KALIMBAS
Kalimbas (Tenor and Bass)
Left to Right: Tenor Kalimba and Bass Kalimba
The Kalimba originated in Africa and fits into a category of musical instruments known as lamellophones. It consists of a number of tines (or tongues) suspended over a wooden box resonator. The tines are held in position by a down-bearing lateral bar that causes one end of the tine to be free for plucking. Plucking is usually performed with the thumbs - a distinction that has lead to the kalimba also being referred to as a thumb piano. The other ethnic names for this instrument are mbira and sansa.
In maintaining the ethnic flavor of the original African instrument, a five-tone (pentatonic) scale is used that is centered on the tonality of D-Minor which consists of the following notes: D, F, G, A, and C. The pentatonic scale has an amazing property in that there are no wrong notes. Any combinations of notes or pairs of notes can be played and the music always sounds melodic and pleasant.
These modern day kalimbas are high quality, pitch accurate, professional instruments available in standard natural wood or black hammered finish. Optional finishes are available (see samples below), and sport yellow. The tines are buffed aluminum and the resonators are finished with a durable coating.
Tenor Kalimba
Specifications
Number of Notes: 11
Range: 2-Octave / D3 to D5 (Middle C = C4)
Scale: D minor pentatonic scale
Tine Width: 3/8"
Height: 2-3/8"
Length: 9"
Width: Tapered from 7-1/2" to 5-1/2"
Amplification: High-Impedance disc piezo transducer
Connection: 1/4" jack
Weight: 1.3 lbs.
Finish: Natural birch with semi-gloss clear coat*
Cost: $175 plus packaging and shipping
*Inquire about different color and finish options. See examples below. Additional charge may apply
Audio
Playing by Plucking
Playing by Tapping
Finishes
Standard: Natural and Black Hammertone
Special: Call to discuss
Aluminum Carrying Case Option
A foam-lined aluminum carrying case is available that contains cut outs for two kalimbas. If two kalimbas are purchased, the case is included at no extra charge. (The cost for only the case with the foam cut-outs is $75 plus packaging and shipping.)
Bass Kalimba
The tenor kalimba now has a companion bass kalimba, typically known as a marimbula. It is a single octave with the 6-note pentatonic scale (D, F, G, A, C, and D). The lowest note is one octave lower than the low D on the tenor instrument.
Its larger size may be cumbersome to hold and pluck at the same time. Therefore, marimbulas
are usually sat upon and plucked. The box acts like a cajon drum and can be tapped and slapped to add a rhythmic component to the plucking.
Specifications
Number of Notes: 6
Range: 1-Octave / D2 to D3
Scale: D minor pentatonic scale
Tine Width: 1"
Height: 16"
Depth: 11.5"
Width: Tapered - Top 12" / Bottom 16"
Amplification: High-Impedance disc piezo transducer
Connection: 1/4" jack
Finish: Natural Birch with Semi-Gloss Clear Coat or Black Hammertone
Weight: 8.5 lbs.
Cost: $275 plus packaging and shipping
Audio
Size Comparison:
(L) Bass Kalimba
(R) Tenor Kalimba
Shown in Natural Finish
Shown in Black Hammertone Finish
Amplification
Tenor Kalimba shown with a 5-inch speaker-amplifier
Each kalimba comes with a built-in piezo-electric transducer pick-up and standard 1/4-inch jack that allows for the instrument to be connected to an instrument amp, powered mixer, or a studio mixing console.
(The amp and instrument cord are not included with the kalimba.)
Bass Kalimba shown with an 8-inch floor monitor speaker
Tuning Instruction Sheet
Kalimba Tuning Kit
Through continuous play on the kalimba, some of the tines/pitches may gradually “creep” out of tune. This is a normal occurrence on mechanically driven and mechanically tuned musical instruments like the piano, guitar, violin, etc. The instruction sheet provides a simple method for restoring those out-of-tune pitches when they occur.
Tuning Kit Contents
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Digital tuner (Model: Cherub® WST-675)
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Small Rubber-Tipped Jeweler’s Hammer
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Instruction sheet for tuning both Tenor and Bass kalimbas
Cost: $50
ContraBass Kalimba DISCONTINUED
