Gangsa

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A gangsa is a type of metallophone which is used in Balinese and Javanese Gamelan music. It consists of several, tuned metal bars which are hit with a mallet and each make a note of a different pitch. The gangsa is very similar to the gendér and the saron.

There are different ways of playing the gangsa. In toppaya styke, the Kalingas play the flat gongs with their hand and they are in a sitting position. In gangsa pattung, the gangsas are played with padded sticks. In this manner, the players are standing slightly bending forward in step with the dancers.