Mbila dzamadeza (bass on right) TIC 126 F# / Gb from Limpopo prov.

Mbila dzamadeza (bass on right): "TIC 126"

Reference Key:	F# / Gb (closest chromatic pitch)
Key Count:	22
Sound Info:	Buzzers dampened.
Maker:	unknown
Place Made:	Limpopo prov.
Origin:	Venda
Made in/before:	1974
Comments:	[ILAM Instrument Inventory:] Bass-on-right instr. H: 188, W: at bottom 180, two colour wood, patina, much used. Rattle plate with 10 bottle tops, Normal lowest three notes not present. Three left hand notes in an added upper rank, L to R 3’’, 2’’, 5’. Round bar lies on its side. "Left hand" tuning - see AT article: "The Original African Mbira?" in African Music. Bought by Bonisa Isaac Sithole, July, 1974 in N. Tvl. Label says "Mbila deza". AT says this is the same as mbila dza madeza. [ILAM Mbira Catalogue:] Bottom 3 notes not present, indicating importance of note 4 as a tone centre. Lowest three notes synthesized by octavating their middle-manual counterparts.
Last known owner:	ILAM
Owner Contact:	Please get in touch.
Last known location:	Grahamstown, South Africa

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