Calung

The Calung is a traditional Indonesian musical instrument originating from West Java and Banten. It is a type of bamboo xylophone, where different lengths of bamboo tubes are struck to produce different musical notes. The bamboo tubes are typically suspended in a frame, and the instrument is played by striking the tubes with a mallet or beater.

Calung ensembles often accompany traditional Sundanese dances, ceremonies, and celebrations. The instrument plays a significant role in Sundanese culture and is considered an important part of its musical heritage. Different types of Calung exist, varying in size, tuning, and playing style. Some common types include the Calung Renteng and the Calung Jingjing.

The Calung Renteng typically features a series of horizontally arranged bamboo tubes played by multiple musicians, each responsible for a specific range of notes. The Calung Jingjing is a smaller, more portable version, often played by a single musician.

The tuning of the Calung generally follows the Sundanese salendro or pelog scales, which are distinct from Western musical scales. The instrument's sound is often described as mellow and resonant.