 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (November 2012) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
 Gabbang owned by Kontra Gapi | |
| idiophone | |
|---|---|
| Other names | bamboo xylophone, agung gabbang (Yakan), gambang (Samal), gabbang (Tausug, Palawan) |
| Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 111.212 |
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.
Physical features
A gabbang consists of a set of trapezoidal bamboo bars of increasing length resting on a resonator. 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.
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.
See also
References
- List of aerophones by Hornbostel–Sachs number
- ^ Miller, Terry E.; Williams, Sean (2017) . The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music: Southeast Asia. New York, NY: Routledge. ISBN 978-1-351-54420-7.
- Dioquinio, Corazon (2008). "Philippine Bamboo Instruments". Humanities Diliman. 5 (1&2): 107.
- 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.