The Paiste Gong is a truly impressive piece with depth and character. There are percussion instruments, there are drums... and then there is the gong. Not every band or musical piece needs one, but when you need resonance, a wonderful sound inspired by Asia, and a sustain that lasts until you leave the stage, you need a gong.

It's used for everything from ceremonies to stage performances. The gong is a traditional instrument shaped like a flat, circular metal disc, which is struck with a rubber mallet.

Large flat gongs can be "prepared" by gently striking them before the main hit, significantly enhancing the sound and allowing the instrument to "speak" more quickly, with less delay for the sound to "bloom." Maintaining this preparatory quiet strike requires great skill.