Pity the poor child who is gifted this instrument by Santa, tests a few happy notes and is then demanded to play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star for their expectant parents.
It is a fine instrument, a pleasure to touch and behold with a sweet metallic ting on each and every note. But it’s been tuned to play vaguely ‘oriental’ hootchie-cootchie. You know, snake charmer, dancing in veils, belly button – yeah that one. Run up the notes from ‘1’ to ‘i’ – yes it looks like an info symbol – why? – and you might think you’re entertaining Sinbad the Sailor.
The metal bars are played from behind by tapping the keys. Very neat and tidy BUT if you look underneath you’ll discover little plastic xylophone sticks. Thin, not that resilient, ready for a child to eat. Hmmm, stick with the keys.
So long as you are happy to be divorced from the entire play book of European children’s music you will enjoy it greatly – more proof that KMart is snapping at the heels of the big names.