This metallic string instrument plays the softer elaborate melodies in gamelan music. A gamelan is an ensemble of mainly bronze gongs, drums, and several other types of wind and string instruments. 'Gamelan’ refers to the action (‘an’) of hammering (‘gamel’) by striking the bronze instruments with beaters. Beliefs in the spiritual power of gamelan produce great respect for the instruments. Today gamelan music remains an important part of court and village life in Java. Many sets are kept as royal heirlooms (pusaka) and are played at important ceremonies.
