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Solid board, 5-key Sanza (or Kalimba), particularly adapted to small hands, for children-oriented activities like sensorial awakening or musical introduction.
Native to Central Africa, the Sanza (or "kalimba" or "thumb piano") is a melodic instrument much played by story tellers and musicians fond of entrancing sounds.
Thumb pianos exist in various forms, using different scales and modes for their key-tuning, different materials (metal, wood...) for their construction. Usually, a sanza player holds his/her instrument with both hands, plucking the keys (metal or wooden blades) with the tip of his/her thumbs. Some models have to be laid down, on a flat surface, like this particular model.
There are several types of sanzas : a "soundbox sanza" has a large opening on the upper board and two smaller soundholes on its lower part, in order to produce a distinctive "wah wah" modulation effect (see present model), while other types have their key rack fixed to a solid soundboard, or to a tight piece of animal skin (Sanzula)
This model is handmade in Germany (Hokema), with an impeccable tuning. Solid mahogany body. Tuned in F minor.
Details Height: 22 mm Length: 95 mm
NB: Tuning is adjustable by re-positioning the blades (keys) forwards or backwards.
See other African instruments !
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