The ComPonEnTs

*Credit to Ashraf for the picture. Thanks for playing!*

A complete caklempong group is made up of 5 sets of bonang or small tuned knobbed gongs (2 sets of 15 bonang  arranged in 2 rows and 3 sets of 8 bonang arranged in a single row), a rebana  as for hadrah and dabus, a seruling or wooden flute, 2 long drums with either one or both sides with heads, and a 15 inch diameter gong. Caklempong groups commonly lack some of the above instruments, especially the full complement of bonang. In this entry we will learn three main equipments in caklempong.

BONANG

The bonang of caklempong looks like a gong or a small tetawak, made from 'perunggu' or bronze with a diameter of 16cm, and a height of 8-10 cm. The size of a bonang is similar to a saucer. In the middle of bonang, it has a 'cembol' with a height of 2.5 cm. The 'cembol' will produce sound when it is knock. Different bonang will produce a different sound. The bonang are arranged on top of two strings that is attached to the 'tepak' of caklempong. Originally, the pentatonic scale, each of which is very close to the western notes of C, D, E, F and G, was used, but that now all notes of the tempered scale have been included. The original repertoire consisted of 12 pieces, but the repertoire now includes many more new and arranged pieces.

GERETEH

Gereteh consist of 15 Bonang that is arranged in the C Major notes with one octave including 7 optional notes in a parallel two rows. (The first row contain 8 Bonang, and the second row contain 7 Bonang). Gereteh is the main melody. Basically, in a complete set of caklempong, there are two sets of Gereteh.

TINGKAH/ SAUA

Tingkah is made of  8 Bonang that begins with the not E, F, G, A, Bb, B, and C. The way Tingkah is played is focused on the pace control and producing rhythm as the beat of drums produces. The way to knock the Tingkah is easy. Saua in the other hand is very similar to Tingkah. It also have 8 Bonang. The things that makes it different is the way it is played. Saua is knock by following the rhythm. The player of Saua must be first taught the appropriate Ostinato rhythm pattern.The note for Saua begins with Lower E.

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These are the main 3 components of Caklempong. In the next entry, we will learn more about the other components is Caklempong. See you soon!