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CUSTOMER NOTICES
"Great material, super nice contact and listening. Fast delivery, and I recommend this site."
Jean Luc Cannée
"The Kalimba guarantees delivery of your Kalimba, even if there are problems with the deliveryman, they are very conscientious. I highly recommend it!"
Roland Fulchiron
"beautiful instrument easy to get to grips with 😊 I recommend!!!"
Sam Tulan
I bought the Kimi kalimba on a whim during a stressful period. I have no regrets whatsoever! Its soothing notes help me relax and fall asleep. I highly recommend it to combat anxiety.
Marie D.
"The quality of the Kimi is excellent, it feels like a premium instrument. I love the modern transparent look and the sound is very pleasant, ideal for my meditation sessions. A must-have!"
Léa R.
"This company is very serious. And the customer service really listens, and takes its time to answer all my many questions. Thanks again."
Matias Ariane Medina Foussadier
"What a magical little instrument! I gave the Kimi kalimba to my daughter who is learning music. It's light and easy to handle, perfect for a child. She's having fun creating pretty melodies."
Andy G.
"My boyfriend gave me this kalimba for my 30th birthday. I take it everywhere, to work, on weekends... Playing for a few minutes is enough to soothe me instantly. The transparent finish adds an aesthetic touch."
Béa L.
"I received my Kimi kalimba late today. It will never leave me! The sound is incredible, the haunting low notes transport me. I recommend it for meditation or relaxation. Excellent value for money."
Which kalimba to make successful TikTok videos? 🤔 Kalimbas are [...].
09 Dec
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE KALIMBA
The kalimba, a fascinating instrument
The kalimba, also known as the mbira or thumb piano, is a traditional stringed musical instrument from Africa. Although it has been played for centuries, the kalimba remains little-known in many parts of the world. The aim of this article is to introduce you to the kalimba and its characteristics.
Origin and history of the kalimba
The kalimba has its origins in central and southern Africa. Variants of this instrument can be found under different names in countries such as Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi. The name "kalimba" derives from the word "luba-kasimba", which means "piano thumb" in Tantetela, a language spoken in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Although the first instruments of this type date back to the 9th century, the kalimba has evolved over the centuries to become the instrument we know today. Traditional kalimbas were played by African griots to accompany stories and ceremonies. In the 20th century, the instrument was exported to Europe and North America, where it gained in popularity.
Description and operation of the kalimba
The kalimba consists of a wooden or metal resonance box to which between 8 and 22 metal blades are attached. Under each blade is a cavity that acts as a resonance box. The musician presses on the blades with his thumbs to produce the notes. On more elaborate kalimbas, there is a second row of blades controlled by the index fingers.
The blades are tuned according to a pentatonic or diatonic scale. The lowest notes are wider and longer than the highest notes. This difference in size creates the kalimba's unique timbre. Unlike the piano or guitar, the kalimba can only play one note at a time. However, its rich harmonics make it a fascinating melodic instrument.
The kalimba in contemporary music
Although popular in Africa, kalimbas remained relatively unknown in the rest of the world for a long time. From the 1970s onwards, musicians such as Congolese guitarist Mose Fan Fan began to introduce it into urban music compositions, and to publicize its unique sound.
More recently, the kalimba has become popular thanks to musicians such as Elliott Smith, who used it for some of his songs. Today, it is appreciated by many modern musicians, both amateur and professional, for its gentleness and ease of learning. Many tutorials are available on YouTube for beginners wishing to familiarize themselves with the kalimba.
With its soothing sound and ancient origins, the kalimba is attracting more and more Westerners in search of meditative instruments. It's an accessible instrument that makes it easy to play bewitching melodies. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned musician, the kalimba is sure to charm you.
Where can I buy a kalimba?
More and more stores are offering kalimbas for sale. You'll find them both in traditional music stores and on specialized online sales sites. Here are a few criteria to consider when choosing which model to buy:
The number of blades: a kalimba can have between 8 and 22. In general, the more blades, the greater the range of the instrument. For beginners, 8 blades are more than enough.
