Top-10 Thumb Pianos
Loved in the USA

The Newlam 17-key Kalimba Thumb Piano is a great choice for beginners and casual players looking for a portable, easy-to-learn instrument. It has 17 keys, which is a good number for playing a variety of melodies without being overwhelming. Made from naturally air-dried wood and spring steel tines, it offers a warm, pleasant sound that many users find enjoyable and soothing. The engraved letters and musical notes on the tines make it simple to learn and play songs quickly, even for kids or those new to music.

Its size (about 7 by 5 inches) and light weight (just over 11 ounces) make it easy to carry around, perfect for playing anywhere without hassle. The included tuning hammer and instruction book help maintain its tuning and guide beginners through their first songs, adding to its user-friendly appeal. The tuning is set to C major, which suits most beginners, though more advanced players might want to retune or explore other scales. The ergonomic curved handrest adds comfort during longer play sessions.

One minor point is that the wood finish, while attractive, might need gentle handling to avoid scratches over time. With a strong customer rating and a complete accessory kit, this Kalimba is an excellent gift and a solid pick for anyone wanting a charming and portable thumb piano experience.

The LingTing Kalimba with 42 keys stands out for its unusually large number of keys, offering a wider range of notes than typical kalimbas. This makes it great for players who want to explore more complex music or experiment with different melodies. Made from solid walnut wood, it has a natural, warm look and likely provides a rich, resonant sound, which is a plus if you care about both appearance and tone. The chromatic tuning means it can play all the notes in the musical scale, giving you more flexibility compared to simpler kalimbas tuned to a single key. It's also designed with a patented method to keep the keys stable while you play, helping maintain consistent sound quality without keys slipping out of place.

Although it is a bit heavier (around 1.3 kilograms) and larger than many smaller models, it still comes with a protective case, making it portable enough to carry around. This kalimba is a solid choice for both beginners who want to develop their skills and professional players looking for a versatile instrument. The size and weight might be less comfortable for those seeking a very compact or lightweight kalimba for casual use. Additionally, being chromatic and having many keys, it may take some time to learn compared to simpler models.

For those wanting an instrument capable of handling a variety of songs and offering a beautiful, natural sound, this kalimba is worth considering.

The Newlam Kalimba Thumb Piano is an appealing choice for both beginners and experienced players. With 17 keys made of high-quality ore steel, it provides a wide range of notes suitable for various songs. The natural wood construction not only offers a beautiful, natural aesthetic but also ensures a rich and ethereal sound quality that many users will appreciate. The ergonomic hand-rest curve design helps to make playing more comfortable, which is especially beneficial for extended periods of use.

Embossed notes on the keys provide clear and lasting guides, eliminating the need for stickers that can wear off over time. This makes learning and playing songs easier and more intuitive, particularly for beginners. The product is very portable due to its compact dimensions (7.3 x 5.3 x 1.4 inches) and comes with a flannelette bag for easy carrying and protection. The inclusion of a tune hammer, instruction book, stickers, and cleaning fabric adds great value, making it a comprehensive package for new players.

While the wood and steel materials are of good quality, some users might prefer the feel of a more polished finish. Moreover, the sound quality, while good, might not meet the expectations of professional musicians seeking a concert-level instrument. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Newlam Kalimba is an excellent and thoughtful gift for kids, adults, and music lovers who want to enjoy music on the go without the hassle of larger instruments.