Traditional Malaysian musical instruments

Traditional Malaysian instruments are the musical instruments used in the traditional and classical music of Malaysia. They comprise a wide range of wind, string, and percussion instruments, used by both the Malay majority as well as the nation's ethnic minorities.

Percussion Instruments

• Bebendil - used in traditional performances in Sabah.
• Bonang Baron - used in classical Malay music of Malay Gamelan.
• Bungkau - used in traditional performances in Sabah.
• Canang
  • Canang Anak - used in traditional performances such as Wayang Kulit, Mak Yong and Main Puteri.
  • Canang Ibu - used in traditional performances such as Wayang Kulit, Mak Yong and Main Puteri.
• Gabbang - used in traditional performances in Sabah.
• Gambang Kayu - used in classical Malay music of Malay Gamelan.
• Gedombak
  • Gedombak Anak - used in traditional performances such as Wayang Kulit
  • Gedombak Ibu - used in traditional performances such as Wayang Kulit
• Geduk
  • Geduk Anak - used in traditional performances such as Wayang Kulit
  • Geduk Ibu - used in traditional performances such as Wayang Kulit
• Gendang - used in classical Malay music of Nobat and Malay Gamelan, and traditional performances such as Zapin.
  • Gendang Anak - used in traditional performances such as Wayang Kulit, Mak Yong and Main Puteri.
  • Gendang Ibu - used in traditional performances such as Wayang Kulit, Mak Yong and Main Puteri.
• Gongs or Tetawak - used in classical Malay music of Nobat and traditional performances such as Dondang Sayang.
  • Gong Agung - used in classical Malay music of Malay Gamelan.
  • Gong Anak - used in traditional performances such as Wayang Kulit, Mak Yong and Main Puteri.
  • Gong Ibu - used in traditional performances such as Wayang Kulit, Mak Yong and Main Puteri.
• Kenong - used in classical Malay music of Malay Gamelan.
• Kerincing - used in traditional performances such as Wayang Kulit Gedek
• Kertok Ulu - used in traditional performances in Terengganu.
• Kesi - used in traditional performances such as Wayang Kulit, Mak Yong and Main Puteri.
• Kompang - used in traditional performance at weddings.
• Konga - used in traditional performances such as Hamdolok
• Kulintangan - used in traditional performances in Sabah.
• Marakas - used in classical Malay music of Malay Ghazal and Hamdolok.
• Marwas - used in traditional performances such as Zapin and Hamdolok.
• Mong - used in traditional performances such as Wayang Kulit.
• Rebana - used in traditional performances such as Zapin and Dondang Sayang.
  • Rabana Perak - used in traditional performances in Perak.
  • Rabana Ubi - used in traditional performances in Kelantan.
• Saron
  • Saron Baron - used in classical Malay music of Malay Gamelan.
  • Saron Demung - used in classical Malay music of Malay Gamelan.
• Tabla - used in classical Malay music of Malay Ghazal.
• Tamborin - used in classical Malay music of Malay Ghazal and traditional performances such as Hamdolok.
• Togunggak - used in traditional performances in Sabah.

String Instruments

A Sape player performing in traditional costume.

• Biola - used in classical Malay music of Malay Ghazal and traditional performances such as Dondang Sayang.
• Kreb - used in traditional performances by Orang Asli.
• Gambus - used in classical Malay music of Malay Ghazal and traditional performances such as Zapin and Hamdolok.
  • Gambus Arab
  • Gambus Melayu
• Gitar - used in classical Malay music of Malay Ghazal.
• Rebab - used in traditional performances such as Wayang Kulit Melayu, Mak Yong and Main Puteri.
• Sape - used in traditional performances in Sarawak.
• Sundatang - used in traditional performances in Sabah.
• Tongkungon - used in traditional performances in Sabah.

Wind Instruments

A Murut Sompoton.

• Accordion
• Harmonium - used in classical Malay music of Malay Ghazal.
• Nafiri - used in classical Malay music of Nobat
• Seruling
• Serunai - used in classical Malay music of Nobat and traditional performances such as Wayang Kulit, Menora and Silat.
  • Serunai Anak - used in traditional performances such as Wayang Kulit
  • Serunai Ibu - used in traditional performances such as Wayang Kulit
• Sompoton - used in traditional performances in Sabah
• Turali - used in traditional performances in Sabah

See also

• Music of Malaysia