The material: choose wood or mahogany for a warm, soft sound, or metal for a brilliant tone.
Tuning: there are diatonic, pentatonic and chromatic kalimbas. To get started, pentatonic is the easiest.
The brand: there are a number of different kalimbas manufacturers, such as Gecko, Hugh Tracey, Bughouse and others. Read online reviews to find a brand that makes quality instruments.
Budget: kalimbas are available at all prices. Expect to pay at least €20 for a basic model, and upwards of €100 for a pro kalimba with more blades and accessories.
Accessories: some kalimbas come with a carrying case, a pick, a book or a clip to hold the instrument. These accessories can make the instrument easier to use.
Where can I find special offers on kalimbas?
Many retailers offer occasional discounts on kalimbas: flash sales, sales, Black Friday offers, etc. You'll find the best deals on online sales sites such as Amazon, Ebay, AliExpress, etc. Don't hesitate to subscribe to merchants' newsletters to keep up to date with current promotions on kalimbas.
In conclusion
Buy your kalimba on a reliable site, taking into account your needs and budget. Take the time to compare models and buyers' opinions. With a little practice, you'll enjoy playing this relaxing instrument.
Discover the Kalimba
Our store can deliver your Kalimba anywhere in France, Switzerland, Belgium or anywhere else in the world!
If you're looking for a unique, authentic instrument, the kalimba is an excellent option. Originating in sub-Saharan Africa, the kalimba is one of the world's most popular instruments. Its soft, melodious sound is ideal for lulling a child to sleep or for a relaxation session.
All in all, buying a kalimba is an excellent idea for music lovers looking for an authentic, easy-to-learn instrument. Feel free to browse our selection of kalimbas on thekalimba.com and choose the instrument that suits you best. We're sure you'll find the ideal instrument for you among our wide range of models. Buy your kalimba now and start playing music today!
GUIDE : HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR KALIMBA? SELECTION CRITERIA!
The kalimba is a relatively new musical instrument that has been gaining in popularity in recent years. Unlike the vibraphone or lamellophone, the kalimba is a type of thumb piano that offers music enthusiasts the possibility of creating music in a simple, portable way. If you're looking to buy a kalimba, it's important to consider a number of criteria when selecting the instrument that's right for you.
First of all, it's important to choose a top-quality kalimba. Kalimbas are delicate musical instruments that require careful craftsmanship to produce a pleasing sound. Be sure to choose a kalimba made from quality materials, such as wood or stainless steel, to guarantee exceptional sound quality.
Next, it is important to choosing the right kalimba for your level of skill. Kalimbas are relatively simple musical instruments to use, but there are models for all skill levels, from beginners to professionals. If you're a beginner, opt for a kalimba with a limited number of rods, such as an 8- or 10-rod kalimba. If you already have experience with kalimbas, you can opt for a more advanced model with a larger number of rods.
Playing level criteria
First of all, it's important to pay attention to your playing level. You should try to acquire an instrument that is suitable for your level of experience. Also choose something that suits the type of music you want to play, or that you already know how to play. You need to understand that each instrument has its own strengths, as well as its own level. If this is the case, do your homework and discover the different models before choosing the one that suits you best.
How many notes?
This is related to the point we made earlier. The number of notes available on your instruments reflects somewhat the complexity of the performance level required. A seven-key instrument will be much easier for a beginner to use, while a seventeen-key instrument requires a good deal of flexibility and knowledge to produce fairly fluid music.
Resonance chamber
Resonance holes are used to make the sound of your instrument resonate. This is particularly the case with the main opening at blade level. However, depending on the model, there are additional holes. These offer the possibility of amplifying the sound or designing effects. For example, by placing your thumbs or fingers over the holes and moving them, you can modify the resonance capabilities of the cavity designed by the case. Different notes will be amplified by the resonance of the box, producing a "wah-wah" effect, for example.
