Instruments of Javanese Gamelan

a. Bilah (like a lath). The instruments of Bilah is demung, slenthem, Saron Barung, Saron Penerus, Gender Barung, Gender Penerus, Gambang b. Pencon/ Pencu (Kenong, Kempul, Big Gong, Gong Suwukan, Bonang Barung, Bonang Penerus, Kethuk, Kempyang, Engkuk-kemong c. The others (Siter, Rebab, Kendhang, Suling, and Kemanak A. Slenthem, Include in Balungan Instrument (main instrument) of gamelan. Slendro Slendro have seven tones (6,1,2,3,5,6,1). While, Pelog Slenthem have 1,2,3,4,5,6,7. tone. Slenthem have a octace (gembyang) only. They are composed from lowest tones to higer tones, in sequence. Function of Slenthem for manage a song (gending). Means to make identifying mark of gending. If in the modern instrument function of slenthem like a melody. How to Play Slenthem Anyone can playing Senthem by strike the bilahs with a wood hammer. Right hand hold on the hammer and the left hand touch of bilah Slenthem. When the right hand strike the bilah, left hand do not touch bilah immediately. But, player of gamelan (niyaga) must be touch on the bilah that just to play when the right hand strike next bilah. If the player no touch the bilah it will be make a reverberate. Its very-very bad. So, the player must be fully concentration. Because his left hand touch one of bilahs and the right hand playing the others.