listen to what it contributes. Try using it as part of your sound design or even in the composition of a score. Striking the centre of the gong gives you the ring; try also hitting the rim for the contrasting effect. Soon enough, you’ll discover the dynamics appropriate for your creativity, you could of found them sooner.