DOBANI 8-Key Flat Thumb Piano

6.5 by 4.5 rosewood thumb piano with 8 steel keys.

Originating in Africa, the thumb piano is also known as the “mbira” or “likembe” and in the 1920s Dr. Hugh Tracey gave them the name most westerners recognize, the kalimba.

The thumb pianos metal keys are mounted on a wooden platform that acts as the resonating chamber. The longer keys have lower pitches and the shorter keys have higher pitches.

To play, rest the thumb piano on the fingers of both hands and hold it between your palms. Then pluck the keys with your thumbs in a downward motion. 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.