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CANTEEN GOURD THUMB PIANO
$40.00
handmade
community voted (303 votes)
As actual gourds are used to make this product, each one may vary slightly in size
Thumbs Up!
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 3,000 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."
- Item ID: 23520
- Materials: gourd, acrylic paint, nickel plated steel, Baltic birch, steel stamped metal
- 5" Diameter
- Wipe with soft cloth as needed
As actual gourds are used to make this product, each one may vary slightly in size
Paul and Sue Bergstrom
Paul and Sue live in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia, just eight miles outside of Blairsville at the foot of Cooks Mountain. When not building or designing something that makes sweet sounds Paul can be found with a good book and Sue in her “Happy Place” creating necklaces and earrings from the leftover pieces of gourds and coconuts used in their musical instruments. See all creations.
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Q and A
When our community voted on this product, some also shared comments - read them below:
303 votes * 35 comments
Cassie, UncommonGoods Community Moderator
Our buyers have been having a blast product testing this pretty little piano. If you'd love to put your thumbs to work playing this petite percussion instrument, give this design a thumbs up here first!
Adrienne
Vote: Thumbs up!
I would love to own one of these for my daughter who has a growing collection of African instruments.
karen
Vote: Thumbs up!
Love it!
Nancy
Vote: Thumbs down!
I'm sure this is really cool....for a few minutes. Would it be enjoyed every day? Probably not. Whether or not I'd have it on hand for kids to play with would definitely depend upon the price as there are inexpensive, safe alternatives made just for kids.
Matthew
Vote: Thumbs up!
This looks interesting but it would be helpful to have a card on how it works!
Barbara
Vote: Thumbs down!
Unnecessary fluff--interesting for a minute
stephanie
Vote: Thumbs up!
This l
Joyce
Vote: Thumbs up!
For anyone interested in music
Allen
Vote: Thumbs up!
Hope to see this real soon.
Rebecca
Vote: Thumbs up!
Looks cool
Lef
Vote: Thumbs up!
This would be great in my classroom.
Liz
Vote: Thumbs up!
I want one now
BR
Vote: Thumbs down!
I like that it is made in the US but I would rather support people in the area where the instrument originates.
Juliane
Vote: Thumbs up!
I would love to buy this for my "band" of kids I work with!
Shay
Vote: Thumbs down!
I just can't imagine that this would be fun for long, just like someone else mentioned. I also agree that unless it is really inexpensive, it is probably not something I would let my kids play with.
Faye
Though not musically inclined, I think I could pluck out some interesting tunes without having to take lessons.
Linda
Vote: Thumbs up!
Love to buy this for birthday gift for friend who just visited Africa!
Noel
Vote: Thumbs up!
I would buy this as a gift for my musical friends.
Shanna
Vote: Thumbs up!
Hope it's reasonably priced!
lyndell
Vote: Thumbs up!
i'd love to have one if it is affordable. many of your items are lovely but pricey.
Scott
Vote: Thumbs up!
I already have a song from Zimbabwe called Taireva to learn on a thumb piano.
Sally
Vote: Thumbs up!
I love the look of this instrument and would definitely buy it for my family.
Virginia
Vote: Thumbs up!
This is cute, great design and would be appealing to grown ups and kids.
Pamela
Vote: Thumbs up!
very cool!
Amy
Vote: Thumbs up!
Sounds really interesting. Would be a good gift for someone interested in music.
Steve
Vote: Thumbs up!
Musical instruments are always a good idea.
Ann
Vote: Thumbs up!
I think music is an integral part of life. This would be a neat way to introduce little ones to it.
Roger
Vote: Thumbs up!
Neat and interesting. When was the first time you've ever seen anything like this, nevermind the last time!
Susan
Vote: Thumbs up!
Absolutely. In fact, please seek out more of these kinds of world instruments. I think people would enjoy.
Leslie
Vote: Thumbs up!
I'd love to own this. Had one a long time ago and it was fun. I miss t, it got lost in moving.
Lorraine
Vote: Thumbs up!
Would be really fun to get or give
Rhea
This looks great and really fun to use!
Abbie
I think this is dumb.
Debbie
Very Unique I would buy this for a myself or gift it if the price was right.
judy
Love this!! I would buy in a heartbeat!!