Performance

The kendhang ciblon plays a role in making the music more colorful adding many ornamental notes.
Therefore, there are more detailed rhythmic patterns than kengdhang ageng or kengdhang ketipung, and quick playing techniques are required.

In this video, the kendhang ciblon is played with a slentum, unlike in regular performances with various instruments.z1

For dance accompaniment, ornamental notes are reduced so that the dancers can clearly hear the beat of the rhythm.

How to play the kendhang ciblon

There are various playing ways for the kendhang ciblon.
Different beating ways create different tones. The name of the instrument is said to come from the onomatopoeic sound of percussion.

Strike with both hands.

Strike with right hand

 ①”Dung”,  strike the right membrane near the rim with one’s right hand.  

②”Tung”,striket the center of the right membrane with the four fingers of one’s right hand other than the thumb.

③”Fung”, strike the right membrane near the rim with one’s right thumb.

 ④”Kut”, strike the center of the right membrane with one’s right index and middle fingers. At this time, press the membrane with your remaining 3 fingers to stop the sound.

⑤ “Dut”, After striking the center of the right membrane near the rim with one’s right hand, keep the hand on the membrane surface.

Combination of the above playing ways.

1. Tat tu rung ndang tu rung  ndang tat

2. “Tu rung kut tat (repeat 4 times)”

Strike with left hand

In kendhang ciblon playing, the left membrane is struke very often, in  contrast to the kendhang ageng or kendhang ketipung.

1. “Rung”, strike the left membrane with one’s left thumb and index finger. At this time, use one’s right hand to press the right membrane so that it does not resonate.

 2. “Rang”, strike the center of the membrane with one’s left hand.

3. “Tat”, strike the center of the membrane with one’s left hand. At this time, hold the right membrane with one’s right hand so that it does not resonate.

4. “Tong”, Strike the edge of the left membrane with one or two fingers of one’s left hand.

5. “Tong of the middle finger”, strike the edge of the left membrane with the middle finger of one’s left hand.

Combination of the above playing ways.

1. Tat tu rung ndang tu rung  ndang tat

2. “Tu rung kut tat (repeat 4 times)”

Preparation

Before playing, tighten the cords which lace the both membranes and raise the drumheads tension. Leave the fords loose when not playing.