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 or finger piano, the kalimba instrument is a variation of Zimbabwe’s mbira or sanza. The Mbira was traditionally used as a ‘telephone to the spirits’.
The kalimba looks a little like a music box. They have a wooden soundboard with tiny metal lamellas (aka tines or tongues), which are plucked with your thumbnails or fingers to produce each note.
How do you play a kalimba?
You can’t play a wrong note on the kalimba. The kalimba is pre-tuned and there’s almost no learning curve, making this finger piano a fun instrument for beginners. 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,
Start by resting your finger piano comfortably in both hands. Thumbs face upward and are used to pluck the keys. Use the thumbnails to pluck the metal tines. Start from the middle and move outward – lower notes are in the centre, higher notes are toward the sides. Or in a second row of tines.
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 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 are kalimbas used?
Due to their soft, soothing, relaxing sounds, kalimba instruments can be used for stress relief, meditation and relaxation, which makes them popular with sound therapists and sound healers.
Musicians use the kalimba in live performances or recordings. It can be used as part of an ensemble, adding a distinctive touch to any musical arrangement. You can amplify your kalimba using a microphone or pick up and connecting it to an amplifier or audio interface.
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 melodies:
HOKEMA – Kalimba B5
HOKEMA – Kalimba B7
HOKEMA – Kalimba B9
HOKEMA – Kalimba B11 (Melody)
HOKEMA – Kalimba B15
HOKEMA – Kalimba B17 (Mini)
HOKEMA – Kalimba B17
HOKEMA – Kalimba Twin
HOKEMA – Sansula (Basic)
HOKEMA – Sansula Renaissance (Melody)
HOKEMA – Sansula Deluxe
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