If you like working with percussion instruments and want to give your melodies a special touch, you have probably already experimented with various musical instruments. One of the most popular instruments is the thumb piano , also called kalimba or finger piano, because it offers a wide variety of sounds.
And if you have no musical experience at all, the thumb piano is a great way to introduce yourself to the world of music. Children in particular love the small, light instrument that you can take anywhere, but parents are also enthusiastic because the sounds are pleasant and easy to bear as a listener.
Playing an instrument has many beneficial effects: it improves memory, it increases self-esteem and can even enrich social interaction. But how can you get started without any previous musical knowledge? Would you like to buy a sound drum? What types are there? Should you choose a handpan , a tongue drum or a thumb piano? Is learning to play the thumb piano easy? Questions upon questions that you could find answers to today.
The Kalimba thumb piano has its origins in Africa and has been adapted to the musical tones commonly used in the West. It offers very relaxing sounds that have an exotic character and offers many facets. That is why they do not all have the same sound. When making your selection, you should consider both your experience and the characteristics of the thumb piano . To help you with your choice, we present you here some aspects regarding the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages compared to other sound drums and special criteria.
What is a thumb piano
The Kalimba thumb piano is an instrument that has not been recognized by the general music scene for a long time, but is becoming increasingly popular due to its unique sound and ease of use. It is easy to learn to play and make music with a thumb piano .
Both its small, portable size (check out the mini thumb piano ) and its incredible ease of use - all you have to do is hit the metal keys with your thumbnail - are major factors in the finger piano's appeal. Learning to play the thumb piano is really a piece of cake! But to really understand the thumb piano, we need to travel to the continent where it originated - Africa.
Gentle musical accompaniment for the kings
The term Kalimba is generally used as a collective term for an instrument originally known as a thumb piano, of which there are over 100 different types. Other types of thumb pianos include
- the Mbira,
- the Sansa and
- the Karimba,
but it was not until the mid-20th century that kalimba became popular as a general term for a thumb piano (including non-traditional derived instruments).
The first kalimbas
The first kalimbas were made in West Africa around 3,000 years ago in what is now Cameroon, entirely from plant materials such as bamboo. Then, around 1,300 years ago , when the Iron Age reached the Zambezi Valley in southeastern Africa, someone had the bright idea of making the keys of the kalimba out of metal.
Metal keys obviously last longer than plant material and produce a brighter, louder sound than the plant tines, making them the ideal choice for future versions of the kalimba.
However, European interest in the thumb piano only began in the 1950s and 60s, thanks to the efforts of Dr. Hugh Tracey. Let's take a closer look at what you should consider when buying a thumb piano and then when learning to play the thumb piano . So it stays interesting!
Buying a thumb piano - what should you pay attention to?
Which thumb piano should you buy ? It depends on your skills, the songs you want to play and what you want to achieve with the instrument. You should also consider your budget and any other instruments you own, such as guitars or drums, that you want to combine with the kalimba.
Kalimba thumb pianos come in different sizes, shapes and made of different materials. The best kalimba for you is the one that best suits your needs. Do you want a mini thumb piano for on the go, or a kalimba with 21 keys? Are you going to learn music with the thumb piano , or do you already have advanced musical skills?
What to look out for
There are various aspects that we list here individually and that can influence the purchase of a Kalimba thumb piano instrument:
Shape of the thumb piano board
The two best kalimba board shapes are box-shaped boards with sound holes or flat boards without sound holes.
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The Kalimba was originally designed without a sound hole. It is then much clearer and smoother. In addition, the higher notes are better tuned and clearer. Therefore, this is the best thumb piano shape if you often play in higher pitches.
- The box-shaped kalimba has a resonating body. When the tines are plucked, the resonance effects are strong. Especially when the areas around the sound holes are pressed, vibrato-like tones are produced. In short, it is good for the low to mid range with a strong vibration sound.
To find the shape that suits you best, you should listen to sound samples of different types of kalimba before buying to see which sound you like.
The Kalimba thumb piano size
Currently on the market there are 8 key variations ( mini thumb piano ), 10, 15, 17, 21, 24 and 32 key versions. Undoubtedly, with more keys you can play a wider range of scales (and therefore more songs) and tune the instrument to different notes. However, as a beginner you can also start with fewer keys:
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8 keys - The so-called mini thumb piano is good for beginners to get a feel for what a thumb piano sounds like. It is small enough to be carried around and even used as a pendant! Beginners often choose this when they buy their first thumb piano and want to learn their first songs on a thumb piano .
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10 keys - It can be used to play songs within an octave. It is slightly larger than a hand and slightly smaller than the 17-key version. But the thumb piano notes are still limited.
