MESSE09: The Matt Nolan Custom Gong Show

US Bat Head Gong, anyone? Some heavy Cymbalism here ;-] 08/04/09

No flash plug

5:4 mins

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There's probably a hundred terrible puns to be had from this story... but I shall refrain... I promise ;-) In the interests of full disclosure, I should say I know Matt Nolan - I filmed a concert he did recently with fellow cymbalsmith Steve Hubback and renowned drummer Tony Orrell, and I knew he'd be at the Messe displaying his weird and wonderful range of hand-made cymbals and gongs.
But I didn't realise quite how busy he's been... there was an array of his hand-forged creations in various shapes, sizes and colours, attracting the attention of punters (and a few other cymbal manufacturers too).

Matt cuts, beats and heats everything by hand, and seems to have a slightly unhealthy fascination with bats, it seems... as well as a Bat Head gong, there was an enormous gong in the shape of a Bat Wing. He probably sleeps hanging upside down.

But he sure makes cool stuff... and they sound good too - while I was there, legendary drummer Ranjit Barot (John McLaughlin) stopped by for the second time to try out some of Matt's cymbals.

Matt with Rinjit Barot

So if you're after a curiously-shaped gong or cymbal... or even a regular round one, check out his website and drop him a line.
Matt is one of only a handful of people in the world who make cymbals totally by hand, so you're guaranteed it's gonna be unique ;-]