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 Gabbang owned byKontra Gapi | |
| idiophone | |
|---|---|
| Other names | bamboo xylophone, agung gabbang (Yakan), gambang (Samal), gabbang (Tausug,Palawan) |
| Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 111.212[1] |
Thegabbang, also known asbamboo xylophone, is amusical instrument made ofbamboo widely used in southernPhilippines. Among theTausugs andSamas, it is commonly played to accompany songs and dances as a solo instrument or accompanied by thebiola.[2]
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: AmongYakans, the number ranges from three to nine bamboo bars, but the commonagung gabbang has five; amongTausugs, the number ranges from 14 to 22 bamboo bars, but the commongabbang has 12; and inPalawan, the commongabbang has five.[3]
A bamboo xylophone is played by direct striking using a woodenmallet. The gabbang is played by a pair of beaters while another taps a rhythmic pattern on the side of the box.[4][2]