Shape and ergonomics
There are different types of instrument: kalimba on board, in a box or kalimba on the hull. Board-mounted kalimbas, unlike box-mounted kalimbas, cannot modulate sound reproduction with the "wah-wah". In fact, they have no sound hole. But the board-mounted variants are more durable. They are very thick, making them a good selection for people who are likely to leave their instrument lying around.
Keys and Tuning Ranges
Each model is tuned to a particular pitch range. This instrument is no exception to the rule. The most popular scale is C minor. But you can also find other tuning scales. Choose the scale that best suits your ear. It all depends on your taste. But it's necessary, since you can't change the scale of an instrument. Instruments made from coconut or pumpkin shells are said to have better resonance. But beware of this type of product, they are mostly minimalist toys and handcrafted instruments that don't work well.
Adjustments
The most relevant feature of any kalimba is its tuning. Tuning this type of instrument can be as simple as it is complicated. To be honest, it all depends on its quality and design. However, don't think you won't have to do this. Your instrument will gradually go out of tune as you use it, and you'll need to adjust it periodically. In fact, you'll need to adjust it once a year when you don't use it often, once a month when you use it moderately, or once a day if you play for hours at high volume. You can also choose to adjust your instrument to a different pitch to experiment with new tones and arrangements. But if you're a beginner, it's best not to try such complicated operations. Every instrument we've tested is classically tuned. So the procedure is pretty straightforward. But the model you like may not have this kind of tuning. In this situation, we don't recommend this variant, as you'll be going to the trouble of tuning without a necessarily conclusive result, which would be detrimental to the proper use of your instrument. The best solution is to choose a kalimba with standard tuning. Or better still, a kalimba with classic tuning but also with an instruction guide and a musical guide.
Building materials
If you've ever had any experience with this type of instrument, you'll have noticed that they're often made of wood. But wood of all shapes and colors. However, the models we recommend most are made of coconut or maple wood, solid wood, pine or birch. There is a wide choice of materials for these instruments. The type of wood changes not only the color of the final product, but also its overall quality. In fact, not all forests have the same capacity. A sufficiently thick wood will, of course, be more robust in the long term. The feel will also be different because the grain is not similar, although an instrument of this type needs to be well polished to be pleasant to the touch. But that's not all. The material used for the shutters is also relevant. In fact, carbon steel is a good choice, being both robust and aesthetically pleasing.
Appearance and decoration
The appearance of a kalimba plays an important role in its ergonomics. It's a good idea to choose a lightweight variant that fits well in your hands. A variant that's too wide can be difficult to use, as it's harder for your thumbs to reach the central blades. As far as decoration is concerned, instruments are traditionally colorful, folkloric pieces of equipment. Appearance is therefore an important consideration. While some instruments have red or blue blades that serve as markers when in use, other variants have paintings on the helmet or simple engravings. It's a matter of personal choice, but care must be taken to ensure that the product's appearance does not detract from its ergonomics.
The price
Finally, the last element concerns price. There are products in every range and at every price. But beware of prices that are too attractive. After all, it will change according to your use. If you're looking for a product for occasional fun, or a product for children, an entry-level tool will be more than sufficient. But if you want to learn and progress in this activity, opt for a mid-range or high-end product.
What is the Thumb Piano?
This is a an instrument still unknown to the general publicis easy to use and emits a sound that brings out something of magic and sweet which we're going to discover together in this short shopping guide.
It's the kalimba, an instrument that will undoubtedly appeal to many! Would you like to choose your kalimba?
Whether you're looking for a unique instrument to add to your collection, or need the perfect sound for your new song, this instrument will perform many tasks perfectly. Before you start, don't forget that this instrument is also known by other terms, such as "mbira", "sanza" or "thumb piano". A member of the cell phone family, it uses tines (also known as blades, notes or keys) that are played to generate acoustic vibrations. These are stored in a wooden resonance box designed to amplify the notes. Tooth length modifies pitch (longer teeth emit lower notes).
