Kong von thom

The kong von thom or kong thom (Khmer: គងធំ) plays a melodic line in the Cambodian pinpeat ensemble almost identical to that of the roneat thung (large xylophone).

The kong thom dwells more steadily on the pulse without pulling or delaying the beat (melody).

The kong von thom is analogous to the khong wong yai used in Thailand.

The history of these gongs can be traced in part from the epigraphy and iconography of Funan-Chenla and Angkor periods, for many can be seen carved on ancient Khmer temple.

He tunes the individual gongs by dripping into the upturned boss a mixture of mud-lead, rice husks, and beeswax.