In this Kalimba Buying Guide you'll learn how to choose your best musical instrument!

Also known as the thumb piano, the Kalimba is a wonderful instrument, enjoyed by players all over the world. Perhaps the best first instrument to start playing, the Kalimba can offer a truly rewarding and relaxing playing experience, and its ease of access is the reason for its success.

Naturally, making the right choice of Kalimba, especially if you're just starting out, can be difficult. 

You need to ask yourself what qualities and features of the instrument are important for a good kalimba suited to your playing skills. The answers to these questions will help you choose the right model for you.

Given that there's a whole range of Kalimbas to choose from, this is easier said than done. That's why we're here. We've rounded up the Top 10 best Kalimbas on the market and written this review to help you choose the perfect Kalimba for you.

So let's find out which model is right for you!

Top 10 best Kalimba in 2023

Name	Number of keys	Notes	Body	Tuning	Accessories
[Kit Complet] Kalimba Kimi 17 Notes Transparent	17	Carbon steel	Acrylic	C	Portable bag tuning hammer
17-note Kalimba - Cute-ears ©	17	Metal ore	Lime	C	Protection box, tuning hammer, study instructions, Kalimba learning booklet
Kalimba 17 Notes - Professional	17	Professional steel	Mahogany	C	Carrying bag and tuner
[Complete Kit] 17-key mahogany Kalimba	17	Carbon steel	Mahogany	C	Instructions for use, Cover and tuning hammer
Hluru - 34-note chromatic Kalimba	34	Carbon steel	Acacia	C	Directions for use, bag, agreement, instructions
[Kalimba Ling Ting - 17 notes (Mbira, thumb piano)	17	Carbon steel	Mahogany	C	Not specified
[Complete Kit] Mahogany Kalimba	17	Iron ore	African mahogany	C	Music book, chord hammer and bag
[Kit Complet] African Kalimba 17 Notes	17	Carbon steel	Mahogany	C	Portable bag, stickers and cloth
[Complete Kit] Kalimba Gecko with Hard Case - 17 Mahogany Notes	17	Mineral steel	Mahogany	C	Tuner, cloth bag, pick-up and key stickers
[Kit Complet] Gecko Wooden Kalimba Camphrier 17 notes	17	Metal	Mahogany	C	Engraved notation, cloth bag, tuner and music book

 

The Kalimba Kimi

 

 

The Kalimba Kimi is a unique musical keyboard instrument that offers many advantages over other kalimbas on the market. Here's an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the Kalimba Kimi:

Advantages :

• Cute bear design and exquisite workmanship in clear acrylic
• 17 metal keys tuned to International Standard C for a full range of notes
• Quick and easy to play thanks to a simple set of thumbs
• Mini hammer included for adjusting note pitch
• Comes with practical carrying case, tuning hammer and stickers to help you learn and play quickly and easily
• Suitable for travel entertainment, religious ceremonies, decompression, or even as a musical decoration for your home, office or studio.
• Available in four different models to suit your aesthetic preferences

Disadvantages :

• Sound may be limited compared to larger, more expensive kalimbas
• The keys may seem a little small for people with larger hands

Tips for beginners:

• Take care of your Kalimba Kimi by avoiding exposure to moisture or extreme temperatures.
• Tune your Kalimba Kimi regularly using the included mini tuning hammer to maintain optimum sound quality.
• To improve your playing, start with simple melodies and practice regularly.

Warranty and customer service :

• The Kalimba Kimi comes with a 12-month warranty for customers' peace of mind.
• The brand also offers a return and refund policy to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Customer service is available to answer any questions or concerns customers may have.

Video Test: 

By choosing the Kalimba Kimi, you can enjoy a unique, aesthetically pleasing instrument that delivers quality sound performance at an affordable price. Order your Kalimba Kimi now and start your musical journey today!

 

The 17-note Kalimba - Cute-ears

If you're looking for a cute, easy-to-play Kalimba, the 17-note Kalimba - Cute-ears could be an excellent choice. Here's a buying guide to help you make an informed decision:

Advantages :

• Cute design with silicone pet sleeves that add a touch of personality
• 17 keys tuned to International Standard C for a full range of notes
• Quick and easy to play thanks to a simple set of thumbs
• Comes with a complete kit including practical carrying case, learning book, piano keyboard stickers study instructions, tuning hammer 
• Suitable for beginners, children and adults
• Lightweight and portable, ideal for playing at home or on the move

Disadvantages :

• Sound may be limited compared to larger, more expensive kalimbas
• The keys may seem a little small for people with larger hands

Tips for beginners:

• Use the included piano keyboard stickers to help you learn the notes
• Tune your Kalimba regularly using the included mini tuning hammer to maintain optimum sound quality.
• To improve your playing, start with simple melodies and practice regularly.

