Name: KEMPUL
Classification: idiophone
Origin: South East Asia

The kempul consist of a set of hanging gongs. It is another of the instruments found in the gamelan orchestra.

 
Photo credits: Julie Tan

The kempul is actually an additional instrument in the gamelan orchestra.The main instruments consist only of the Gambang Kayu, Saron Barung, Saron Demung, Kenong, Gong Agung and Gong Suwukan . Kempul uses the anhemitonic pentatonic scale, and is mounted on the same stand as the gong agung and gong suwukan, all being played by one player. 
(Nik Mustapha 1998).


Kempul Mallet
Photo credits: Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism of Malaysia


AUDIO EXAMPLE
Sound of the kempul
(Courtesy of Ang Yaw Feng)

 

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