About

Gamelan Degung ensemble

goong – a large hanging bronze gong with a deep, undulating sound
jengglong – set of small hanging bronze gongs
panerus – low-pitched multi-key bronze metallophone
peking – high-pitched multi-key bronze metallophone
bonang – v-shaped bronze gong chime
kendang – set of two-headed barrel drums
suling – 4-hole bamboo whistle flute

Modern degung ensembles occasionally include auxiliary instruments including:
cempres – multi-key bronze metallophone with a range between the peking and panerus
two sarons – 7-key metallophones that play interlocking patterns

The instruments are tuned to a five-pitch scale called pelog degung; in western terms, the pitches of pelog degung, from high to low, are approximately G – F# – D – C – B.

Modern degung ensembles may also include extra bronze keys and pots that allow the ensemble to change its tuning to another Sundanese scale called sorog, which, in Western terms, is approximately C – B – G – F# – E. The new scale opens up new possibilities for repertory and arrangements.