Gabbang

Not to be confused with Gambang (instrument).
Gabbang
Gabbang owned by Kontra Gapi
idiophone
Other namesbamboo xylophone,
agung gabbang (Yakan),
gambang (Samal),
gabbang (Tausug, Palawan)
Hornbostel–Sachs classification111.212[1]

The gabbang, also known as bamboo xylophone, is a musical instrument made of bamboo widely used in southern Philippines. Among the Tausugs and Samas, it is commonly played to accompany songs and dances as a solo instrument or accompanied by the biola.[2]

Physical features

A gabbang consists of a set of trapezoidal bamboo bars of increasing length resting on a resonator.[2] The number of bars varies with the group that made them: Among Yakans, the number ranges from three to nine bamboo bars, but the common agung gabbang has five; among Tausugs, the number ranges from 14 to 22 bamboo bars, but the common gabbang has 12; and in Palawan, the common gabbang has five.[3]

Playing techniques

A bamboo xylophone is played by direct striking using a wooden mallet. The gabbang is played by a pair of beaters while another taps a rhythmic pattern on the side of the box.[4][2]

See also

References

  1. ^ List of aerophones by Hornbostel–Sachs number
  2. ^ a b c Miller, Terry E.; Williams, Sean (2017) [First published 1998]. The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music: Southeast Asia. New York, NY: Routledge. ISBN 978-1-351-54420-7.
  3. ^ Dioquinio, Corazon (2008). "Philippine Bamboo Instruments". Humanities Diliman. 5 (1&2): 107.
  4. ^ De Leon, Felipe M. "Yakan Sonic Textures: A Heritage of Musical Instruments". ICH Courier Online. Archived from the original on 2019-08-06. Retrieved 6 August 2019.