Picture Credit: Dr. Han Kuo-Huang
Rebab is a two-stringed fiddle. This instrument are found in many Muslim countries. So, it is generally being considered as an foreign instruments in Indonesian gamelan.
Rebab has an almost heart-shaped body made of wood. The body is covered with a thin layer of skin taken from the intestine or bladder of a buffalo. The two strings are usually made of copper. In fact, what appear to be two strings is actually a single long copper string wound around the bottom of the stick and ending in two pegs at the upper part of the stick. These two strings pass over a wide wooden bridge. Unlike other Asian fiddle, the two tuning pegs of Rebab are exaggeratedly long. These two long tuning pegs will break easily, if they are not gripped closer to the neck of the instrument.
During playing, the player's palm, which hold the bow, is facing upwards. The player's third and fourth fingers should pull the hair of the bow, to create some tension. The Rebab is held vertically, or slightly tilting forwards. There is no finger board on the neck of this instrument. The player's fingers press the strings lightly, and the string should not touch the neck. However, this instrument can produce a fairly loud sound.
Back to Instruments For Counter Melody page
Gamelan Main Page
| Functions of Instruments | Instruments and Sounds | List | Javanese Gamelan Music |
| Metallophones | Gongs | Drums | Counter-Melody |
| Balinese Gamelan | Interlocking style | Balinese Gamelan Music |
| NIU SEAsite Home Page | Indonesian Home Page |