What a Kalimba is
Small premise: if you do not understand something of this article because I was too technical and specific, visit the section of the site dedicated to music theory or contact me!
The kalimba belongs to the family of the lamellophones and has existed for centuries!
There are different models and takes a different name based on the material, the number of tines, the geographical origin and tuning.
Basically, however, the Kalimba is an instrument consisting of a resonance box, usually made of wood, plastic or natural material such as the shell of a fruit, and a variable number of tines (or keys, or blades, in italian).
On the market, today, there are a huge number of instruments: ranging from a minimum of 5 to a maximum of 30 tines; there are Kalimbas with different shapes, with holes of resonance or without, with harmonic cases in the shape of kittens, round or rectangular, of different colors and sizes. Once, however, the Kalimba consisted of a coconut to which wooden sticks were attached. It was born in Africa and was used as a percussion instrument during ceremonies or simple moments of sociability.
Kalimba’s "grandmother" is in fact an instrument called 'mbira. It is thought that the first form of this instrument was created about 3000 years ago, perhaps in Congo, perhaps in Zimbawe, but that a model similar to what we recognize today as Kalimba was born only 1300 years ago. Only in the 1950s, ethnomusicologist Hugh Tracey exported the instrument to the West and began marketing it.
Here is a small guide on the models on the market that will help you choose the kalimba that suits you.
This is the most famous version of the Kalimba. It’s tuned in C, has 17 keys and has two octaves of extension (from C1 to E3). It is suitable to play modern melodies, also western pop music. It is the most purchased model precisely for its versatility and extension: you can buy with the resonance box or simply consisting of a wooden table. It can be found in different colors, shapes, decorations and materials and this makes it desirable also from the aesthetic point of view. This Kalimba is sold also electric.
This is the kalimba that I recommend to all aspiring musicians: not only because it allows you to play any song present in your music player, but it is also the most intuitive, there are an infinity of models and there are many online content dedicated to it.
Level: begginers and medium
Music: Western and oriental
Price: from 15€ to 70€
Level: begginers
Music: Western and oriental
Price: from 10€ to 60€
Less slats, more pockets, more improvisation space, more experimentation! Don’t think that playing becomes simpler as you reduce the notes...actually, with these kalimbas, you reduce the pop songs executable from intro to outro, but they are good both to increase the speed with which you move your thumbs, thus creating sensational virtuosities, both to accompany another kalimba. These instruments can also reach a size smaller than a hand and, for this, you can take them wherever you want.
Tuning varies from instrument to instrument.
Level: begginers and medium
Music: oriental, African and something of western pop songs
Price: from 8€ to 50€
This Kalimba model can solve all your problems in performing a song that contains altered notes or complicate your life.
The best known kalimba 17 keys is tuned according to the diatonic scale in C major. So it doesn’t have C#, D#, F#, G#, A#, the black keys of the piano. The chromatic kalimba solves this inconvenience with a row of tines on the back. The bad news is that it is not so easy to locate the keys because you do not see...so it is an instrument that requires a little effort. It is not suitable for beginners.
This instrument is the principal heir of the African 'mbira. Thanks to its 17 tines arranged in two rows, it allows to play the traditional music of the African tribes. Tuning varies from model to model. This instrument is recommended for those who love ethnic music and want experimental new scales, different from the diatonics to which we are accustomed. The sound is however very relaxing: it looks, in some cases, to that of the classical kalimba, in others it is much more crude and gloomy.
Level: medium, experts
Music: ethnic, african
Price: from 120€ to 200€
The kalimba belongs to the family of the lamellophones and has existed for centuries!
There are different models and takes a different name based on the material, the number of tines, the geographical origin and tuning.
Basically, however, the Kalimba is an instrument consisting of a resonance box, usually made of wood, plastic or natural material such as the shell of a fruit, and a variable number of tines (or keys, or blades, in italian).
On the market, today, there are a huge number of instruments: ranging from a minimum of 5 to a maximum of 30 tines; there are Kalimbas with different shapes, with holes of resonance or without, with harmonic cases in the shape of kittens, round or rectangular, of different colors and sizes. Once, however, the Kalimba consisted of a coconut to which wooden sticks were attached. It was born in Africa and was used as a percussion instrument during ceremonies or simple moments of sociability.
