Home Made Thumb Piano 2

[desertricker]

This is Array Mbira...

[mandalayes]

I would very much like to make this, would love to know how to construct and what the notes the keys are, very nice song you played :) looking forward to your reply.

[bluetongueboy]

@mandalayes Well. . I think this is instrument is not worth the trouble. This instrument usually doesn't sound exceptional (to me) until I use a special tuning method. (which usually requires many days of tuning by ear) I suggest you select a different instrument (with a very nice sound) then forget about conventional tuning-- and listen, experiment, and feel. . . In my opinion, your deep conscious and positive feelings should be the final judge. Not popular convention. Hope this helps : )

[bluetongueboy]

@mandalayes (My goodness, I just noticed your comment is one year old)

[PlayingPanda]

where would i find metal for the keys ?

[scopein79]

Why are you concerned about toxicity of this metal? Was it from something known to be toxic?

[bluetongueboy]

I had a suspicion that the metal was toxic when I was very ill.

Actually, right now, I don't remember why I thought it was toxic.

I was planning on doing some research-- but I forgot the brand name of the rake that the "spring tempered steel" came from, and decided to not use the thumb pianos "to be on the safe side."

But now, even if they are not toxic, I don't want to use my thumb pianos anyway.

I would like to get an instrument that sounds louder, sounds nice, and is easier to deal with.

[bluetongueboy]

Thanks for your comment.

[adamz1988]

@scopein79 there's toxicity in my city, in my ciiiiityyy!

[TheMagicalCardKId]

@adamz1988 Disorder, Disorder, Disoooooooorrrrrder

[bluetongueboy]

@TheMagicalCardKId Yeah-- The video comments are a big mess. I wish I could get myself to eradicate them.

[x360z0cker]

i would create a resonance room to make it sound

[cheapsocks]

For the past few weeks I have been obsessed with making these. But what I would really like to ask you is what is that you are using that puts the pressure down on the tines... the metal bar with the screws? I've been all through the hardware store trying to find something...

[bluetongueboy]

The screws hold down the metal bar, the bar holds down the keys, the keys hold in place the two other bars.

The screws are drilled into the plywood. (Not the bar)

I found the metal bar at a hardware store along with poplar dowels and other metal bars. It was cut short with a saw for cutting steel. After, I clamped the bar and "sanded" it's sharp edges with a "rasp". The holes were made with an electric drill.

Hope this helps. Just please give me credit for my work and sharing of knowledge. :)

[gilbohadana]

so nice

[scatteredprojects]

HA that is awesome. neat instrument. =)

[pugwishbone17]

Can't ypu trim off all that excess wire?

[bluetongueboy]

The "excess wire" was originally left there for easier handling of the keys while shaving the tips smooth.

I thought about cutting them off before the instrument was finished, but, I noticed that the "excess wire"

added a more complex, interesting sound to the keys. (In my opinion) So I did not cut them off.

[bluetongueboy]

The reason why I play with my finger tips is because it sounds much better (To me) than playing with my nails. I tried to play with my nails for a while . . . But it never felt satisfying enough to my ear. Playing with the finger tips makes the sound sound smooth like cream. Playing with the finger nails gives an irritating click noise. (In my opinion)

[drewq40]

I enjoy your attention to detail and quality. The overall timbre is a lot richer and more resonant than many "legitimate" thumb pianos I've seen or heard. Sounds great! Thanks for posting.

[bluetongueboy]

Thank you for your comment.

[coloneldaddy]

A scene from the movie with Bogart entitled The African Queen had a native playing the kalimba. He was using the finger tips and NOT the nails.

[amaam89]

Thats an interesting peice. The quality of your playing waivers though through out.

[gnomeater]

the reason its hurting your fingers is because you are supposed to use your fingernails.

[drm1221]

Yes, and instead have his fingernails ripped off. Good idea bro.

[gnomeater]

You are an idiot. I play the Kalimba. Look up any other videos, THEY USE THEIR NAILS. It doesn't take a whole lot of pressure to make the tone, and there is no danger. Please, if you do not know what you are talking about, do not put on a front like you do.

[drm1221]

Every video I've seen of these, people use there fingers.

Also if you dont need alot of pressure to make the tone, theres no issue with using your finger tips.

Nice contradicting your own argument bro.

[gnomeater]

I didn't. The harder you press, the clearer and louder the tone, but you can tell when he is pushing hard or pushing normally, but also, the harder, the more it hurts you. The instrument is meant to be played with your nails, as to avoid injury. Look up other videos and actually pay attention to them. Don't look for ones of people building there own or anything like that. Look up one's of people who know what they are doing.) Again, don't talk if you don't know what you're talking about.

[ohboxcat]

It is a good idea because he was right. Acoustic guitar is also played with your nails, They don't just rip off, silly goose.

[NightsMuse]

Beautiful!

[getoutofmykoolaid]

thats really good

[bluetongueboy]

Thank you.