EMERGING MARKETS
Barrable’s Titanium Gongs Serve as Instruments That Have Harmonic Resonance with the Times By Michael C. Gabriele
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ach of Ross Barrable’s titanium gongs produce mesmerizing layers of sound with each strike of a mallet. “Layers of sound” are an apt description, as demonstrated on the website (https://crystaniumgongs. com). A Crystanium Gong, when struck, shimmers with complex sound textures—low, haunting rumbles; cascading middle tones; topped by hypnotic overtones. The vibrations start softly and gently, and then gradually increasing in volume and in unison, with whispers of sustained echoes. Titanium gongs are the latest creation by Barrable, who defines himself as a musician, acoustic sculptor, sonic engineer and luthier, with imagination and creativity. Some in the titanium industry might recall that he was a speaker at TITANIUM USA 2016, when he discussed his titanium wind harps. Barrable, the founder of Soundscapes International Inc., based in Pagosa Springs, CO, installed his first titanium wind harp in 1995 in Denver’s Congress Park. Interviewed in mid-October 2020, he said there’s a connection between his signature titanium wind harps and the evolution of his new line of titanium gongs. The key element linking the two is the wind harp’s titanium resonator which is a spun titanium “vessel” that generates the 18
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harp’s lyrical sound. About five years ago he began to explore heat treating techniques and new geometric
Gong,” which he said reflects the instrument’s “pure crystalline tone.” He also described it as a “sonic experience that vibrates your cranium.”
designs to optimize the harmonics, which led to the creation of titanium bells. Eventually, he realized the capability to transform the bells into a gong, and work on the new product was underway. “I said to myself: “Titanium is the substance of the 21st century gong,” recalling his process of inspiration. To market the product, Barrable trademarked the name “CrysTanium®
As a result of his 30year, well-established business relationship with the titanium industry, he transitioned to the fabrication of the gongs, which are formed out of 99.5-percent pure titanium and individually tuned and anodized by hand in his gong shop in Pagosa Springs. There are videos of 10 gongs posted on the website (https://Crystaniumgongs.com) to demonstrate their individual sound qualities. Visual artist Karina Silver creates each gong’s dazzling graphic design, made permanent via the anodizing process. The gongs measure 26 and 32 inches in diameter and carry price tags of $2,400 and $3,200.
