Facing the line of alters is placed the Cumbersome Saing Waing (Drums Circle) orchestra. It is composed of 21 hanging circular drums called Pat-Waing, and 18 bronze gongs (Kyee Naung Waing) that mix with the drums. There is a further of 18 other gongs (Maung Saing) with the deeper and softer tonal qualities. There also are oboe, cymbals and clappers.
And a further 8 drums may reinforce the Pat-waing. This was traditonally the orchestra of open air ceremonies. Indoors, at a Nat-pwe, it is almost deafening and it is no surprise that Saing-waings directed by the drummer or purcussionist. The most dominant non-purcussion instrument is the high pitched oboe that follows the melody of the drums at an octave higher and often will respond to a motif from the drums to creat a delightful alternating dialogue.
