Paiste symphonic gongs are very similar to the traditional Chinese chau gongs, being the same shape and with many of the same qualities. They tell a similar story when played. The symphonic gongs can even be understood as a highly refined version of the chau gong. When you strike the symphonic gong, you get a whole clear note. Paiste writing on their understanding of the word symphonic, “the characterizing word Symphonic thereby should not be misinterpreted as describing the literal sense of classical symphonic orchestra application but its original sense to unite harmonic sounds.” Where the chau gong can sometimes venture off without a clear note structure, a Paiste symphonic gong will maintain a sense of clarity and harmony from the fundamental through crashing. Paiste writes, “the fundamental note of the gong is balanced with the instrument’s complex overtones.” A symphonic gong tells a harmonic story then.