Warranty and customer service :

• 12-month warranty for customer peace of mind
• The brand also offers a return and refund policy to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Customer service is available to answer any questions or concerns customers may have.

 

The 17-note Kalimba - Cute-ears is a great choice for beginners and occasional players looking for a cute, easy-to-play instrument. It comes with everything you need to start playing right away!

 

The professional 17-note Kalimba

If you're in the market for a professional Kalimba, you may want to consider buying a professional 17-note Kalimba. Here's a buying guide to help you choose:

Advantages : 

• Superior sound quality: A professional Kalimba is made from high-quality materials, which translates into superior sound quality and greater precision in note reproduction.
• Durability: Professional Kalimbas are made from robust, long-lasting materials, guaranteeing long instrument life.
• Versatility: Professional Kalimbas are often designed to offer greater versatility, with the ability to customize and adjust notes to suit the player's individual needs.

Disadvantages : 

• High price: Professional Kalimbas are generally more expensive than less-professional models, which can make them unaffordable for beginners or those with limited budgets.
• Expertise required: Professional Kalimbas may require a certain amount of expertise on the part of the player to use them effectively and to make the most of their potential.

Tips for beginners:

 

Kalimba 17 keys, mahogany wood

If you're looking to buy a 17-key mahogany kalimba, here's a buying guide to help you understand the pros and cons of this type of instrument:

Advantages :

• Sound quality: Mahogany wood is known for producing a warm, rich, balanced sound, making the 17-key mahogany kalimba a pleasure to listen to.
• Resistance: Mahogany is a hard, resistant wood, making it a solid choice for building a kalimba that needs to be handled regularly.
• Aesthetics: Mahogany is a very aesthetic wood, with a warm hue and distinctive grain, which can add a touch of sophistication to your kalimba.
• Supplied with instructions, house and tuning hammer

Disadvantages :

• Cost: Mahogany is an expensive wood, which can make the 17-key mahogany kalimba more expensive than cheaper wooden models.
• Weight: Mahogany is a dense wood, which can make the kalimba heavier than other models, a disadvantage if you're looking for an easy-to-carry instrument.
• Care: Like all wooden instruments, a mahogany kalimba requires regular care to maintain its sound quality and appearance.

Tips for beginners:

• Tune your kalimba before playing: It's important to make sure your kalimba is properly tuned before you start playing. Use an electronic tuner or a tuning fork to help you tune your kalimba.
• Play gently and accurately: Kalimbas are delicate instruments and should be played with care. Play gently and precisely to avoid damaging the blades or keys.
• Avoid extreme temperatures: Mahogany kalimbas are sensitive to extreme temperatures, so it's important to avoid them. Avoid exposing them to direct heat or extreme cold.
• Clean your kalimba regularly: Use a soft cloth to clean your mahogany kalimba regularly. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the wood.

 

Warranty and customer service :

• 12-month warranty for customer peace of mind
• The brand also offers a return and refund policy to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Customer service is available to answer any questions or concerns customers may have.

The 17-key mahogany kalimba is an excellent choice if you're looking for a quality instrument with a rich, balanced sound, solid strength and good looks.

 

The 34-note chromatic Hluru Kalimba

 

 

The Kalimba hluru is a unique musical instrument offering a full range of notes in a portable format. Here's a buying guide for the 34-note chromatic Kalimba hluru:

Advantages :

• 34 metal keys tuned to international C standard for a full range of notes: the standard key layout makes sheet music easier to read and enables musicians to play a wide range of melodies.
• Fast, easy playability thanks to simple thumb action: the Kalimba hluru is easy to play and requires no complex musical training. Even beginners can start playing quickly.
• Suitable for travel entertainment, religious ceremonies, decompression, or even as a musical decoration for your home, office or studio: the Kalimba hluru can be used for a variety of occasions, making it a versatile choice for musicians.

