9 Balinese Traditional Music Instrument

Balinese is a fascinating island in Indonesia that has not only beautiful landscapes but rich with cultures. The local culture in Bali becomes the most different culture in Indonesia. Because most of the cultures there influenced by Hinduism as the biggest religion that exists in Bali.

Just like other cultures in Bali such as the traditional dances from Bali, Balinese traditional music instruments there also influenced by Hinduism culture. The traditional music instrument in Bali has existed since the old Bali era from the Bali tribes.

In between 8 – 14 before AD, their musical instruments spread around Denpasar. Now, let’s see some of the list below about Balinese traditional music instruments that you should know.

1. Balinese Gamelan

Balinese Gamelan is almost similar to Javanese Gamelan, but it comes with specific metal. Commonly, Balinese gamelan is made by the combination of bamboo and metal material with some Balinese’s inscription. There are three kinds of Gamelan in Bali such as the old Gamelan, middle Gamelan, and new Gamelan.

It claims that Balinese Gamelan was existed since about 896 BC when King Ugrasena leads Bali. There are so many inscriptions to prove this Gamelan which written on the Bebetin’s inscription.

Until now, this Balinese Gamelan developing in so many types. The government claim there are about 25 types of them that still exist in Bali.

2. Genggong

Genggong is a kind of Balinese traditional music instrument that so popular from time to time. It is made from bamboo with a specific Balinese carving that is tied with a simple string. The sound of this instrument is very unique which sounding some unique voices.

You can play the Genggong by sucking in a part called the “Palayah.” You should hold your hand on the left end of the tool, while the right-hand holds the bamboo stalk that is connected to the string. Then, how to play it is to use the oral cavity that rings the genggong as a resonator.

3. Rindik

Rindik is a kind of Balinese traditional music instrument made from bamboo. It looks similar to the Gamelan, but there is no metal inside except the beater. You should play it like you play the Gamelan by hamming the bamboo in some rhythm.

In the Balinese culture, Rindik is related to the Joged Bumbung as the traditional dance from Bali. That is why commonly you find this music instruments on the dance while playing at some ceremonials or wedding. These events can be the thing must not do in Bali to skip while visiting Bali.

4. Ceng-Ceng

Ceng-Ceng is a kind of Balinese traditional musical instrument that has a unique sound. It gives us the vibe of Balinese characteristics which plays dynamically when you heard the sound. It is made from metal which forms in a round shape.

Ceng-Ceng contains an eight metal that should be arranged as closely as it has. The outer of those metals has a unique form that looks similar to a turtle. It is so related to Balinese culture which they believe that turtle has a magical spirit.

5. Gangsa

Gangsa is a kind of Balinese traditional music instrument made from a bronze metal material. It looks like a Gamelan but comes with different functions. Commonly Balinese use this instrument to determines the dimension of the song.

You can find Gangsa in most of the Balinese traditional events. It commonly plays together with the Gong, Gamelan, Kebyar, Semara Pagulingan, and many more.

6. Gender

Gender is a kind of Balinese traditional music instrument made from bamboo and bronze metal materials. It frames by the good wood material with some Balinese ornaments outside. The sounds are similar to Gamelan and Gangsa but have a different hammer.

Gender should be played by two hammers made of a specific metal with the bamboo’s stalk. The hammer is smaller than the hammer on the Gangsa or Gamelan. It also integrates with a hard wood, which makes the sounds different from Gangsa and Gamelan.

7. Suling Gambung

Suling Gambung is a kind of Balinese traditional music instrument made from bamboo. It is similar to the flute but with unique sounds that unite with the Balinese characteristic. Besides, the size of these instruments is bigger and longer than the common flute that exists in Indonesia.

Suling Gambung commonly plays in some traditional songs, dances, or specific rituals. It plays with the Gamelan, Ceng-Ceng, and other percussions for the specific melody so that you can hear a dynamic music.

8. Guntang

Guntang is a kind of Balinese traditional music instrument made from bamboo. It has a unique sound that commonly you heard at the end of the song. The instruments commonly play with other Balinese Gamelan instruments such as Ceng-Ceng, Suling Gambung, Gender, and many more.

Guntang is an important Balinese music instrument that has to be there to close the song. It will give the song with more vibe of Balinese song that you can’t find in another region in Indonesia.

9. Calung Bungbung

Calung Bungbung is a kind of Balinese traditional music instrument made from bamboo. It has a unique name just like the common Balinese name of musical instruments. This instrument is used to play for protecting the farm from birds and other pests. But, as time goes by it becomes the part of Balinese music instruments that play in most ceremonial events.

So, there are some glances about the Balinese music traditional music instruments that you can find only in Bali. You may found it similar to other musical instruments in another region in Indonesia, but Balinese has the unique one that closer to their characteristics which closer to the folktales from Bali.