Found this cool African Likembe (Kalimba) instrument

I went to the local used furniture shop, and while browsing I found this really old looking Likembe (Kalimba/Lamellophone) thumb piano. It looks really old and worn... Guy wanted 20 euros for it so I bought it... It seems like the glue is coming off in some places, and I am not sure if the keys are in the right tune, but I'll look into it. Anyway, I am so happy about this instrument :) I wish I could find out more about it.

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TeeGee attached the following image:

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Edited by TeeGee on February 24, 2020 at 11:52 AM

hey Tee that looks really cool. Found this and thought that it might be useful
https://www.kalimbamagic.com/info/how-to-play/32-how-to-tune-the-kalimba

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Bought mine about 25-30 years ago at a Pawn Shop. Mine is Major Scale alternating between the right and left Thumbs. You put your finger over the holes on the back one Right one left then when you raise off and back on quickly it makes a vibrato effect.

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GBD attached the following image:

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Edited by GBD on February 2, 2020 at 5:42 AM

I saw some on the web that had built in pickups :W Might need to look at them :) Anyway, I wrote an email to the Antrological Museum in Berlin, they have a large collection of similar instruments, maybe they can help me identify it.

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TeeGee attached the following image:

In the meantime, I was told that it is most likely called a "Likembe", and probably comes from central Africa. Still haven't got a reply from the museum, but hey...

Anyway, here is a short recording of my wooden baby :)

[wl]182964[/wl]

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That is really cool TG - I like the track you did with it.

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