The name of Gambang Kromong is taken from the name of musical instruments, namely Gambang and Kromong. Besides Gambang and Kromong, other musical instruments in the orchestra are: kongahyan, tehyan, sukong, drum, kempul, gong, gong enam, suling, kecrek, and ningnong.
Until the early of 19th century, the songs of Gambang Kromong were still in Chinese. It was only in the first decade of the 20th century, that the repertoire of the songs of Kambang Gambang were created in Betawi.
It can be said that Gambang Kromong music is a harmonious blend of two cultures. In the performance, the Gambang Kromong orchestra always performs the two-color Chinese and Betawi songs. Chinese color is very thick in instrumental songs, called the phobin songs. Phobin consists of several titles that are still delivered in Chinese, such as Ma Tsu Thay, Kong Jie Lok, Phe Pan Tauw, Ban Kie Hwa, Phe Boo Tan, Ban Liauw, and others. While some famous Betawi songs are: Cente Manis, Kramat Karem, Sirih Kuning, Glatik Nguknguk, Surilang, Lenggang Kangkung, Kudehel, Kicir-Kicir, Jali-Jali, and others. Or often also called types: stambul, jali-jali, and persi.
Generally Gambang Kromong accompanies Lenong and Cokek dance performances or new type of dances. However, Gambang Kromong can appear independently, by the instrumental and vocal performance.
Gambang Kromong is usually performed at various community events, such as wedding receptions, circumcisions, birthdays, government events and national holidays.