Indonesian Gamelan - Standard - 15 Player Class Set - Budget Buddies

The Indonesian Gamelan Standard 15 Player Class Pack Budget Buddies is perfect for small class groups, lunchtime or after-school groups of pupils from age 6 upwards, and for community groups of any age.

This Standard pack has top-quality sound, yet it is also relatively compact. That makes it a strong choice if storage is tight or if you need to move the gamelan to different settings. It contains all the items you need to get your own gamelan ensemble started for playing, performing and composing.

The pack includes 5 large instruments — a gong, a Balinese drum and 3 metallophones — as well as 10 pairs of ceng ceng (Balinese cymbals), used to keep time and mark accents. This gives a wide range of authentic Indonesian gamelan music sounds and makes it easy to split the group into pairs, each with one bigger and one smaller instrument.

The three sizes of metallophone are decorated in traditional red, blue and gold, with metal keys suspended from wires over individual sound chambers. Together they give a range of 3 octaves. These, and all our gamelan instruments, are made in Bali, Indonesia.

The metallophones in this Standard set use high-quality steel for the keys and have compact jackfruit casings. They are tuned to the same Gamelan Gong Kebyar Pelog Selisir scale as the Budget and Premium models, so they are just as authentic and fully compatible across the range. The Balinese drum is made from solid jackfruit wood with two cow-skin heads and tuning knots, and the gong has a bronze centre for improved resonance.

The Indonesian Gamelan Standard 15 Player Class Pack Budget Buddies instruments have been specially modified for use in the classroom. The sturdy metal gong stand can be disassembled into sections if you need to move it around, and the metallophone casings have smooth finishes and rubber bases to help protect the floor surface.

Special storage/carry bags are also available. They help to prolong the lives of the instruments and make it safer and easier to move them around for outside events.

Also included are two teaching guides by world music expert Andy Gleadhill: ‘Indonesian Gamelan’ and ‘Percussion Buddies’. The Indonesian Gamelan book will take you from the basics through to your first performance in just 10 lessons. It also gives you enough repertoire for a year or more of playing, with ten pieces, teaching suggestions and a blank resource to photocopy for planning and composition work. The Percussion Buddies book shows you how to develop percussion accompaniments for almost any piece, whether gamelan, drumming, choral, ukulele or another ensemble.

The 30 Player set is also available for purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in this pack?
It includes 5 large instruments: a gong, a Balinese drum and 3 metallophones. You also get 10 pairs of ceng ceng and two teaching books.

Who is this set suitable for?
It is designed for pupils from age 6 upwards. It also works well for small class groups, lunchtime clubs, after-school groups and community music settings.

Is this a good choice if storage space is limited?
Yes. This Standard pack is relatively compact, so it suits schools and groups with tighter storage. Optional carry bags also help with storage and moving the set.

What teaching resources are included?
You get the Indonesian Gamelan book and Percussion Buddies. Together they support first lessons, early performances and wider ensemble work.