A UNIQUE set of Indonesian musical instruments has been tuned for the first time in 24 years.

The 55 instruments of the Gamelan Kyai Madu Laras were given to Oxford University in 1985.

However, fine-tuning work on the gongs, drums, flutes and string instruments had never been carried out until Indonesians Mas Suraya and Mas Sutarno spent four days working on the equipment.

Bate Collection of Musical Instruments curator Andy Lamb said: “It was important for us that the works should not remove any of the idiosyncratic playing qualities of what is a unique collection of instruments.

“Following the work, the gamelan has now been brought back into tune with itself.

“It now can be played with a higher level of the subtle harmonisations characteristic of this type of musical tradition.”

The work was finished last week, and Mr Lamb said: “It was amazing to watch, because although they do use modern tools and equipment, they tune it entirely by ear.”

Since it was donated, the gamelan has been used for teaching and community activities.

The Oxford Gamelan Society uses it regularly and performs at events and has already played and recorded a session on the newly-tuned instruments.