During certain festivals groups of drummers get together and make elaborate rhythms and sometimes engage in informal competitions by attempting to mimic each other's rhythms. Instruments such as the Puput Batang Padi often accompany the drums. Drum groups commonly accompany performances of Silat adding suspense, action, and excitement to the shows of dance and martial arts. One specific type of drum, the tambut, is used in large groups of drummers and is notable because of its very high pitched tone. This drum requires periodic heating so that the drum skin will tighten and provide a loud high pitched sound.
Oil is used to fuel the fire and water is used to create steam.
This way a fresh drum hot off the grill is available at all times. This is a violin-like instrument. Much like a banjo the Rebab has a stretched skin to provide amplification of the string sounds. Its three strings are played with a bow in much the same manner as a western violin with the exception that the Rebab is held upright, positioned on the knee. Master gamelan teacher, Pak Sudarsono, with a rebab, the gamelan orchestra's string instrument.