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Heart-shaped resonator, or menthak, carved from wood with a hide covering, metal post or “spike” extends through holes on the top and bottom. Two large tuning pegs are attached to the top of the spike, which acts as the neck, and a single copper wire is wound such that the instrument is played with two strings. A wooden bridge separates the strings from the hide soundbox covering, which is often made from a buffalo bladder. The sides and back of the wooden menthak are covered with fabric.
This instrument is used in the gamelan orchestra of Java, Indonesia. It is a bowed instrument that typically plays melodies interwoven with a lead singer, as it is able to effectively replicate the tone of a Javanese vocalist, and is usually played in a seated position. The higher-pitched string is played the most out of the two, bowed with one hand while the other applies and relieves pressure without the strings touching the neck. The instrument is noted as very difficult to play and learn, and it is usually necessary for players to have many songs memorized from the gamelan repertoire. This barrier to entry and mastery gives Javanese rebab players a certain high status and credibility within gamelan music spheres, and the instrument usually takes a prominent role in the gamelan orchestra.
Despite the historical lack of female involvement in gamelan music, the rebab was one of the only instruments determined acceptable for women to play. It is known that the instrument is not indigenous to Java, but likely came to the area from Persia or Arabia some time after the 15th century when Islamic influences were greatly affecting Javanese culture. Some older gamelans possess rebabs partially constructed with ivory to show wealth and status.
1. Hartenberger, Aurelia. “Java ‘Rebab’.” Hartenberger World Musical Instrument Collection, May 30, 2021. https://wmic.net/java-rebab-applebust/.
2. Vetter, Roger. “Rebab.” Grinnell College Musical Instrument Collection. Accessed June 14, 2022. https://omeka-s.grinnell.edu/s/MusicalInstruments/item/626#:~:text=The%20rebab%20is%20a%20Javanese,acceptable%20for%20females%20to%20perform.
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