Gangsa

Gangsa

Classification	Percussion instrument Idiophone Metallophone
Developed	Indonesia

A gangsa is a type of metallophone which is used mainly in Balinese and Javanese Gamelan music in Indonesia. In Balinese gong kebyar styles, there are two types of gangsa typically used: the smaller, higher pitched kantilan and the larger pemade. Each instrument consists of several tuned metal bars (either iron or bronze) each placed over an individual resonator. The bars are hit with a wooden panggul, each producing a different pitch. Duration of sound intensity and sound quality factors are generally accomplished by damping the vibration of the bar with the fingers of the free hand. Balinese gong kebyar gangsas, as with other metallophones in gong kebyar ensembles, are played in neighboring pairs with interlocking, rapid-tempo parts that elaborate on the melody of a piece of music (see Kotekan); these pairs are tuned to be dissonant and create certain wavelengths of sympathetic vibrations to create a shimmering tone (see Ombak) that travels long distances. The gangsa is very similar to the old gendér and the saron.

The same word is used to identify an ensemble of shallow hand-held gongs (one per musician)^[1] and to refer to the individual gongs as well in the traditional music of the Cordilleran Igorot peoples of Northern Luzon.^[2] Most performances are used to accompany dance.^[3] There is no standard tuning, and there are several methods of holding and addressing these gongs.^[4]