- Our newest release, unique to African Craftwork.
- 37 metal keys.
- Built in audio sensor pickup and phono jack provides excellent amplified fidelity
- Njari tuned by workshop member Cypren with bright sound
- Compare this to other non-electric mbiras online retailing for over $300
- National Instrument of Zimbabwe
African Craftwork is the original creator of the electric mbira to International markets from Zimbabwe. Built in sensor pickup for premium sound amplification. pickup and jack provides excellent amplified fidelity in this new style of workshop assembled Mbira. Expands the musical possibilities such as routing the sound output through various effects boxes or simply plugging into your favorite amp for studio or live performance. I recently returned from Zimbabwe where I had a chance to meet with C. Vambe and his sons for a short performance which was just fantastic. Hand made by Cypren from a block of Mukwa hardwood that is carefully selected. This Mbira has 37 metal keys and this has a particularly great tone to it with decent sustain. When each key is made they use a master mbira to adjust each key to sound the same as that master mbiras keys ensuring it is tuned correctly. This is a Large full size mbira, check the measurements in the images. This is the primary instrument of the Shona Zezuru people of Zimbabwe and has been for hundreds of years where the instrument first originated. In a typical mbira band performance there would be 4 mbira players, one playing bass, another playing rhythm, a sub rhythm player, a lead and finally a dancer! It is quite entrancing to hear the various sections played together by experienced players. Compare this to other non-electric mbiras online retailing for over $300. Made from the same Shona mbira masters as those were but at a fraction of the price. Being born and raised in Zim I can assure you this is an authentic Zim-bira! The keys can be adjusted up/down/sideways on the board to alter the tune as you please. This could make a great gift. Please note the mbira you receive may have a slightly different wood patina than the one pictured but will be very similar. Thanks for looking.
