Who invented thumb piano?
Who invented thumb piano?
It is believed that the thumb piano was invented twice in Africa; one version originating on the west coast using wooden or bamboo tines around 3000 years ago, and the other version originating on the southeast coast using metal tines around 1300 years ago.
What are thumb piano used for?
Thumb pianos are central to African music; they are often present at social events such as weddings, funerals, and important religious ceremonies. Below is an example of a family ensemble playing traditional Mbira music.
Why is it called a thumb piano?
Andrew Tracey (Hugh Tracey’s son and an ethnomusicologist in his own right) dislikes the name “thumb piano,” partly because the instrument is not played with just the thumbs (other fingers are also used), and partly because the instrument has nothing to do with a piano.
How many keys are on a thumb piano?
Conclusion. Although there are no hard limitations, most kalimbas come in between 5 and 21 keys – with 17 being by far the most common.
What is a thumb piano called?
The thumb piano, or mbira – a name derived from Shona language of Zimbabwe – is uniquely African percussion instrument.
How old is the kalimba?
about 1300 years ago
The First Kalimbas, Plant and Metal While we do not know the exact origins of the kalimba, it is understood to have been played for almost 3000 years, with the earliest metal-tined kalimbas originating about 1300 years ago.
Who invented kalimba?
Hugh Tracey
The kalimba is actually a smaller, modern version of the mbira, which dates back more than 1,000 years in Zimbabwe. The kalimba was created by Hugh Tracey in the 1960s. Tracey liked the sound of the mbiras he heard while living in what is now Zimbabwe but wanted to create an adaptation better suited for Western music.
What sound does a thumb piano make?
Something odd happens when someone is playing a thumb piano skilfully – the separate tones of the stroked tines start intermingling and overlapping, making it sound like an orchestra.
Why was the kalimba made?
Although the Kalimba was created to appeal to the Western music sensibilities, many Africa musicians will employ the practice of adding buzzing effects to the instrument.
How many notes does a kalimba have?
RANGE: The actual Trademarked Kalimbas are typically tuned to G-major and come in three different models. The Celeste Kalimba has a seventeen-note range from B3 to D6. The Treble Kalimba has the same seventeen-note range. The Alto Kalimba has a more limited fifteen-note (two-octave) range from G3 to G5.
How big is a kalimba?
5″ x 7″
Instrument dimensions are 5″ x 7″. 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.
How many keys can a kalimba have?
The Kalimba, also known as the African Thumb Piano or Mbira, is a simple percussion instrument that utilizes metal tines fixed onto a sounding board to produce a nice soothing sound with relaxing rhythmic tones. Kalimbas are often handmade and can have anywhere from 5 keys to 21 keys to play with.
