What's the name of this instrument PTII.

[MISTERQCUE]

Props due to chessrock on the vibraslap question so I thought I would submit this relatively easy one.

Name that instrument that has 9 thin, metal keys ranging in size
from 3-5",connected to bridge onto a wooden box with a hole in the middle. It is played by using the thumbs.

Name that instrument!

 

[Richard Monroe]

Thumb piano. There's another name which I forget, I think in Swahili. Properly made from a gourd, I believe it's a West African instrument.-Richie

 

[DigitMus]

The name I've always heard for it is Kalimba. I keep one in the studio and sometimes play short phrases on it, mixed fairly low, on acoustic rock songs.

Scott

 

[Richard Monroe]

Thanks DigitMus. That's the word.-Richie

 

[Rimshot]

Mbira

Kalimba is the Carribean version of it. The African instrument (thumb piano) is called an
Mbira. It is a common instrument from all over Africa I own several of them and ocassionally
play them when I'm not paying the djembe in my group.

 

[regebro]

You will be able to hear thimb piano put to good use on da Fantastic Holy Magic Comp CD II, courtesy of me. Oh yah! It's a real african one!

 

[mikedaul]

I've got a mini thumb piano in a little cedar box. It's perfect for playing the intro to rugrats

 

[Tonio]

Hey thats not fair, you guys are on the east coast! lol
T