The thumb piano is originally an African instrument, called a mbira, or kalimba; the steel keys are plucked with the thumbs. These thumb pianos are made for us in West Virginia. The keys are made from high quality spring steel and are shaped and ground to reduce wear and tear on your thumbs. They're tuned to the scale familiar to Western ears, but are tunable if you would prefer other tunings. The keys are mounted on a hardwood sounding board which is in turn mounted on a gourd. They sound great, are beautifully finished, and they're easy to play with the included instructions.
In Hawaii, gourd drums have traditionally been used to accompany the hula. The ipu is made from a large bottle gourd, and the ipu heke from two gourds fitted together. For the hula, they are played in a seated position, the drum held in the right hand; the drum is struck on a pale , or thin pad, (carpet will do) for a deep tone, then slapped with the left hand for a sharper sound. Apart from the hula, the ipu and ipu heke can be struck with the heel of the hand for a deep tone and slapped with the fingers for a sharp sound, somewhat like the doumbek. These drums have an undecorated, natural finish, and are made in the hula tradition by Anne Blankenship. The instruction books and cassette are an introduction to traditional rhythms. Allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.
Solo instrumental CD recording by Malian Kora virtuoso Toumai Diabate.
Vieux Diop (Via Jo)
Traditional and modern arrangements of West African music featuring kora by Vieux Diop. CD.
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Fine print: all items are in limited quantities and subject to prior sale. If you aren't happy with your order (except cd's, videos and books), return it in new condition for a full refund. Due to today's fast-paced modern technology, we can't acccept returns on media. We're a home business, but we try to ship in-stock merchandise in 2 working days. We will contact you if your order is out of stock.
©John J. McClintock 1996
Updated 8/4/97
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