Author Question: Explain why gamelan instruments cannot be used interchangeably between other gamelans, but at the ... (Read 76 times)

AEWBW · **on:** Jul 25, 2018

Explain why gamelan instruments cannot be used interchangeably between other gamelans, but at the same time all good bronze gamelan instruments are carefully kept in proper tuning.

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Question 2

What is the preferred metal used for constructing gamelan instruments? What other metals are used and how do the different metals that are used affect the sound of gamelan instruments? Briefly characterize the process of manufacturing bronze gamelan instruments.

What will be an ideal response?

juiceman1987 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Gamelan instruments are not tuned to a fixed, standard pitch as in the Western music-culture where the A above middle C is taken to be at exactly 440 cycles per second. Rather, the tuning of the instruments in each gamelan is unique; instruments are very carefully tuned for the particular ensemble in which they are being used. Bronze gamelan instruments may require periodic tuning which, in turn, requires a long process of hammering, filing, and intuitive experimentation by experts.

Answer to Question 2

Bronze is the preferred metal for gamelan manufacture, due to both its durability and sweet sound quality. Brass and iron are also used as cheaper metals, but instruments made of these metals sound less sonorous. The process of manufacturing bronze gamelan instruments is lengthy, requires great skill, and may begin with ritual preparation by the smiths.