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For people who want it, it's available on amazon for $27, Byla 17key Rabbit Kalimba.
odd, they're the first ones that pop up when typing in kalimba thumb picks on amazon.
What about a silicone finger protector? https://www.amazon.com/Silicone-Protector-Fingertip-Protection-Beginner/dp/B07VFD9ZFD/ref=sr_1_14?dchild=1&keywords=kalimba+thumb+picks&qid=1621958071&sr=8-14
I've been looking at nail rings. Something like these
Thumbnail thimbles are also available from Amazon.
They look cool enough to try out though sadly haven't seen anyone who has as yet.
I just get it yesterday and I've been learning by an app for two weeks. So easy work with it. This is link in Google play.
Check out "Meditation Kalimba" https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.plasticapps.mkalimba
Hey I just went through this whole process so hopefully my experience helps you out.
-From What I understand the Alto in the Key of G is going to have the most resources out there as far as song books and tutorials. However it looks to me that the 17 Key Kalimba in the key of C has a decent amount as well.
-The Hugh Tracey Alto is the High end "Martin" or "Taylor' of the Kalimba.
-There are a lot of 17 Key Kalimbas on Amazon, most of them being in the Key of C. (some come un-tunned though and you have to do all that yourself)
I wanted to go for the Hugh Tracey Alto but opted to Start with the 17 Key "high" end gecko https://www.amazon.com/Kalimba-Performance-Protection-Professional-models/dp/B079JMMNXN/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1537143542&sr=8-4&keywords=gecko+kalimba Mostly due to the fact that I will probably get one in G and C so I figured I could go with the cheaper one first to make sure I know what I want.
Yep! There's a ton of different kalimba key replacement kits like this one that I purchased. I like this kit as well because it gives a good starting point to go off of for the backstop and bridge since it comes with those as well.
I didn't use the backstop and bridge, I made my own out of walnut to match the body, but I used the ones provided as a reference.
Hello!
I just bought a GECKO Kalimba on Amazon and I'm very happy with it—the company actually partnered with April Yang to do some instructional videos. It's also fairly affordable, although not the most inexpensive option.
Also, your English is quite good and makes me feel guilty for letting my French slip away. Si vous avez des questions, n'hesitez pas a me dire! Bonne journee!
From the discussions I’ve had with other people Merakikalimba.com seems to be the only seller selling legitimate ones and they are the same company that my friend has bought from on Amazon. Here is the links to both: Amazon: Amazon Meraki’s website: Meraki
If anyone else knows of other legitimate ones please add them to this list
I chose this kalimba made out of koa wood as my starter one, I’m waiting for it to arrive right now. The Amazon reviews say it’s high quality, it sounded great in the Youtube videos I’ve watched and it comes with all the accessories you could imagine. I’m not sure you can get it in Asia, but it could be worth a try.
i got this one from amazon, wouldn't say I'm an expert but it seems pretty good, even the higher notes have a nice sound, which is kind of a problem for a lot of other brands because the higher the notes, the harder it is to make em sound good
You can also check out the kalimba royal app if you are using android. A much cheaper option and lets you export tabs as pdf or midi
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sonoscore.kalimba.royal
It also also has a free version called kalimba real to try out first. ��
Heres one on Amazon.
I couldn't find any on kalimbamagic.com
This is a little helpful, but the problem is, mine's in B-major.
It's actually this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BK7186ZC?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
I'm... not sure how to tune one in B using a guide for C.
17 key is standard and a good bet.
I prefer solid body kalimbas. They have a much richer sound than hollow bodies. Especially for the cheaper range ones. I recently purchased this model.
Gecko, Lingting and Hluru are some of the most well-known brands. The one you sent looks exactly the same as a Cega kalimba, which makes me doubt
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cega-Portable-Beginners-Professional-Accessories/dp/B08L1LBW84
I'd recommend to look for the ones that have the most reviews, especially for hollow kalimbas, which are very prone to dead tines
Banjo thumb pick might work. The 'pick part' is on the bottom of your thumb, opposite to a fingernail style thumb pick. They come in plastic or metal.
There is a Chrider kalimba with a planet on amazon.com. There also is a short video a buyer made in the review section. It seems to have very good rating. (If this is it: https://www.amazon.com/Chrider-Portable-Instruction-Beginners-Professional/dp/B08R5M4K4Q?th=1 )
I got one of these ones and I'm quite happy with it. It's light, the notes are inscribed on the tines, and the tines resonate well.
https://www.amazon.com.au/OriGlam-Instruction-Hammer-Portable-Beginners/dp/B07ZD98VMG
I own this one and I highly recommend it. This is one of my top two favorite kalimbas, the other one is this Hluru kalimba but personally I think Lingting one sounds slightly better.
