Talempong is an instrument played in West Sumatra. Basically it is a little kettle gong. A gong can be any metal instrument which produces sounds of vibration when it is struck. Talempong always goes along with dance and song. A full musical collection might include four or five Talempong, as well as flute, drum and vocals.

Talempong music can be played with mainly three styles. The most prominent style is when it is played with three people. In this kind two Talempong are played by each person. The rhythm played is simple and the music will hypnotize you and leave you amazed.

The most admired style of Talempong music is the solo style. The outline of this kind of music is similar to the regular style but here one person covers all the parts.

Talempong does not require much of physical technique. But it demands a massive range of rhythmic obscurity at every turn. Though Talempong are not recognized outside Indonesia but are identical to the instruments found in a Gamelan Orchestra from Java or Bali. Gamelan has two similar sets of instruments and both credited for different tuning. The most admired instrument of the gamelan collection is the song. Its main purpose is to maintain a high moral of the orchestra.

Talempong is a traditional music of West Sumatra in Indonesia. This kind of music gives a dormant feel and consists of mixture of rhythms. Talempong can be played as both a traditional or contemporary music. Melodious gong and male singing with bass beating are a common view all through Sumatra.