Cannonball Gourd Thumb Piano
Paul and Sue Bergstrom
$95.99
$113.35
(You save
$17.36
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Pick up this great gift idea. This petite instrument carries with it thousands of years of African musical tradition. Called a kalimba mbira mbila or marímbula depending on the region in which it's played the first version of this handheld thumb piano originated in Africa over 3000 years ago! Lightweight and portable the thumb piano was the chosen instrument of traveling troubadours who would retell the history of their tribe in song. Whether you use it to strike up your own story or to teach little ones about music Paul and Sue Bergstrom's handcrafted thumb piano is the ideal instrument to carry a tune. Atop a beautiful hollowed-out gourd are 8 numbered tines that correspond with traditional notes on the diatonic scale. The tines or keys are made of tempered spring steel that is hand-cut and rounded. To play simply cradle the gourd in your hands and pluck the tines with your thumbs. Handmade in Blairsville Georgia. Includes easy-to-follow songbook filled with traditional melodies like "You are my sunshine" "Kumbaya" and "Happy Birthday." Essential Details: Handmade Item. Made from gourd acrylic paint nickel plated steel baltic birch wood steel stamped metal Measurements 5" Diameter Notes: Wipe with soft cloth as needed
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