Product Information
- Mahogany thumb piano, 4.9" x 6.9", 10 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.
