Tiny Thumb Pianos is a modern take on the ancient African Mbira, dating back to 1000 BC. Also called a kalimba or sanza, this instrument has been traditionally used for poetic storytelling, often accompanied by a Hosho (gourd shaker), and played at religious ceremonies, weddings, and social gatherings. These wooden instruments from Zimbabwe produce a gentle and melodic percussive plucking sound with a marimba-like warmth and tonal body.
We recorded Tiny Thumb Pianos in wide stereo, close and dry, performed in unison and solo. The Duo and Solo plucks were captured with an average of 8 velocity layers per note. In addition to this, we sampled percussive hits, slides, taps, glisses, and other FX to enhance realism, making it feel like you’re dual-wielding tiny kalimbas in real life. This artifact is all you need to become a master musical storyteller.
Key Features:
- Modern Mbira: A contemporary form of the ancient African Mbira, also known as a kalimba or sanza.
- Wide Stereo Recording: Captured in wide stereo, close and dry, for a rich audio experience.
- Duo and Solo Performances: Includes Duo and Solo plucks with an average of 8 velocity layers per note.
- Percussive Hits and FX: Features percussive hits, slides, taps, glisses, and other FX for added realism.
- Versatile Use: Ideal for poetic storytelling, religious ceremonies, weddings, and social gatherings.
System Requirements
Requires a compatible software sampler or digital audio workstation (DAW).
Operating System:
- Windows: Windows 7 or higher
- Mac: macOS 10.12 or higher
Hardware:
- CPU: Intel Core i5 or equivalent
- Memory: 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended)
- Storage: 2 GB available space
Compatibility and performance have been tested extensively to ensure a seamless experience.