Disadvantages :

• Sound may be limited compared to larger, more expensive kalimbas: due to its size and portability, the Kalimba hluru may produce a more limited sound than larger, more expensive kalimbas.
• The keys may seem a little small for people with larger hands: this could make the game more difficult for some people.

Tips for beginners:

• Take care of your Kalimba hluru by avoiding exposure to humidity or extreme temperatures: this can affect the instrument's sound quality.
• Tune your Kalimba hluru regularly with the included mini tuning hammer to maintain optimum sound quality: this will enable you to play precise, melodic notes.
• To improve your playing, start with simple melodies and practice regularly: this will help you become familiar with the instrument and develop your musical skills.

Warranty and customer service :

• 12-month warranty for customer peace of mind
• The brand also offers a return and refund policy to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Customer service is available to answer any questions or concerns customers may have.

 

If you're looking for a top-quality Kalimba at an affordable price, the 34-note chromatic Kalimba hluru is an excellent choice. With its solid construction and ease of play, it's an instrument you'll enjoy for years to come.

 

Kalimba Ling Ting - 17 notes (Mbira, thumb piano)

 

 

The 17-note Kalimba Ling Ting is a popular musical instrument in Africa. It is also known as the Mbira or thumb piano. If you're interested in buying a Kalimba Ling Ting, here are a few pros and cons to consider.

Advantages :

• Portable and compact: The 17-note Ling Ting Kalimba is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry.
• Easy to play: The Kalimba Ling Ting is an easy instrument for beginners to learn. You can play simple melodies right from the start.
• Beautiful sound: The Ling Ting Kalimba produces a soft, soothing sound that can be used for meditation and relaxation.
• No additional equipment needed: All you need to play the Kalimba Ling Ting is the instrument itself, no additional equipment required.

Disadvantages :

• Limited in notes: The Kalimba Ling Ting has only 17 notes, which can limit musical possibilities compared with other instruments.
• Fragility: Like all musical instruments, the Kalimba Ling Ting can be fragile, and requires careful handling to avoid damage.
• Difficulty of tuning: Tuning the Kalimba Ling Ting can be difficult and requires some expertise.

Tips for beginners:

• Before playing, make sure the keys are in tune using a tuner or smartphone app.
• To prolong the life of your Kalimba Ling Ting, avoid leaving it in damp locations or in direct sunlight.
• Use a soft cloth to clean the keys and body of the instrument after each use.

Warranty and customer service :

• 12-month warranty for customer peace of mind
• The brand also offers a return and refund policy to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Customer service is available to answer any questions or concerns customers may have.

 

If you're looking for an easy-to-play instrument with simple melodies and a sweet sound, the 17-note Kalimba Ling Ting is a good choice.

 

[Complete Kit] 17-note Mahogany Kalimba

If you're looking to buy a 17-note Mahogany Kalimba, here are a few pros and cons to consider:

Advantages:

• Exceptional sound quality: mahogany is renowned for its exceptional sound quality, making it the perfect choice for the kalimba.
• Good looks: mahogany is also known for its good looks, giving the kalimba an elegant, aesthetic appearance.
• Easy to play: with just 17 keys, the mahogany kalimba is easy to play for beginners.
• Portable: the mahogany kalimba is lightweight and easy to carry, making it a practical musical instrument for playing on the move.

Disadvantages:

• Cost: mahogany is a high-end wood species, so a mahogany kalimba may be more expensive than other materials.
• Care: mahogany requires regular care to maintain its beautiful appearance and sound quality, particularly with regard to humidity and temperature variations.

Tips for beginners:

• Tuning your kalimba: Before playing your kalimba, it's important to ensure that each note is correctly tuned. You can use an electronic tuner or a tuning app for this.
• Use both thumbs: When playing the kalimba, it's best to use both thumbs to strike the notes. This will give you more control over the notes you play.
• Avoid extreme temperatures: The kalimba is a temperature- and humidity-sensitive instrument. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures, such as direct sunlight or high humidity.
• Clean your kalimba regularly: It's important to clean your kalimba regularly to prevent the build-up of dirt and dust. You can use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the keys.

Warranty and customer service :

• 12-month warranty for customer peace of mind
• The brand also offers a return and refund policy to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Customer service is available to answer any questions or concerns customers may have.

 

If you're looking for a quality kalimba, you can't go wrong with the 17-note mahogany kalimba. It's appreciated for its soft, crystalline sound and pleasant touch. 

