Reddit mentions: The best thumb pianos

Welcome to the sub! I'm sure you'll really enjoy yourself here! Everybody is so nice.

As for the contest, I like to sew, doodle, and find other crafty things to try when I feel creative. I even took a lost wax casting class and made some pendants and rings! I have been doing these things since I was a kid and it helps to unwind me. I made a silly monster for my dad for Christmas and this lovey bear for my grandma just because I had been wanting to make her something.

I do like to do other creative things like sing, play music, and make up fun stories.

If I were to be chosen, I would love to have a copy of My Neighbor Totoro to inspire creativity in drawing and story creation

or a Klingon translation ring to inspire secret messages between friends

or a Kalimba to inspire musical fun!

(If I could choose a favorite, it would be Totoro.)

Thank you very much for the contest and I hope you have fun browsing the forum and making new friends!

Aw!

Here's what I know:

The Hugh Tracey model is, I think, the best and most popular choice. I've never had one myself, but the tines are supposed to be soft and easy to pluck. It's got 15 tines, so that should allow for a pretty decent range of at least like 2 octaves. It also has an internal pickup, so I guess you could plug it into an interface and record it!

Here's the model I've had two of so far: the $40 Amazon model. Most people complain about how much harder the tines are to play than the Hugh Tracey's, but I think it plays just fine; the tines are kind of heavy so the tones on all tines are very full, except around the higher notes, where it gets kind of plink-y. The kalimba vibrato thing (when you stick your thumb in the hole and it makes this 'wah' sound) is still accessible in this model, but mostly just for the midrange notes – or at least that's what I've found. The tines are pretty hard to tune for this model, though. You have to use a coin or some kind of blunt metal object to nudge the tines back and forth, and it can get kind of frustrating.

Overall, I think the better choice would be the Hugh Tracey, but if you don't want to spend as much, the cheaper alternative is still a pretty solid kalimba.

They are actually fairly affordable There is a music shop that carries them in decatur. When I took care of my gramma and lived with her I would take my day off and walk to the music store, and play the instruments. Contrary to what was expeected, alot of people made decisions to buy an instrument that I was tinkering with, not becauseI was all that amazing, they just seemed to like the sound of it being tinkered with like a normal person would lol.

I have several Geckos and some other brands. We also own this one. Kalimba, Helesin 17 key Thumb Piano Solid Finger Piano with Locking system, Instruction and Tune Hammer Marímbula Mbira Wood Natural Keyboard Marimba(KOA wood) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CHB61SS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_01SDDbJBK2SVZ This, to me, seems like the same metal as on the Muspor. It's okay. Adequate. But when they say "carbon steel", it doesn't say what the, idk, ratio(?) is? The tines that look like a softer metal with the rounded edges seem to be a different formula or something. It makes a difference, for sure.

Welcome Ringo!

This is probably the coolest cheap(ish) thing in my wish list.

Of course, my view may be skewed by my love of playing music.

Thank you for the kind words! I bought it on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B079JMMNXN/ref=sspa_mw_detail_0?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It seems to be very good quality and well made, and it comes with a very nice case.

https://smile.amazon.com/Kalimba-Instruction-Portable-Kids-Adult-Beginners-Professional/dp/B07MQDXKTY/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=kalimba+17+key&qid=1565670882&s=gateway&sprefix=kalimba&sr=8-4

Kalimba 17 key thumb piano, I've seen some awesome videos with these. Good luck!

Edited to add they have different prices depending on the model and included accessories.

Yeah here it is on https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PPF7R5B/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_dhIKDbR7FE99T

I’m using the 17 key if that helps with anything. Greatly appreciated !

