Kalimbas & Mbiras
Hugh Tracey Box Kalimba, Alto Chromatic
Kalimba Fundamentals (Treble)
The Kalimba B7 is the ‘sister’ of the B9 and is likewise a small and handy instrument with a solid resonance corpus of American cherrywood. The measurements of both instruments are the same but the tuning, number and breadth of the tines differ. Due to the deeper tones of the seven pentatonically-tuned tines, the vibrations are felt particularly strongly in the hands. For this reason, the B7 is especially favoured by therapists. The sound of the instrument can be amplified by laying it on or sticking it onto a tabletop or the skin of a drum. The tuning of the Kalimba B7 is pentatonic C. The sounds produced are therefore always in harmony and so beginners also enjoy immediate success with their instrument.
Hugh Tracey African-Tuned Karimba instrument similar to a Kalimba but with African tuning. Available with a built in pickup if you are wanting to create a louder sound.
Hugh Tracey, originally a farmer from Devon, dedicated his life to promoting African music and developed and adapted his version of a mriba, also known as a kalimba - meaning "little music", traditionally an instrument from Zimbabwe.
The Treble kalimba has many musical possibilities, and has a very clear, high voice that can cut through other instruments. Get this one if you have smaller hands or superior manual dexterity.
The Treble Kalimba comes in the key of G, starting on the 3rd (B) and going up 2.5 octaves to a D. This model has been extensively copied by other manufacturers outside of Africa. The Hugh Tracey Treble Kalimba is a superior musical instrument with level tines that rarely give you problems.
Hugh Tracey Alto Kalimba with or without pickup
A tool which can be used to tune our kalimbas yourself.
This medium size padded Kalimba or Sanza bag is the perfect accessory for the protection of your treble or celeste Kalimba.
NB Does not fit the larger box-construction Alto models KBA015(P), Alto Pentatonic or the Chromatic Kalimba
Sansula with Remo Renaissance Head. Stunning 9 tone Sansula kalimba that produces a gorgeous ethereal sound.
This is the 'Stradivarius' of thumb pianos, made from beach wood with a Remo Renaissance resonator head.
Absolutely beautiful looking kalimba with a sound and tone that exceeds!
Hokema have now also 'electrified' their mini models B7, B9, and B11. Connection socket 6.3 mm jack. We recommend to use a cable with an angled plug (not included)
Kalimbas are metal-tined instruments which originated in southern Africa and which can be found there in countless variations. Our Kalimba B9 is made of solid American black cherry wood and meticulously hand-crafted. The surfaces are treated and polishes with natural oils and waxes. The 9 tines are precisely tunned to A-minor, which supports intuitive and free play.
17 key kalimba with carry bag, tuning hammer and note stickers
10 note diatonic kalimba with carry bag and tuning hammer
The popular B11 kalimba from Hokema now comes mounted on a larger body resonating chamber for a richer sound and extended melodic possibilities
7 Note Pocket Kalimba in C Pentatonic tuning
Pickup version
Originating in ancient Africa, the Kalimba creates both harmonic and rhythmic effects. It produces an unforgettable melodic and percussive sound that is rich and warm, playful and enchanting.
9 note kalimba with a unique magnetic base
You can place the instrument on a drum (open bottomed like a djembe) and attach using the magnetic disc provided. The small disc is on the inside and holds the instrument in place
11cm diameter
30 Note Chromatic kalimba mounted on an attractive cherry wood sound box
Unlike the Hugh Tracey chromatics where the sharps and flats are on the opposite side of the sound board, the Magadi chromatic has all the notes mounted together on the front making it a lot easier to see what's going on
Small holes on the side of the instruments can be opened and closed to allow the aplication of vibrato on certain notes
Handmade thumb piano from Bali. 7 metal keys mounted on a carved wooden top with a half coconut amplifier.
This generously sized instrument is great for beginners and has a lovely sound
Approx 16cm diameter.
Mounted onto a halved coconut shell, this thumb piano sounds wonderful.
15cm
Made in Bali.
- Kalimbas & Mbiras are plucked instruments originally of African origin, also known as 'thumb pianos'.
- Metal tongues of different length project over a metal bridge fastened to a wooden resonator.
- The tongues are tuned to various scales, either traditional African or western (diatonic or pentatonic) tunings.
- These is also a range of tuition resources to get you started
- Some instruments have built in pickups
- Includes the ethereal 'sansula' from Germany and the Hugh Tracey kalimbas from South Africa
- Also a couple of well tuned budget models.