A wooden soundboard and 12 steel keys make this African instrument fun and playable.
This Kalimba thumb piano from X8 drums feature a wooden soundboard and 12 steel keys. The Kalimba thumb piano measures 7.5" L x 5" W x 2.3" H.
The thumb piano originates in Africa. It is also known as the mbira or likembe. The metal keys are mounted on a wooden box that acts as the resonating chamber. To play, rest the thumb piano on the fingers of both hands and hold it between your palms. The keys can be adjusted by tapping them in or out to adjust their length, and therefore their pitch.
The thumb piano originates in Africa. It is also known as the mbira or likembe. The metal keys are mounted on a wooden box that acts as the resonating chamber. To play, rest the thumb piano on the fingers of both hands and hold it between your palms. The keys can be adjusted by tapping them in or out to adjust their length, and therefore their pitch.