Hey thanks my kalimba comes in a few days in the mail hopefully this one is good

Also can you tell me what you think of this kalimba

https://www.amazon.com/Kalimba-Instrument-Protective-Cleaning-AKLOT/dp/B07M7STSWM/ref=mp_s_a_1_16?keywords=kalimba&qid=1558848749&refinements=p_72%3A2661618011&rnid=2661617011&s=gateway&sprefix=kalimba&sr=8-16

Its a Kalimba or Hand Harp. Yours has a huge acoustic chamber to make it hella louder. I have one that looks like this https://www.amazon.com/Kalimba-Thumb-Piano-Tunable-Coconut/dp/B00Q5EWGV6/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1469079439&sr=8-6&keywords=kalimba

Cajon (percussion)

Melodica

Ocarina

Kalimba

Beginner violin

Tin Whistle

Recorder

A lot of these may seem simple to play (or not "real" instruments), but proficiency in even these type of instruments is good. And as someone has already said, buying used opens up more possibilities.

Hey I just went through this whole process so hopefully my experience helps you out.

-From What I understand the Alto in the Key of G is going to have the most resources out there as far as song books and tutorials. However it looks to me that the 17 Key Kalimba in the key of C has a decent amount as well.

-The Hugh Tracey Alto is the High end "Martin" or "Taylor' of the Kalimba.

-There are a lot of 17 Key Kalimbas on Amazon, most of them being in the Key of C. (some come un-tunned though and you have to do all that yourself)

I wanted to go for the Hugh Tracey Alto but opted to Start with the 17 Key "high" end gecko https://www.amazon.com/Kalimba-Performance-Protection-Professional-models/dp/B079JMMNXN/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1537143542&sr=8-4&keywords=gecko+kalimba
Mostly due to the fact that I will probably get one in G and C so I figured I could go with the cheaper one first to make sure I know what I want.

Lots of things you can do with $25 on Amazon:

Behringer Ultra Vibrato UV300 pedal ($25)

Behringer Ultra Chorus UC200 pedal ($25)

Rock Band 25-key MIDI keytar ($24)

M-Audio SP-2 sustain pedal ($14)

Behringer Ultravoice XM8500 dynamic vocal mic ($20)

Auphonix 6" double mesh pop filter ($19)

Behringer Ultra-DI DI400P passive DI box ($20)

On-Stage single X keyboard stand ($22)

Andoer melodica ($20)

Andoer kalimba/mbira thumb piano ($12)

Big Thunder Tube ($30)

Small Thunder Tube ($8)

Angled Thunder Tube ($28)

Meinl Percussion 8" claves ($6)

Stylophone ($24)

Cables

Cable adapters

Kalimba man Kalbima that sounds like heaven
http://www.amazon.com/Hugh-Tracey-Treble-Kalimba-17-key/dp/B000BYMIQO/ref=sr_1_5?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1451820187&sr=1-5&keywords=kalimba

Sure I'd let you know. It's on my cart but I don't have a reply from the seller yet.
By the way speaking of oddly shaped kalimba's have you tried the Tom kalimba? I think you've posted a photo on your article kalimba buying guide about waterfall shaped holes.

https://www.amazon.com/TOM-High-performance-protective-Instruction-Professionals/dp/B07Q3PJPY1

I've been seeing a few reviews on this. Few difference I have noticed though is the "landscape" shape, metal bridge, and bag-lile handle. 😆

This thumb piano is kinda awesome.

Zaidenberg 17-key C, wonderful sound, and smaller size.

Get an M'bira

If you don't know, it's just about the most approachable and affordable musical instrument there is.

According to the review on Amazon, you'll have to tune it when you get it--I'm sure if you can't do this on your own, a local music store would do that for you maybe for 20 dollars or so.

I got mine in an irish specialty store. This is sorta what it looked like. I do not remember paying that much for it though.

What instrument is that? I want one!

Edit: found an [Amazon link](Donner 17 Key Kalimba Thumb Piano Solid Finger Piano Mahogany Body DKL-17 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077B67GD6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_RbEVAbBX8G1PT)

Thumb Piano, Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009V9XBC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gcTLybKKN6S8N

After watching this video I immediately looked into buying a kalimba (this one), but I'm finding a lot of reviews saying it's crazy hard to tune. Has that been your experience?