On the Tuning and Stretched Octave of Javanese Gamelans

The authors fit five theoretical models to the frequency-scale (Hz) data reported by Surjodiningrat, Sudarjana and Susanto on individual instruments from their extensive measurements of the tunings of 76 Javanese gamelans. The exponential models fit best and perfectly in the case of either nearly equal-interval pentatonic (sléndro) scales or unequal-interval heptatonic (pélog) scales. Further, relative to the (presumed) mild stretching of Western scales, both Javanese scales are considerably stretched. The exponential model may be useful in comparing the highly variable tunings of gamelans, in studying defunct or incomplete ensembles, for generating variable stretchings for use in perceptual and cognitive studies on the aesthetics of gamelans, or for computer modeling of gamelan instruments.