Large Rosewood Kalimba (Thumb Piano)

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 kalimba, or mbira. The metal keys are mounted on a wooden box that acts as the resonating chamber.

To play, rest the Kalimba 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. Similar tuning is only an issue when two instruments are played together; then they should generally agree in tuning. 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 pitch.

NOTE: These are coming from the manufacturer WITHOUT the blue coloring on the keys. Photo is stock photo, not the actual item you will be receiving.