 Cymbals, large metal plates that are played by being struck together or with a mallet, may have originated in China or in Turkey. They are mentioned in historical accounts as early as 1200 B.C., and they are often brought up in the Bible, especially in the Psalms. Gongs are circular metal plaques played with mallets and can have either definite or indefinite pitch.  It is not known where they originated, but the name "gong" is Javanese. Orchestral gongs are often called by their Chinese name, tam-tam. 
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