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15 keys and 17 keys - These two are similar in size and are the best thumb pianos for beginners to intermediate level people. 15 keys are more commonly used for bass/low pitch sounds, while 17 keys are used for a general pitch of all levels (you can findthese in the Sonodrum range) . Both 15 and 17 keys can play most popular songs and are good for learning to play the thumb piano . So when buying a thumb piano , consider whether you would rather start with a mini thumb piano or go straight for a 17-key kalimba. You could then start with lots of thumb piano notes right away !
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21 keys - This thumb piano offers a wider range of scales that can be played, making it more suitable for complex songs. It also requires more advanced skills as you have to balance your fingers on a wider range of keys! This is the model you should buy if you are more comfortable learning the thumb piano and want to improvise.
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24 keys and 32 keys - These are definitely the best kalimbas for advanced players. They have the largest number of thumb piano notes . Due to the high demand, they are harder to get on the market. Since these kalimbas are harder to build (you need more adjustments to tune them), the price is also higher.
What is the best material for the thumb piano board?
Different types of wood look or feel different and can affect the sound quality. The best thumb piano wood is one that produces a clear sound.
After numerous tests, we decided on a kalimba made of high-quality coral wood and another made of walnut wood. Here we compare various other types of wood that are commercially available in terms of appearance and sound:
Pinewood
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Colour: light wood
- Sound: high volume with a full and clear tone
Okoumé
- Colour: solid and dark brown
- Sound: solid and stable
Bamboo wood
- Color: light color with natural lines
- Sound: soft and gentle
acacia
- Color: red-brown color with waves
- Sound: mild
Wood versus acrylic
Although acrylic is not wood, it is becoming increasingly popular among kalimba lovers due to its appearance and texture. Acrylic is a type of plastic that was used to make thumb pianos after it was discovered that wood was becoming increasingly scarce. However, it is hardly possible to make this thumb piano yourself . You have to choose one of the woods mentioned.
Thumb piano test - how good is our thumb piano
To answer this question, just take a look at the test reports and you can judge the quality and the thumb piano test that Sonodrum clearly passes in Germany. For example, it says:
- Sina A about the Sonodrum Kalimba - African coral wood: “great product. Great in all aspects.”
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Kerstin L.: “Great quality, wonderful sound that really floods through you. You can really feel the vibrations and it’s just fun to play with it :-) Absolutely recommend buying it!” It passes every thumb piano test in Germany!
- Mandy. S .: “A beautiful instrument. Great service. Keep it up.”
These are versions with 17 or 21 keys. And, because a thumb piano test doesn't always tell you everything, we want to assure you that you will be playing with a kalimba that is handcrafted from high-quality wood and will last a long time!
Differences between a thumb piano and tongue drum
The tongue drum is an instrument with steel tongues that are milled directly into the metal plate of the instrument. It has a UFO-shaped design. No wood is used, as with the thumb piano.
Both instruments, the thumb piano and the tongue drum, are sound drums. And both have been subjected to rigorous tests, the thumb piano test and the tongue drum test.
You can make a thumb piano yourself , but not a tongue drum. In addition, the tongue drum is more susceptible to going out of tune than the thumb piano, which is generally more robust.
The thumb piano notes on the 17-key instrument are the basic notes: F, D, B, G, E, C and A.
The tongues of the steel tongue drum are numbered according to the notes they can produce, from 1 to 7, that is, from C to B.
Advantages of thumb pianos
There are many advantages and few disadvantages of a thumb piano. Here are the advantages first:
- The small dimensions and the possibility of easy transport
- Suitable for younger children
- Different pitches by tightening the keys
- Cost-effective
- Easy to learn
Here are a few disadvantages:
- Possible risk of injury from the keys
- Limited sound spectrum
- Optics, some people don't find the instrument aesthetically pleasing. The acrylic version is much more modern.
Product tips thumb piano
If you are planning to buy a thumb piano, you may have trouble deciding which one to buy, especially if you know nothing about this musical instrument. Kalimbas are suitable for all ages. And you already know the different designs and scales. Maybe you want to make the thumb piano yourself ? Then skip this paragraph!
Consider the following product tips when buying a thumb piano:
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Dimensions of the Kalimba - The size of the thumb piano depends on the size of your hand. If you have large hands, it is better if the keys are not too close together so that you can easily reach the individual notes. In this case, the 17-key Kalimba in C major would be ideal.
- Intensity of the sound - The intensity of the sound depends on the resonance of the body, the workmanship and the quality of the keys.
- The note names on the keys - Some models have an engraving to identify the notes on each key. You can also optionally add stickers to them to make it easier to play melodies with thumb piano notes.
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The quality of the thumb piano - When buying, you should make sure that the musical instrument is well made. The screws and metal keys should be firmly in place so that they do not vibrate on their own. Ideally, the models are made of harmless materials and are painted without harmful substances. Instruments made of solid wood that weigh at least 500 grams have an intense sound.
- Kalimba Tuning Range - Most thumb pianos come in C major and have 17 keys. A player can produce one note per key.
How do you play a thumb piano?
