How the jal tarang makes its sound
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the jal tarang belongs to the struck idiophones: the body is struck directly – bells, gongs, xylophones and cymbals.
More broadly it is one of the idiophones, where the solid body of the instrument itself vibrates, without strings or a stretched membrane.
Its timbre – the colour that lets you tell it apart from other instruments playing the same note – comes from the mix of overtones its body and resonator emphasise.
From Wikipedia
The jal tarang (Hindi: जलतरंग) is a melodic percussion instrument that originates from the Indian subcontinent. It consists of a set of ceramic or metal bowls filled with water. The bowls are played by striking the edge with beaters, one in each hand.
Other struck idiophones
Frequently asked questions
What does a jal tarang sound like?
As one of the struck idiophones, its sound comes from the way the body is struck directly.
What type of instrument is the jal tarang?
It is classified as struck idiophones (Hornbostel–Sachs 111.242.11).
Sources & credits
- Wikidata Q1233386 – CC0
- Wikipedia: Jal tarang – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Xylosmygame – CC BY-SA 3.0