Maybe the diameter? The Gong drums I've seen are very shallow with fairly thick shells (for strength). I've not seen one as small as 24".

http://www.remo.com/portal/products/6/98/ss_tunable%20gong_drum.html

and: (scroll down a bit)

http://www.vsl.co.at/en/70/3196/3211/3213/5793.vsl

I think he might be referring to something more like this one that Tama made (makes?)...

[IMG]http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FnzhZ67C5K4/S-I4_9HeitI/AAAAAAAABWc/dwa3KjVmgRQ/s1600/Tama+Gong+Bass+Drum.gif[/IMG]

What is more important in what regard? Tone? There would probably be very little difference in performance between the two examples you cite, tone-wise, because the diameters are both the same and they are both open-ended shells.

Strength-wise, it would depend a lot on the mounting system you choose.

Looking at it if it really wont matter with the tone then maybe I should go with less depth because of lack of space in my room!! It is just some thing to think about would it be cheaper to build a custom one or buying one that already exists and just rewrapping it to match my kit!!

The least expensive way that I would advise would be to simply get a ready-made one in a "neutral" color -like black. You'll probably grow out of wanting a gong drum pretty soon, anyway. But what do I know? This is a vintage drum forum and I'm old. Falling Do

DW also makes these, in 21 and 23" diameter, 10-ply. The Remo tunable version is interesting-looking. I don't have one, but I like Simon Phillips' use of it.

B

I know that this is vintage!! I just like the knowledge that exists here!! I was looking to do a 24" gong because it is odd and abnormal. Nothing about my monster is normal, so why not go more extreme. I am in the works of building 6" acrylic concert toms, 11" toms to fill voids in the runs that I have, a 17" power tom between my 16" and 18"( Inverted Floor Tom) rack toms, and then the 24" gong would replace the 22" Dx bass that is in the air as my present gong. The only two things that I have missed is the 18" and 20" Floor Toms that I also want to do. I just love to dream and create things that do not logically exist. Every thing is supported by a 5 sided rack, also looking to make the rack bigger cause running out of room for the tri-pods. This also does not mention my Roto Toms but that is a different story.

I like your style. Keep thinking of things that do not exist. Then build them.

Then take pictures of them and post them here. I want to see the rack and drums please. You might create your own "Vintage" instrument for the future.

I like experimentation. Oh yeah, and I am "old" too.

Thanks SA

Pearl does one with the same size shells and heads (i.e. 24" on 24"), and a metal, bass drum-sized hoop. Check out Tommy Lee's new acrylic kit- that's how his Gong Bass is set up. Yes, it's triggered, but I am certain they ripped off Tama's Gong Bass just like they ripped off Tama's Octobans (Quarter Toms). I have a feeling that the acoustic sound is still okay for Tommy's kit despite it being triggered.

I guess what I am saying is that you could do a simpler version of the Gong Bass if you don't have the Gong Bass lugs. Just get yourself a cheap kick drum and experiment with this. Get a set of floor tom lugs and you'll be set. Finding real Gong Bass lugs is harder than finding Hen's Teeth. I suppose you could use some sort of spacers for the larger head/smaller shell.

Again- can't wait to see what you come up with!!!!

Hair metal drummer who never outgrew hair metal...