Thumb Piano, Large

Thumb Piano, Large Review

Despite the obvious tuning problems that most people had with this product, I found it really fun and easy to use. The small size allows maximum portability, and the range of keys allows quite a wide variety of songs to be played on it. I've never played a kalimba before ordering this one, so I was relieved to find that it was relatively easy to play (after tuning it and growing my thumbnails out slightly longer). I found the sound to be very aesthetically pleasing, except for the highest notes (shortest tines) which had a sort of "thin," sound, but it didn't really bother me much. With a screwdriver, a piano, and a bit of effort, I was able to tune the kalimba to my liking. Also, after a bit of use, the tines can be tuned with some sideways wiggling and pushing/pulling. I think ordering this instrument was a great decision; my family and I are currently enjoying very much. It's really easy to make music with it and it can be taken anywhere.

Thumb Piano, Large Feature

• Handcrafted Rosewood Thumb Piano
• Natural Finish
• 17 Keys thumb piano
• Adjustable Tuning
• 30 Day "No Hassle" Return Policy. 100% Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed!

Thumb Piano, Large Overview

Kalimba. Origin Country: Pakistan. 2.1 lbs. Made by Mid-East.

Rosewood thumb piano, 5" x 7", 17 steel keys and two vibrato holes on the back. 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. Cover the vibrato holes with your fingers. Then pluck the keys with your thumbs. As you play you can un-cover and cover the vibrato holes as you like. Many different tunings are acceptable, according to personal preference. Specific tuning of a thumb piano is only an issue when two instruments are played together; then they should generally agree in tuning. Otherwise, the tuning is subjective and should only be pleasing to the player. The longer keys have lower pitches and shorter keys have higher pitches. The keys can be adjusted by tapping them in or out to adjust their length, and therefore their pitch.

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Oct 05, 2010 04:41:04