What is gamelan

The word gamelan is derived from the low Javanese word gamel, meaning a hammer. The term gamelan should, correctly, refer to the instruments themselves.

Gamelan dragon head A gamelan ensemble consists of a number of instruments, mainly percussion, although most gamelan include drums, which lead the ensemble and other instruments such as rebab (a stringed instrument) and suling (an end-blown bamboo flute).

In many gamelan ensembles the percussion instruments are primarily metallophones, gongs or gong chimes, but there are also, for example, ensembles consisting of bamboo instruments.

Gamelan originates from Indonesia but, as this is one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world, it is hardly surprising that there are many different types of gamelan ensemble.

At the present time this web site covers gamelan from Central Java and Bali, which are those most commonly used in the UK.

The following pages provide some introductory notes and pictures for those unfamiliar with gamelan instruments.

Javanese gamelan
Balinese gamelan
What is wayang?
All you need to know about buying instruments