Bonang

Bonang

Picture Credit: Dr. Han Kuo-Huang

Bonang Barung (read this)

Bonang Panerus (read this)

Bonang are actually gong-chimes arranged in two rows. Each gong has a different pitch. All Bonangs can be divided into two main groups: Bonang Barung and Bonang Panerus. These two groups of bonang are actually similar to each other, except Bonang Panerus sounded one octave higher then Bonang Barung.

A typical gamelan usually has 14 bonangs, two rows of seven. Sometimes there are only 12. The wooden rack that is supporting the bonangs looks like small bad-frames. In the middle of the frame there are a number of open squares. Two parallel cords pass through each squares. The bonangs rest in these individual squares and are supported by the cord. The knobs of the gongs are facing up. During playing, the player will struck on the knob with with sticks that are lightly padded with coiled string.

Each gong in Bonang Barung and Bonang Panerus mixed the shape of the hanging gongs and the higher-pitched cradled gongs (Kenong and Kempyang). The lowest pitches are in the hanging gong's shape (like the Ketuk), which has a flat surface with a protruding knob at the center. As the pitches rise, the shape of the gongs gradually changes to the shape of those of Kenong, which does not have a flat surface, but a surface with slopes up to the protruding knob. Gongs in Bonang Panerus are actually the smaller version of those of Bonang Barung. Because of the size, those gongs produce sound which is one octave higher then the Bonang Barung.

The function of Bonang is more for elaboration, compared to other types of gong.

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