Giant thumb organ?

Paul Brubacher

In Memoriam
Messages
296
Location
outside of Toronto, Ont
A couple of weeks ago we went on a cruise in the Caribbean starting at Montego Bay in Jamicao. While going through the shed on the way to the ship there was a three piece band entertaining the passengers. The one guy was sitting on what I thought was a cajon, but it had 5 metal strips just below the opening. It reminded me of a thumb organ. The metal strips could be adjusted for resonant length. They were maybe 1" wide and 3 to 6" long.

What was this instrument?
 
It was somewhat like that, except possible wider and deeper. It also only had 5 resonators.
The guy was actually sitting on it.
The piano part was just underneath the hole on the backside. I don't know if it could be played as a cajon or not.
 
Yes, its played somewhat like a Cajon.
It is called A Rumba box.
I think the name comes more from the music & dance rather than the instrument,

They are getting rare as this type of music is quickly dying. Google jolly Boys to see an example.

Howard
Kingston Jamaica
 
Top