Gamelan degung is a form of Sundanesemusical ensemble that uses a subset of modified gamelan instruments with a particular mode of degung scale. The instruments are manufactured under local conditions in towns in West Java such as Bogor and Bandung.[1]Degung music is often played at public gatherings in West Java, such as at local elections, as well as many other events.[2] There is international interest in degung as well among communities in other countries interested in Indonesian and gamelan music.[3]
Gamelan degung also playable in madenda scale, which is included in the set as a complementary tone, usually marked as a -3/ni tone in the set. Playing gamelan degung in this scale requires the substitution of the 3/na metal bars into -3/ni tones on all instruments.
degung and madenda scale comparison
Degung
5
4
3
2
1
Madenda
5
4
-3
2
1
reading
la
ti
na
ni
mi
da
Instruments
The instrumentation of gamelan degung is quite flexible. It may include:
Bonang/kolènang: two rows of seven small bulbous gongs. It differs from its Javanese counterpart in that the rows are each placed on either side of the player.
saron/peking: a high-pitched bronze metallophone with fourteen keys. Usually, there are two sarons in a single set.
panerus: another bronze metallophone, similar to the peking but pitched an octave lower.
Jengglong: six bulbous gongs suspended from the same frame. Could be played like bonang, or hanged.