The kalimba is an easy-to-learn musical instrument that combines well with other instruments, such as harps and lyres (celtic, chromatic). Unlike these instruments, there's no need to take lessons to learn how to play the kalimba. Traditionally tuned diatonically (unlike chromatic instruments, which are more difficult to play), the kalimba originated in Africa and Latin America. Nowadays, the best kalimbas are made in Asia, where many contemporary composers are re-recording anthology tunes on Youtube!
The origins of the musical instrument
The kalimba has a rich and varied history in Africa, dating back over 3,000 years, but metal blades date back only around 1,300 years.
All the instruments you can buy on our site are already tuned to get the most out of your musical instrument.
Choosing a Kalimba will be tailored to your needs (traditional music, contemporary music, music awareness or music therapy).
To choose the right thumb piano, you'll also need to try it out, as even a beginner will notice the difference in the more or less crystalline, rougher sound.
Trust your ear and choose the sound you prefer or need (for music therapy, for example, you'll need a pure, precise sound). There are now enough models available to help you find the one that best suits your needs.
If you're looking for authentic instruments, you might be interested in our products. Our instruments have been selected by thekalimba.com and are ideal for those who appreciate idiophonic instruments. The kalimba, which originated in sub-Saharan Africa, was once made from bamboo strips that produced the sound themselves. Later, these strips were replaced by metal plates. The sound produced by this instrument is very gentle and ideal for rocking a child or for a relaxation session. In this buying guide, you'll find various models, plus accessories for beginners. We also offer pocket kalimbas for those who want to take their instrument with them wherever they go. However, these pocket instruments are more limited for learning more technical pieces requiring several musical notes.
Buying a kalimba can sometimes be difficult, so we advise you to try out several models to find the instrument that suits you best. For beginners, we recommend 17-note instruments, for which a large number of scores are available in our "kalimba tuto" section. Don't hesitate to try out different models before making your choice.
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We deliver free of charge anywhere in Europe, the perfect instrument for discovering music and relaxing.
In what we present to you, the metal notes are installed in a sturdy wooden box which acts as a resonance chamber. The manufacturer uses high-quality wood and stainless steel bars to give you better visual, auditory and tactile quality.
Kalimba refers to an African musical instrument with a wooden board and metal blades placed on top. To play, simply hold the product in your hands and pluck the notes with your thumbs. This instrument is part of the idiophonic musical instrument family, and therefore belongs to the lamellophone family. Whether you're a professional musician or a beginner, you can buy this instrument to enjoy soft, melodious music and delight in producing beautiful sounds. However, there are so many references on the market that it's not always easy to find the one that best suits your needs and expectations.
The wood has been treated to obtain the clearest possible melody. A circular opening in front of the product to help sound travel better. To amplify the effect, there are also two additional openings at the back of the box. As for the final touches, they are in fact quite elaborate. The wood has a pleasant color and is more or less soft. The cut is well done, since it's a smooth, trouble-free product. As for accessories, you'll enjoy a carry bag, a hammer for tuning and finally a user manual, all of which are sold with this instrument in our complete kits.
The kalimba remains a classic African instrument. It's very easy to learn, as the way it works is very logical. It's a good choice if you want to relax, enjoy an activity or awaken your musical ear. But this product is perfectly suited to experienced players.
In conclusion, if you're looking for authentic and unique instruments, we invite you to discover our selection of kalimbas on thekalimba.com. Our instruments have been carefully selected for their quality and original design. We also offer accessories and kalimbas for those who want to take their instrument with them wherever they go. And don't hesitate to consult our "kalimba tuto" section to find sheet music adapted to your level. We're sure you'll find the perfect instrument for you on our site. Buy your kalimba now on thekalimba.com and choose from our wide selection of models.
