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gong siyem/suwukan

The gong siyem/suwukan of the gamelans K.K. Midarsih (right) and K.K. Mikatsih (left).

A large, vertically-suspended bronze gong with turned-back rim and a raised central boss which is struck with a thickly-padded beater.  Produces a deep, resonant, low pitch. Pre-modern palace common practice gamelans usually had one gong siyem, however, like modern common practice gamelans, modernized palace sets typically have three gong siyem hung from a wooden rack (gayor).

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