Ive been using my 18" china as a gong substitute with mallets, but now Ive been thinking about having a real one. I know they are cumbersome (and expensive), but it would be mainly for studio purposes. Which are the sonic differences between wind gongs and "chaw" gongs? Any ideas (style, size) on a good & versatile gong? I feel inclined toward bright sounding / shimmery gongs (if it helps).

Here's a link to some Paiste gong sound files. For what it is worth, these are the gongs I prefer...


http://www.gongs-unlimited.com/20insygo.html