[Kit Complet] Gecko Wooden Kalimba Camphrier 17 notes

The Kalimba is a plucked string musical instrument of African origin. The Gecko brand offers quality Kalimbas, of which the 17-note Camphor wood model is particularly popular with musicians. In this buying guide, you'll find out about its possible advantages and disadvantages: 

Advantages :

• Sound quality: The Gecko Camphor Wood Kalimba produces a soft, clear sound that transports the listener into a relaxing musical world.
• Ease of use: The Gecko Camphor wood Kalimba is easy to play, even for beginners. Its tempered steel keys are soft and resonant.
• Elegant design: The Gecko brand has designed an aesthetically beautiful Kalimba with a Camphor wood finish. The tempered steel keys have also been worked to give the instrument an elegant look.
• Complete kit: The Gecko Kalimba comes with a complete kit including cloth bag, tuner and music book.

Disadvantages:

• Sensitivity to humidity: Camphor wood can be sensitive to humidity, which can affect
• Fragility: Although camphor wood is considered durable, it is quite fragile. If dropped or handled incorrectly, it can easily break or crack.
• Heavy weight: Because of its size and material, the camphor wood Kalimba Gecko can be heavier than other kalimba models. It can be difficult to transport if you need to move it frequently.
• Difficulty in finding replacement parts: Since the Gecko Kalimba in camphor wood is a more specialized model, it can be more difficult to find replacement parts if repairs are needed.

Tips for beginners:

• Tune your Kalimba before each use. To do this, use an electronic tuner or a piano and adjust the blades to the desired notes. Avoid playing with long fingernails or jewelry, as this can damage the steel blades.
• Avoid playing in damp environments or with wet hands, as moisture can damage the blades and alter the sound quality of your Kalimba.
• Clean the blades regularly with a soft cloth to remove dust and fingerprints, and avoid using chemicals or solvents to clean the blades, as this can damage their finish.
• Avoid leaving your Kalimba in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as this can damage the wood.

Warranty and customer service :

• 12-month warranty for customer peace of mind
• The brand also offers a return and refund policy to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Customer service is available to answer any questions or concerns customers may have.

 

The 17-note camphor wood Kalimba Gecko is a quality instrument with a sweet sound and beautiful appearance. If you're looking for a kalimba with a wide range and great sound, this is the instrument for you.

[Kit Complet] African Kalimba 17 Notes

 

 

 

The complete Kalimba Gecko kit with hard case and 17 mahogany notes is an excellent option for those looking to buy a quality kalimba with all the necessary accessories. Here are a few pros and cons to consider:

Advantages :

• Complete kit: this complete kit includes not only the kalimba, but also a hard case to protect and transport it easily. So there's no need to buy additional accessories. 
• Sound quality: the kalimba is made from top-quality mahogany for optimum resonance and tone. The notes are also adjustable for precise tuning and harmonious melody.
• Easy to play: this kalimba is easy to play for beginners and experienced players alike. The notes are clearly marked and the keys are ergonomically designed for comfortable playing.
• Attractive design: the Kalimba Gecko with hard cover has an attractive, aesthetic design that makes it easy on the eye.

Disadvantages:

• Requires regular tuning: As with all kalimbas, the Gecko requires regular tuning to maintain its sound quality.
• Note limitation: Although the Gecko has 17 notes, this may not be enough for more experienced players looking for kalimbas with more notes for a wider range.
• Sensitivity to temperature and humidity changes: As with all wooden instruments, the Gecko kalimba can be sensitive to temperature and humidity changes, which can affect its sound quality and durability.

Tips for beginners:

• Before playing, make sure your Kalimba is in tune. You can use an electronic tuner or a tuning fork to help you.
• Try to avoid touching the keys with greasy or dirty fingers, as this can damage the chrome keys and affect the sound.
• Store your Kalimba in its hard case to protect it from dust and damage.
• Do not expose your Kalimba to excessive heat or humidity, as this may affect its sound quality.

Warranty and customer service :

• 12-month warranty for customer peace of mind
• The brand also offers a return and refund policy to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Customer service is available to answer any questions or concerns customers may have.

 

If you're looking for a quality kalimba with a warm, authentic sound, the Gecko Kalimba - 17 Notes in Mahogany is an excellent option for you.