Best Thumb Pianos for Adults and Kids

The thumb piano (Kalimba, Mbira) allows you to play the traditional tribal sounds and is available in a simple, portable design. Easy to learn & play, these little musical boxes are quite popular in Africa. You need to pluck the metal prongs with your thumbs to play melodies.

What is the Thumb Piano?

The thumb piano is a unique percussion instrument, with origins in Africa. Popularly known as the kalimba (kuh-LIM-buh), this instrument is derived from the more complex South African mbira, and is played by plucking the keys with the thumbs of each hand whilst holding the gourd body in the palms.

Called a kalimba, mbira, mbila, marímbula, likembe or sansa, depending on the region in which it’s played, a handheld thumb piano carries with it thousands of years of African musical tradition. Because of its small size, it was the instrument of choice for most travelers.

The instrument consists of a number of metal strips (keys), mounted on a soundbox or soundboard. The keys are of different lengths that help produce different notes.

You pluck the prongs (called tongues, keys, or tines) to generate acoustic vibrations. The reeds are attached to a wooden soundbox, which amplifies the notes. The length of the tine determines the pitch (the longer tines generate low pitched notes).

You play the instrument by striking the end of the keys, while holding the soundbox with the fingers. Its played by holding the instrument in the hands and plucking the tines with the thumbs. This instrument allows you to bring lovely & exotic African music with you everywhere you go.

Thumb pianos are perfect for parties, campfire singalongs, or any other occasion where you require some music or entertainment.

Here are some more features of these musical instruments:

1. The keys are mounted on a wooden box that acts as the resonating chamber
2. Longer keys have lower pitches and shorter keys have higher pitches
3. You may adjust the keys (and in turn their pitch) by tapping the keys in or out
4. Different tunings may be applied, according to personal preferences.

 

Various Variants of the African Thumb Piano

Several tribes, all across Africa, had developed their own unique thumb pianos over the centuries. Because the languages and cultures of these tribes vary, even the names of these instruments vary in Africa.

Although its called the “thumb piano”, skilled Africans often play these instruments with more fingers than just the thumbs.

In the second half of the 20th century, contemporary musicians, especially in Europe and both Americas, started using the African thumb piano. As you can see, the thumb piano not only has a long history, but also a promising future.

More names for the thumb piano in Africa:

• mbira of the Shona people in Zimbabwe
• likembe and sanza in Congo
• ikembe in Rwanda and Burundi
• prempremsuah and gyilgo in Ghana
• ilimba and chirimba in Tanzania
• kadongo and akogo in Uganda
• kalimba in Kenya
• and there are many more

Best Thumb Pianos: Reviews

Portable and Easy to Play

Because these instruments have only a few keys, they’re easy to learn and play. These are compact allowing you to easily carry them with you wherever you go. You can easily entertain friends, family and even strangers with these instruments.

Various Designs and Styles

These are available in various shapes/sizes and are made from various materials such as coconut shells, gourds and slabs or boxes made of cherry wood.

You get simple square or rectangular ones, or round ones with beautiful curves made from coconuts and gourds.

You may choose one that reflects your personal tastes and style.

You may choose a simple instrument that allows you to focus on the music or choose one with an intricately carved design that also reflects the rich African origins of this instrument.

Choosing a Thumb Piano

You do get cheaper kalimbas available in the $10-$20 range but they tend to be poorly made and are like toys.

Here are some quality thumb pianos.

GECKO Kalimba 17 Keys Thumb Piano

Handmade from high-quality mahogany and ore steel bars, the GECKO Kalimba 17 Keys Thumb Piano is a premium quality thumb piano that comes with a sturdy case and produces a beautiful sound with rich reverb.

Gecko is a professional manufacturer that specializes in producing the Kalimba instrument.

The kit includes a sturdy protective case, hammer, manual, stickers (if you choose to label the keys), and cleaning cloth. Its priced a bit highr but considering its superior build and the thoughtful extras, it is indeed worth the investment. This kalimba is perfect for both beginners and experienced players.

Buy on Amazon

Kalimba Thumb Piano 17 Keys (Newlam): This is a nice portable thumb piano that uses quality components and produces a nice ethereal sound. Made from natural air-dried wood, this thumb piano is actually a nice combination of quality craftsmanship and affordability.

Along with the thumb piano, you get a tune hammer, instruction book, stickers, flannelette bag, an cleaning fabric.

The keys are embossed with letters and notes making it easier to play. The Kalimba Thumb Piano also comes with a little booklet that explains how to play songs.

Buy on Amazon

How to Tune a Kalimba

Kalimba is an acoustic instrument and may require tuning. Here’s how to tune a Kalimba.

1. Use a Tuner:

   You can use a real tuner to tune the instrument. You can also take the help of an App.

2. Tune with harmmer:

   You can make the tines longer to lower their pitch and make them shorter to produce a higher pitch note.

How to Play Thumb Piano

When you buy a thumb piano, it will be in either a pentatonic tuning or diatonic (ie. key of C major, key of G, etc.). This may be changed however, by slightly loosening the screws on the top bar and carefully moving the tines up or down. Tighten the screws again, being careful not to over-tighten them.

• The keys have to be gently plucked with the thumbs to produce sounds.
• To go up the scale, start in the center, and with the right thumb, stroke the end of the longest tine; this is usually the base note of the scale and indicates in what key the instrument may be tuned. Then continue up the scale from the center key in an alternating left-to-right pattern.
• A more mellow tone may be produced by stroking the keys with the tip of the thumbs, rather that using the nail, which produces a crisper, louder tone.
• The back end of the keys is not designed to be played.

 

Watch: How to Play Thumb Piano

 

Thumb Piano Sheet Music

 

Demonstration of Kalimba Tablature