I ran across a relatively uncommon instrument, called the “Thumb Piano”.
It’s actually called a Mbira, but we’ll call it a thumb piano since it’s just easier to remember that way.
Its a small portable essentially acoustic instrument, requires no tuning (its a fixed-tune instrument).
This is one example of the instrument, it is a bit more traditional looking, and the prongs are made of wood. (Image belongs to public domain, original: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/87/Mbira1.png/180px-Mbira1.png)
This second example is actually a home made one, by Makezine.
The prongs on this instrument in specific are metal, the sound probably resonates and is louder on this instrument. The hole in the middle of this particular kind can be covered to alter the sound.
Image from Makezine, you can learn how to make one at the Makezine website.
Also hear this recording of a basic Mbira/Thumb Piano
And a recording of an Array Mbira (more advanced, more octaves, better sound. Great for a jazz environment)
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