Kalimba’s "grandmother" is in fact an instrument called 'mbira. It is thought that the first form of this instrument was created about 3000 years ago, perhaps in Congo, perhaps in Zimbawe, but that a model similar to what we recognize today as Kalimba was born only 1300 years ago. Only in the 1950s, ethnomusicologist Hugh Tracey exported the instrument to the West and began marketing it.
Most popular and modern models on the market
- 17 KEYS KALIMBA
This is the most famous version of the Kalimba. It’s tuned in C, has 17 keys and has two octaves of extension (from C1 to E3). It is suitable to play modern melodies, also western pop music. It is the most purchased model precisely for its versatility and extension: you can buy with the resonance box or simply consisting of a wooden table. It can be found in different colors, shapes, decorations and materials and this makes it desirable also from the aesthetic point of view. This Kalimba is sold also electric.This is the kalimba that I recommend to all aspiring musicians: not only because it allows you to play any song present in your music player, but it is also the most intuitive, there are an infinity of models and there are many online content dedicated to it.
Level: begginers and medium
Music: Western and oriental
Price: from 15€ to 70€
- 10 KEYS KALIMBA
It's similar to the 17 keys Kalimba, but you have 7 keys less! You have notes from C1 to E2. This Kalimba allows you to play more or less the same songs of the 17 keys, without reaching however the highest heights. The advantage is the slightly wider and spaced tines, suitable for those who are learning the basics of the instrument. The sound, moreover, is equally sweet.
Level: begginers
Music: Western and oriental
Price: from 10€ to 60€
- 8/7/6/5 KEYS KALIMBA
Less slats, more pockets, more improvisation space, more experimentation! Don’t think that playing becomes simpler as you reduce the notes...actually, with these kalimbas, you reduce the pop songs executable from intro to outro, but they are good both to increase the speed with which you move your thumbs, thus creating sensational virtuosities, both to accompany another kalimba. These instruments can also reach a size smaller than a hand and, for this, you can take them wherever you want.Tuning varies from instrument to instrument.
Level: begginers and medium
Music: oriental, African and something of western pop songs
Price: from 8€ to 50€
- CHROMATIC KALIMBA
This Kalimba model can solve all your problems in performing a song that contains altered notes or complicate your life. The best known kalimba 17 keys is tuned according to the diatonic scale in C major. So it doesn’t have C#, D#, F#, G#, A#, the black keys of the piano. The chromatic kalimba solves this inconvenience with a row of tines on the back. The bad news is that it is not so easy to locate the keys because you do not see...so it is an instrument that requires a little effort. It is not suitable for beginners.
Level: experts
Music: Western and oriental
Price: from 120€
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- KARIMBA
This instrument is the principal heir of the African 'mbira. Thanks to its 17 tines arranged in two rows, it allows to play the traditional music of the African tribes. Tuning varies from model to model. This instrument is recommended for those who love ethnic music and want experimental new scales, different from the diatonics to which we are accustomed. The sound is however very relaxing: it looks, in some cases, to that of the classical kalimba, in others it is much more crude and gloomy.Level: medium, experts
Music: ethnic, african
Price: from 120€ to 200€
- SANSULA
I think, of all, this is the most relaxing instrument. It is available for sale with or without a sounding board. Of course, the one with the soundboard will have a higher volume. If placed on a flat surface, you will get an excellent wah wah effect. Unfortunately it is difficult to find it on the market at low prices.
Level: medium, experts
Music: ethnic, african
Price: from 70€ to 150€
Level: medium, experts
Music: ethnic, african
Price: from 70€ to 150€
- "COCONUT" KALIMBA
This model usually features 7 keys and is very colorful and fun. it is simple to play, it is intuitive and relaxing. It is suitable as an accompaniment, but also for improvisation. The tuning varies both according to the choices of the musician and the number of slats.
Level: begginers and medium
Music: Western, ethnic, oriental
Price: from 8€ to 60€
Level: begginers and medium
Music: Western, ethnic, oriental
Price: from 8€ to 60€
