The Array mbira /əmˈbɪərə/ is a handcrafted modern musical instrument with a unique harp- or bell-like sound.

[1] It is a radical redesign of the Shona African mbira from Zimbabwe and is part of the lamellaphone family.

Usually, the Array mbira contains two and a half repetitions of the entire chromatic scale, arranged in a continuous circle of fifths.

Each of the metal tines in a group may be played independently, and multiple octaves may be sounded together in a one-fingered stroke.

Sounds are made by manually pushing down gently and releasing bent metal tines with a grasping fist movement of the fingers.

The tines are arranged so that the most consonant intervals (octaves, fifths, and fourths) vibrate along with the fundamental.

The hollow body is an acoustic instrument that utilizes a sound box, which can be made from a variety of domestic and exotic hardwoods.

Because these instruments are handcrafted works of art, there are many options for embellishment, including various inlaid borders, burl veneers, colored lacquer and type of finish.

The notes (of which there may be up to 150,[2] comprising up to five octaves[3]) are arranged according to the Array system, developed by musicologist, performer, and author Bill Wesley.

In addition to this, the close grouping of octaves allows large chords to be played that would require four hands on a piano.

The Array mbira is played by a number of notable musicians, including Sting,[1] Ry Cooder, Emil Richards, Pharoah Sanders, Zakir Hussain, Greg Kurstin,[4] Mileece, Shannon Terry,[5] and Imogen Heap.

The Array mbira has been used on popular American TV shows such as Breaking Bad[7] and True Blood[8] as well as the Danish Academy Award winning film In a Better World.