Thumb Piano (Mbira) – coconut, painted
£7.00 exc VAT
£8.40 inc VAT
RRP £7.70 exc VAT
Age 5 - 18+
- Instruments 1
- Players 1
- Buddies 1
- L 10cm x W 15cm x H 15cm
- Stock: 137
The Painted Coconut Thumb Piano Mbira is a hand-crafted coconut-shell thumb piano with metal tines that produce gentle, bell-like tones. It’s ideal for Early Years, Primary, Secondary, Adult and SEND learners for calming improvisation, soundscapes and mindful music-making.
The colourful coconut shell is carefully smoothed and painted, then fitted with a wooden top and steel keys. Each thumb piano mbira can be tuned within a comfortable range by sliding the tines in or out, so you can match it to a song, drone or backing track. Because the notes are arranged in a simple repeating pattern, it’s very forgiving – pupils can explore repetitive riffs without worrying about “wrong” notes.
This small African thumb piano mbira works well from supported Early Years through to Adult learners, for classroom composition, storytelling, sensory work and solo mindfulness activities.
Designs are individually hand-painted, and there is also a natural coconut-shell version if you prefer an unpainted finish. The handcrafted instruments are as easy on the eye as they are on the ear, making them attractive additions to both music trolleys and wellbeing corners.
The handcrafted thumb piano mbira music instruments are beautifully decorated to make it as easy on the eye as it is on the ear. Another natural coconut shell version of the African Mbira musical instrument is also available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is mbira a thumb piano?
Yes. “Mbira” is a traditional African lamellophone where metal keys are plucked with the thumbs and fingers. Many people use “mbira” and “thumb piano” interchangeably, especially in classroom contexts, although specific African mbiras have their own names and tunings.
What is the difference between a kalimba and a mbira?
Both are thumb pianos with metal tines, but “kalimba” often refers to modern boxed or flat-board instruments, while “mbira” is a broader African family that can include gourd resonators, different key layouts and regional tunings. For school use, this painted coconut model offers an accessible, durable take on that tradition.
For SEN settings:
When you purchase this product you get free access to a wide range of downloadable SEND teaching resources. Please visit our SEND resources page to see the range – free resources have a purple “FREE” label alongside.
The EAN of this product is 5060344030960
Product Information
How to Play
To play a Mbira, hold the instrument in both hands with your fingers wrapped under, and your thumbs freed up to play the metal notes which are facing with the long ends towards you.
Don’t try to flick the metal spokes up or tweak them, just brush your thumbs downwards in a firm stroking action so that the notes resound.
Delivery
We work with a small number of specialist logistic companies to deliver your order quickly and economically. The delivery method varies, depending on your location and the size of the order, as follows:
UK Locations
Orders up to 5kg – Courier 2 to 3 working day delivery. This would typically include books, smaller instruments, percussion baskets and djembes up to 40cm.
Orders over 5kg – Courier, next working day delivery. Most orders are sent this way.
Large orders – Pallet service, 3 to 5 working day delivery. Used for large orders and those with more fragile contents.
Please note:
- Above timings are from dispatch date. Time from placing your order will usually be one or two days longer, depending on the order and destination.
- Delivery to offshore or Highland addresses may take longer and may cost more than to UK mainland addresses and we’ll quote and agree the costs with you in advance. Please note that in these cases it’s fine to go ahead and place your order, and there’s no obligation on your part until the delivery costs have been quoted and accepted by you.
- For some destinations, where a courier service isn’t available, we may send by Royal Mail instead.
International Locations
Orders weighing less than 1kg and not too bulky – Post Office Airmail. This would include books and smaller percussion instruments.
Orders weighing more than about 1kg and large orders – international courier or pallet service. We’ll obtain competitive quotes and agree these with you in advance.
Please note that it’s fine to go ahead and place your international order prior to confirming shipping costs, and that there’s no obligation on your part until the delivery costs have been quoted and accepted by you. Payment for international orders, including shipping costs, is required before dispatch of the goods.
Returns
Please let us know straight away if anything arrives damaged or otherwise in a substandard condition and we’ll be happy to replace it, refund the cost or provide you with an alternative product to your satisfaction. Speed is of the essence here as most courier companies will only accept responsibility for damage in transit if the damage is reported within 24 hours of delivery.
In the event of damage, please take photographs, including any damage to the packaging, and email these to us ASAP.
Similarly, if an instrument develops a fault within 12 months of purchase in the course of normal use (though excluding fair wear and tear), please let us know, and we’ll replace it or refund the cost. It’s also very helpful for us to see photos of the issue as this gives us solid information for changing the design, the production method or the packing materials.
But please do contact us before returning any damaged or substandard items. Once we’ve approved their return, please send to: Drums for Schools Limited, 21 Shaftesbury Avenue, Burton Joyce NG14 5GL
We really appreciate your feedback in the case of faults (or if you think an instrument could be improved in any way) and we take all such feedback very seriously indeed.