Below the keys of lowest tone are hung tubes, pipes, or gourds, as sounding boxes to increase the sound produced by striking the key.

Usually four players perform at one time, each using two or more little hammers.

The music is rapid and brilliant, somewhat resembling that of the piano.

The instrument usually has some fanciful name, which is painted upon it.

The one at Tanatepec was _La Azteca_ (The Aztec Lady), while our next one was _La reina de las flores_ (The queen of the flowers).