The most popular kalimba variant has 17 keys, and the tuning of these keys determines the notes you can play.
It's no secret that the thumb piano is one of the easiest instruments to learn. There aren't hundreds of keys and you don't have to master complex chords and scales like you do with a traditional piano.
This means that even beginners with a tiny bit of musical ability can learn to play a tune in a matter of minutes. Of course, if you want to become a professional, you will need both time and practice. While the basics of the instrument are easy, the advanced methods are harder to master. Of course, it is still easier than learning the violin or piano.
You don't have to memorize many keys or finger positions . Everything works with the natural movements of your dominant fingers. In addition, the keys of the kalimba are marked with the "notes", which makes it even easier for a new player to quickly learn. You should also put these notes on the instrument if you want to make the thumb piano yourself .
Learn to play the thumb piano
When you start playing, you take the instrument in both hands and hold your thumbs over the sound box. The thumb piano should be held in the palms of your hands and at the side. You can also use your index finger as an additional aid. Now you pluck the keys with your thumbs and play music.
Fingernails can play a crucial role in playing music, and some skills cannot be mastered without them. Of course, you will start by learning with the end of your fingertips and move on to the fingernail method over time.
Due to its simplicity, the thumb piano is one of the few instruments that can be learned without attending a music school .
Sonodrum thumb piano - soothing sounds and easy to play
Because of the limited number of notes available on the thumb piano, you can only play a few pieces. Furthermore, the number of songs you can play may depend on the number of keys (or notes) on your instrument. The second crucial factor is tuning. Thumb pianos work similarly to harmonicas if you buy them in a specific key, such as C. You can play songs that are not in C, but you may need to change the key or retune the songs slightly.
The peaceful sounds of the Sonodrum thumb piano are perfect for calming the mind when you need some relaxation. This sound may not solve all your problems, but taking a break from your work and pulling out a thumb piano for just 20 minutes is a really great way to calm yourself down and take your mind off whatever is bothering you.
The thumb piano is not very loud, and it is really easy to adjust the volume depending on how hard you press the metal keys. So if you have a roommate who doesn't like noise, the kalimba is quiet enough that you can enjoy it without disturbing the neighbors.
Conclusion Thumb piano
Over the decades, many people have discovered the unique, delightful sounds of the thumb piano and have used them in their performances. Its ease of playability, its light weight, which makes it ideal for traveling or for younger musicians, and the ability to sing and play simultaneously have made the thumb piano popular with artists on every continent and in every genre. Today, the thumb piano continues to delight music lovers.
When looking for the best kalimba, consider the following factors: board types, size, material, extras/additional features, and price. The material and type of board affect the sound quality. The size and number of keys on the best thumb pianos are also important, as they determine what kind of music you can play on it. When making your purchase decision, consider these factors as well as any extras you might get for your kalimba. Before buying a particular instrument, research its use and price so you can decide if it's worth investing your budget.
Each Sondrum thumb piano comes with finger guards, a bag, key labels, instructions, music book/Kalimba sheet music, a cleaning cloth and a hammer for adjustment.
We hope you find the best thumb piano for you and wish you lots of fun with the music!
Thumb Piano FAQs
How can I make a thumb piano myself?
Here are some short instructions for making a thumb piano with children:
Step 1 - Take a paper bowl/cardboard soup plate and cut a large hole in the middle of the bowl. This is the sound hole.
Glue a second bowl underneath the first one using wood glue.
Step 2 - Glue a small wooden beam to the bowl near the hole in the top half. Then add a thin line of glue to attach five wooden popsicle sticks.
Step 3 - Arrange the sticks as you like. You will quickly see the connection between the length of the sticks and the sound they produce.
Step 4 - After the sticks are attached, apply another strip of glue over them. This time you can use a lot of glue to make the bridge stable. At this point you should wait a few hours (the actual time depends on the type of glue and materials). 24 hours is a reasonable amount of time.
The thumb piano is ready for use!
What does a thumb piano look like
The thumb piano is a small African instrument, also called “kalimba,” and consists of a body, usually made of wood, to which steel keys are attached, which are touched with the thumbs to produce sounds.
How much does a thumb piano cost
A good 17-key kalimba should cost between €30 and €70, while a 21-key kalimba can cost between €60 and €200. There are also very special examples that can be worth up to €3,000.
How do you play a thumb piano?
To learn how to play a thumb piano, simply hold it with both hands and extend your thumbs to press the keys. It's quite intuitive to use. Once you have one, press one of the keys to get used to the feel and then keep experimenting.
What types of thumb pianos are there?
There are thumb pianos ranging from 8 keys (the most common is the sansula) to 150 keys or more (like the array mbiras). However, most thumb pianos on the market today have 17 keys.
How do you hold a thumb piano?
The thumb piano is held with both hands and played with the thumbs. The sound is produced by striking the tips of the metal keys with your thumbs.
