Kalimbas

 

Kalimbas: A finger piano with spiritual origins

Kalimbas (pronounced ‘kuh-lim-buh’) are a popular instrument, known for their melodious tones and ease of playing.

The kalimba instrument has a wooden soundboard with tiny metal lamellas (aka tines or tongues), which are plucked with your thumbnails and/or fingers to produce each note. This simple yet clever design makes playing the kalimba accessible for musicians of all levels. Whether you’re playing beloved kalimba songs or simply playing intuitively at home for relaxation, or a sound healer incorporating kalimba music into your therapeutic practices, kalimbas are a joy to play.

Kalimbas also have deep cultural and spiritual origins. The kalimba instrument is a variation of Zimbabwe’s mbira or sanza. The Mbira was traditionally used in Zimbabwe as a ‘telephone to the spirits’.
 

Kalimba FAQs: Common questions about the kalimba instrument

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced musician, sound healing practitioner, or are simply drawn to the kalimba instrument’s beautiful, meditative sound, this guide will answer all your questions about kalimbas. Learn how to play the kalimba, how to choose the right kalimba for you, and care for your kalimba for years of musical pleasure.
 

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.
 

What kalimbas do you stock?

Our full range of Hokema Kalimbas offers something for every player – from beginners to experienced players seeking a high-quality instrument with rich, resonant tones. The Hokema Kalimba B5 is a great entry-level choice, while those looking for a more premium option may prefer the Sansula Deluxe.
 

How do I play a kalimba?

It’s easy to play the kalimba. Our kalimbas are pre-tuned and there’s almost no learning curve to get started, making this instrument perfect for beginners.

Start by resting your kalimba comfortably in both hands with thumbs above the metal tines facing upward. Use your thumbnails to pluck the metal tines, starting from the middle and moving outward – lower notes are in the centre and have longer tines; higher notes are towards the sides or in a second row of tines. The shorter the tine, the higher pitch the note.

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 you tune a kalimba?

Each kalimba is tuned to a specific key or scale and will generally stay in tune. However, 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 or electronic tuner.
– The pitch of each tine 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 tuning rod’s end with the hammer toward the bridge.
– To lower the pitch, place the rod at the bridge end and tap the metal tine back toward the playing end.
– Use the tuner app or electronic tuner 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 or after playing 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.
 

Can I use a kalimba 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. And even just as a chillout instrument,
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.
 

Is the kalimba a percussion instrument?

Kalimbas are classified as percussion instruments, specifically an idiophone, which means it creates sound through the instrument’s own vibration. The kalimba more specifically belongs to the lamellophone family, where sound is produced by plucking flexible tongues or tines, which then resonate through the wooden body or membrane. While it’s played differently from drums or cymbals, the kalimba creates sound through the physical striking (plucking) of its metal tines.
 

Kalimba shipping & returns

We offer fast shipping, free for orders over $150. Plus, a 30-day money-back guarantee on all Kalimbas

If you’re not 100% satisfied, we’ll happily give you a full refund (returns must be well packed and returned in their original condition within 30 days). We’ll even pay return postage.

 

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