Ryan Shelledy is an American gong maker based in the Midwest. Ryan has been making gongs and other metal percussion instruments since 2011. He has his own handmade foundry where he has honed his craft over the last decade, combining ancient methods with modern experimentation.
We've had the pleasure of working with him for many years. His amazing creations are some of our favorite pieces that we've encountered in the gong world. His gongs and instruments have become a staple among our offerings. His work bridges the gap between percussion instrument and metal art and we're always excited to see what he's going to create next. He's also a kind, down-to-earth person to work with, which we're very thankful for. We feel blessed to be able to offer his gongs.
We wanted to get to know Ryan a little better and we were lucky enough to be able to interview him recently over email. Read below to see his responses, learn a little bit more about his practice, then watch and hear some of his gongs in the videos added throughout. Thanks again, Ryan, for agreeing to speak with us and for continuing to share your gifts with the world!
What was your first experience with gongs? Describe your path from that first gong experience to your first gong making experience.
The first gong that I remember playing was actually the first one that I made. It was a very rough-looking 22" gong, but it sounded pretty nice.
Walk us through your general gong making process, from the conception of the idea to the gong itself.
Depending on the complexity of the design, I may plan it out on paper, or I may just go off what's in my head. I consider whether the design will lend itself to a good-sounding gong, or if it's even feasible to create. Then as I make the gong, I might have to adjust some aspects along the way. The process is both planned and improvised.
Photo Credit: Carol Damuth (courtesy of the Shelledy Sounds website)
Is there a specific metal or alloy you prefer to work with? Do you adhere to specific techniques or traditions with your gongs?
I work mainly with nickel-silver and bronze, but I'm not sure I favor one or the other. Either one can sound good, but may work better for certain things than others.
I'm self-taught, so I can't really say that I adhere to a tradition. And I make gongs using a variety of techniques. I like to experiment and try different things.
30" Endless Prayer Gong
You’ve also made some amazing tri-bells, chimes, and discs – are there other instruments that you’re interested in trying to make, like singing bowls for example?
Thank you! I've dabbled in bowl-making, and also tingsha and zills. I'd like to do more of that in the future, as well as some new original instruments.
What role does sustainability play in your manufacturing process? How or where, generally, do you source your materials?
The discs and tri-bells you mentioned are made from recycled bronze, from carefully chosen scrap metal. I feel good about utilizing that when possible, intead of it getting thrown away or sent to a refinery where they use more fuel/energy separating the alloys into their constituent elements. I also make every attempt to dispose of my waste in a responsible manner.
22" Corazon Misterioso Gong
What are some of the biggest challenges you face in the gong-making process, specifically, and/or as a small business owner in general?
Well I don't have the economy of scale compared to the big manufacturers. Also I am my own R&D department and sales team, so that can take time away from actual production. And working from my home shop, it is easy to get distracted with household tasks. It's a lot of juggling and wearing different hats.
Can you share one or two of your favorite, most unique or memorable gongs you’ve created and the stories behind them?
I made a mushroom-themed gong, which was different from anything I'd made up to that point and since. And another gong had a meshed gear design, which took quite a lot of planning and some math. Both of these were just ideas I had, and followed through on.
30" Corazon Grande Gong
Were you a musician before you started making gongs? What is your experience with music, more broadly?
Yes, I've played the drums since 2002 or so. I played viola in school orchestra, and as a teenager I was interested in the guitar.
Who are some of your favorite musicians or musical artists, either within the mindfulness and meditation music world and/or contemporary musicians?
I like a lot of stuff, but not sure it qualifies as meditation music. Off the top of my head... Return to Forever, Descendents, NOFX, Nirvana, Breeders, Kraftwerk, Battles, YMO, Megadeth, Miles Davis, Steely Dan, MGMT, Wu-Tang, Three Six Mafia, Primus, Rush.
33" Oblique Galaxy Gong | Sound Bath
How do you see the connection between gong playing and spirituality or mindfulness practice? Do you, personally, approach gong making from more of a musical or spiritual perspective, or a mix?
I'd say more from of a musical perspective. But with a mind that they may be used for meditation. Gongs are versatile.
Have you noticed any specific feedback from gong players about the impact of your gongs on their spiritual or meditative experiences? If so, how has that feedback guided or changed your approach?
Yes, I get and am receptive to feedback, and it does guide me, but I'm not sure if in a specific way. Moreso generally, as in people really liked this one or that one.
What advice would you give to someone interested in making gongs and other similar instruments?
Make what you like, and keep at it! It takes a while to be proficient.
What do you do to ground yourself or detach from your work when you’re not making gongs or running your business? What are some of your personal pursuits or hobbies outside of gong making?
I like to walk and hike with my dog, play drums, garden, go down Wikipedia rabbit holes, camp, and travel.
It was an honor to meet with Bear and Shion of B Love Sacred Sounds. Their friction mallets unlock the beautiful potential of gongs. We are so thankful to them for sharing their wealth of knowledge and experience. Check out this blog to see some instructional videos we made with them!
A ton of research has been done on the connection between the different states of brainwave activity and specific sounds and frequencies. The question we wanted to answer is – can the brain be tuned to different states of consciousness using binaural beats and specific frequencies to achieve entrainment?
For more than a decade, we’ve had the privilege of working with ethnomusicologist, researcher, and sound meditation practitioner Alexandre Tannous and his students to help them find the perfect gongs. His experience and knowledge in the field of Sound Meditation is priceless. Learn more in this weeks post.
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