array-mbira-instrument

The best currently have 96 keys. Real video sound clips recorded by phone — no amplifier used. 150 keys can be customized. 150 keys have built-in speakers. The Array mbira can be custom-built with cases for traveling and shipping. For more information about custom options, shipping, or instrument availability, please contact us.

More information about the Array mbira, including reviews and purchasing options, can be found online.

Introduction to the Instrument

  • The Array Mbira is a modern, handcrafted instrument with a unique sound, often described as harp- or bell-like, and is part of the array instruments family.

  • The concept behind the Array Mbira's design is its innovative note layout, which groups notes in repeating circle-of-fifths patterns to facilitate ease of play and versatility. It features metal tines grouped into multiple octaves, usually containing two and a half repetitions of the entire chromatic scale, arranged in a continuous circle of fifths, unlike a piano’s chromatic scale, making it easy to play and produce beautiful music.

  • Sounding each grouping of octave tines in a left-to-right direction runs through the circle of fifths. Notes are organized in each row to follow this geometric pattern, aiding in melody and harmony.

  • The standard design of the Array Mbira uses 30 octave groups, resulting in 150 tines for a five-octave version.

  • The Array Mbira is part of the lamellaphone family, a group of instruments that produce sound through the vibration of metal tines.

  • The unique layout of the Array Mbira allows for easy shifting between musical keys, making transposition and harmonious play accessible for musicians.

  • The instrument is well-suited for musicians of all levels, from beginners to professionals, and is a great addition to any music production.

  • With its solid body and hollow body models, the Array Mbira offers a range of tonal options, including low notes and whole tones, making it a versatile instrument for various music genres.

  • The Array Mbira is also known as a thumb piano, kalimba, or sanza, and is a popular choice among musicians due to its unique sound and playability. The Array mbira is considered a good ‘student model’ for those new to the instrument.

History and Origins of the Mbira

All Array Mbira are handcrafted by a small team of craftsmen and musicians, ensuring high quality and clear tone.

The instrument’s design is based on the traditional mbira, but with improved sound purity and pitch range, making it a great instrument for music production and play.

The Array Mbira is a radical redesign of the Shona African mbira from Zimbabwe, incorporating modern innovations while respecting its traditional roots.

The Array Mbira has become a popular choice among musicians worldwide, with its unique sound and playability making it a great addition to any music genre.

The instrument’s history and origins are deeply rooted in the array system, which provides a unique and versatile sound, suited for various music styles and applications.

The Array Mbira is a great example of how traditional instruments can be improved and modernized, while still maintaining their unique sound and character. Customers find the Array mbira keyboard beautiful in appearance and well-made.

Instrument Characteristics

  • The Array Mbira 150-key model features a custom pickup system with internal amplification on both the left and right sides. accurately capturing every note for recording or amplification. The pickup system on Array mbiras consists of two pickups placed under the full length of the compression bar, allowing accurate sound reproduction and ensuring high-quality audio output.

  • The instrument’s metal tines are arranged in a pattern of fifths, with each row aiding in melody and harmony, and some notes or components positioned opposed to each other for ergonomic or tuning reasons. The angle of the tines is carefully designed to affect playability and sound projection; a shallow angle or bent tines can make some notes, especially shorter tines, more difficult to pluck and may impact tuning stability. The ends of the tines, whether straight or with an upward bend, also influence the ease of plucking. Some models offer engraved notes or markings to help players quickly identify notes, improving visual clarity and playability. Each bit of the instrument’s construction, such as the precision of individual tines, contributes to the overall sound quality and tuning accuracy.

  • The Array Mbira comes in various models, including solid body and hollow body, each with its own unique tonal characteristics, and is a great instrument for musicians who want to experiment with different sounds. Array mbiras are available in two different body styles: the acoustic body and the semi hollow body.

  • Acoustic body Array mbiras have a rich natural tone that varies depending on the types of wood used for the anchor board. Softer woods tend to produce more bass and warmth, while heavier, denser woods provide more treble, sustain, and a different tactile experience.

  • The Array Mbira has a semi hollow body model that is much louder when unplugged compared to traditional solid body instruments. This semi hollow body is also smaller than traditional models, enhancing portability and making it easier to handle.

  • The instrument’s sound is often described as rich and full, with a strong emphasis on low notes and whole tones, making it a great choice for music production and play. The fundamental tone of each note interacts with overtones, contributing to the instrument’s resonance and unique sound character. The Array Mbira is capable of producing higher notes and octaves, expanding its musical range.

  • The Array Mbira is a great instrument for musicians who want to produce high-quality music, with its unique sound and playability making it a great addition to any music genre. The layout allows for smooth moving between notes and positions, and the design is comfortable and ergonomic for the player’s hands. Tuning stability is enhanced by how well the tines are held in place, and all Array mbiras come with tuning tools or adjustment tools to help maintain sound quality. The instrument typically arrives pre-tuned or requires only minor adjustments to tune.

Types of Instruments

The array system is at the heart of array instruments like the array mbira, giving these instruments their distinctive sound and playability. Array mbiras are available in a variety of models, with the two most popular being the solid body and hollow body designs. The hollow body array mbira is especially prized for its rich, resonant sound, with deep low notes and a natural acoustic quality that makes it ideal for exploring complex music scales and producing expressive tones. In contrast, the solid body model is more compact and portable, much like a thumb piano, making it a great choice for musicians who need an instrument that’s easy to transport, though it may offer a slightly different sound character compared to the hollow body.

A defining feature of the array mbira is its arrangement of metal tines, which are set in a unique pattern that allows for effortless access to whole tones and a wide range of notes. The left side of the instrument is typically played with the left hand, while the right side is played with the right hand, enabling musicians to play intricate melodies and harmonies with ease. Thanks to its robust construction and thoughtful design, the array mbira is able to hold its tuning for long periods, even with frequent playing, making it a reliable instrument for both practice and performance.

The array mbira belongs to the lamellaphone family, a group of instruments that includes the traditional mbira and the kalimba. Like these similar instruments, the array mbira produces sound by plucking metal tines attached to a piece of wood, but its array system and expanded range set it apart. The pitch and tone of the array mbira can be adjusted by shifting the position of the tines or by experimenting with different playing techniques, giving musicians a lot of creative control over their sound.

Patrick Hadley, a well-known musician and advocate for the array mbira, has played a significant role in bringing this instrument to a wider audience. His performances and tutorials can be found on platforms like YouTube, where musicians can learn more about the array mbira’s unique capabilities and explore new ways to play and produce music.

In addition to the array mbira, other instruments such as the kalimba and traditional mbira use similar sound production methods, relying on plucked metal tines to create their signature tones. However, the array mbira’s modern design and array system allow for a broader range of notes and more versatile playing options, making it a popular choice for musicians interested in experimenting with new sounds and musical styles.

Whether you’re drawn to the deep, resonant tones of the hollow body model or the portability of the solid body design, the array mbira offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Its distinctive sound, ease of playability, and ability to hold its tuning make it an excellent addition to any musician’s collection, whether you’re playing traditional African music, modern experimental pieces, or anything in between.