Saron Virtual Instrument 1.5

Saron, also commonly referred to as ricik, is a percussion instrument belonging to the balungan family within the gamelan ensemble. In a typical set of Surakarta-style gamelan, there are usually two pairs of saron tuned in both pelog and slendro scales.

The playing technique varies; performers can strike notes in traditional sequences, use alternating beats between saron 1 and saron 2, or follow the rhythm dictated by the kendang and the nature of the gendhing. For instance, during the gendhing Gangsaran, which evokes the atmosphere of warfare, ricik is played with intensity and speed. Conversely, in the military-themed gendhing Gati, it is performed slowly yet powerfully. When accompanying songs, the playing is more subdued.

In executing the saron, the right hand strikes the metal slats with a mallet while the left hand dampens the sound of the previously struck note to eliminate lingering overtones. This technique is known as memathet (from the root word pathet, meaning to press).