Showing 1–9 of 14 results
Showing 1–9 of 14 results
Kalimbas: A finger piano with spiritual origins
The kalimba (pronounced ‘kuh-lim-buh’) is a popular instrument, due to its melodious sound, ease of playing, and deep cultural and spiritual origins. Also known as a thumb piano or finger piano, the kalimba is a variation of Zimbabwe’s mbira or sanza. The Mbira was traditionally used as a ‘telephone to the spirits’.
The kalimba instrument looks a little like a music box. Kalimbas have a wooden soundboard with tiny metal lamellas (aka tines or tongues), which are plucked with your thumbnails or fingers to produce each note. This simple yet clever design has made kalimbas accessible to musicians worldwide, from those seeking to play beloved kalimba songs to sound healers incorporating kalimba music into therapeutic practices.
Kalimba FAQs: Everything you need to know about kalimbas
Whether you’re a beginner musician, sound healing practitioner, or are simply drawn to the kalimba’s beautiful, meditative sound, this guide will answer all your questions about kalimbas. Learn how to play them, choose the right model, and care for your kalimba for years of musical pleasure.Is the kalimba a percussion instrument?
Yes, kalimbas are classified as percussion instruments, specifically an idiophone. The kalimba belongs to the lamellophone family, where sound is produced by plucking flexible tongues or tines. While it’s played differently from drums or cymbals, the kalimba creates sound through the physical striking (plucking) of its metal tines.
How do I play a kalimba?
You can’t play a wrong note on the kalimba. Our kalimbas are pre-tuned and there’s almost no learning curve, making this instrument perfect for beginners.
Start by resting your kalimba comfortably in both hands with thumbs facing upward. Use your thumbnails to pluck the metal tines, starting from the middle and moving outward – lower notes are in the centre, higher notes are towards the sides or in a second row of tines.
Many songs have been adapted for the kalimba, from traditional folk melodies to modern hits. Kalimba songs often use numbered tabs corresponding to each tine, making it easy to follow melodies. Conny Sommer’s The Big Sansula Instruction Book is a helpful guide for getting started (please note, this book is only for the Sansula Basic and Sansula Deluxe models).
How do I choose the best kalimba for me?
As a rule of thumb, kalimbas with fewer keys – such as the B5, B7, and B9 – are easiest to play intuitively, and are best for beginners.
Over time, you can progress to kalimbas with more keys – such as the B17 – and learn to play more advanced tunes,
How are kalimbas used for sound healing?
The gentle, resonant tones of kalimbas make them particularly effective for sound healing, sound meditation, shamanic music and other meditative music practices.
Sound therapists and healers appreciate how kalimba songs can induce deep relaxation states, reduce stress and promote emotional wellbeing.
Alternatively, musicians use kalimbas in live performances or recordings, adding a distinctive touch to any musical arrangement.
How do you tune a kalimba?
Each kalimba is tuned to a specific key or scale and will generally stay in tune, but over time the tines may shift slightly. Here’s how to get your finger piano back in tune:
- You’ll need a small hammer, a tuning rod, and a tuning app.
- The pitch of each tongue depends on its length – shorter makes it higher, longer makes it lower.
- To raise the pitch, place the tuning rod at the playing end and gently tap the tongue toward the bridge.
- To lower the pitch, place the rod at the bridge end and tap the tongue back toward the playing end.
- Use the tuner app to check if the note is too high or too low as you go.
- Adjust in small increments until the tuner app shows the correct pitch.
How do I care for my kalimba?
Keep your kalimba in a dry area, away from moisture. Avoid any extreme temperatures. Clean it regularly using a soft cloth or brush to remove dust and debris from the keys. Store your kalimba in a kalimba bag when not in use or travelling to keep it in good condition.
What kalimbas do you stock?
Our full range of Hokema Kalimbas offers something for every player – from beginners to experienced players seeking rich, resonant tones.
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