It's a Playwell electronic kalimba. It has 4 modes (kalimba, piano, guitar, electric guitar) and Bluetooth speaker. You press the tines down like a little keyboard instead of like a standard kalimba. It also lights up when you press the tines. Super cute but not my personal favorite. It's a bit sensitive and I always press multiple tines by accident and it seems to also have slight delay between times making it difficult it play what's the word? Chords?? But it's a nice addition to any kalimba collection. I'd suggest watching a YouTube video of it before deciding. I also got it on Amazon for $29
These from Amazon.
I suppose is possible I’m tuning an octave too low, but the tines on the ends get really short when I move them all up and octave. It’s extreme enough it makes me think that it’s not correct to have them that far back.
Okay, I think I found something more reasonable. Does this seem like it would work fine? Would I connect it to my PC and record via some sort of program?
BEHRINGER Audio Interface, 1x XLR/TRS 1x 1/4" 2X RCA USB, Black, 1-Channel (UM2)
Seeds Kalimba 34 Key Chromatic Thumb Piano Pisces C-Tuned,Double Layer Flat Board Black Walnut Musical Instruments Gift Idea for Children Adults Beginners and Professionals https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09DG6LMVQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_VNQCZSVH41F10Q7RN1R4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Hi! Thanks so much for this; does it matter what instrument I find the sheet music in? So far I've found:
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/meat-loaf/alive-chords-1205789 (These are just the chords though, for a guitar?)
I've also found this for Piano: https://chordify.net/chords/meat-loaf-alive-john-whalen but, again, those are just the chords?
Only seen a 34 Kalimba done by whoever does Seeds. I found one on Amazon UK, but no idea if it's a legit supplier.
Take a little hammer like this and tap the tines to move them shorter or longer. Shorter = higher pitch, longer = lower pitch. Use a tuner (there are free phone apps for this) until they are in tune.
This is my first (and only) kalimba: Aklot Acrylic 17k Kalimba ($34). I didn't do much research going into kalimba shopping. It was only until after I read a bit on the sub that I was surprised that I had no dead tines (my highest tine only resonates for a split second, but doesn't sound completely dead). Also came with engraved tines, so I didn't need to fuss about putting on stickers. Note that acrylic kalimbas are much heavier than wooden kalimbas; playing on an acrylic for a while can be quite the wrist workout!
Do you a Amazon Prime member? I bought all my Kalimba on Amazon . com, I did returned couples that arrive cracked (halo box style), or with dead keys (mainly Gecko brand).
If you have a prime membership, then Amazon is the best place to get yours. I now have 16 Kalimbas, included one 34-key, two 21-key, and others are 17 keys halo box and flatboard, and acrylic. I personally prefer the flatboard.
My favorite is the LingTing 21-key, but I only learned 1 song that use 21-key. 😅
For 17-key, this one is actually pretty good. Those keys are better than most cheapest kalimba on the market, similar to LingTing, but not as good as LingTing, if you can afford, then LingTing is the best (but don't buy halo box style, it cracked in winter).
And this one, actually the same kalimba model as the above linked, they are just different brands. I was fooled by the names different, then I realized that they are just the same kalimba. I did thought about return one, but I ended up keeping both, because I really like their sounds, and I can turn one to B tone.
NeoHarmonics Kalimba 17 Keys Thumb Piano,Solid Board,High End Musical Instrument Gift for Kids Adults Beginners Professionals,Includes Tuning Hammer Carrying Bag Song Book,Solid Walnut https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08MX9SS8R/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_E3KY14CZH6RRWXGQ6TZE?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
If you’re new to kalimba, I would definitely start with a 17 key, non chromatic kalimba! The company LingTing makes fantastic kalimbas for the price, and it includes a ton of stuff like a hard carrying case and a tremolo chain! I would suggest a solid kalimba, as they normally sound much better and feel much more solid, so for you, I would suggest the LingTing K17A
Tell me if you have any questions!
Cheers! The upcoming Chill Angels ECO will have the greatest range with 34 notes on 34 tines and based on the Amazon listing will be priced very competitively with the Seeds Pisces
I just got my first kalimba over the weekend.. while researching I came across this one and the article I was reading said this was in “piano layout”.. maybe you could get something like this rather than rearrange your tines.
https://www.amazon.com/MOOZICA-Professional-Double-layer-Hardcase-Instruction/dp/B08DSPN8XP
Do you have a link?
​
I found this one on Amazon but it doesn't have the indented parts on the side.
Thanks Esteraela, I used a Sony ICD UX560 positioned below the kalimba at low mic sensitivity and then cut undesirable frequencies using WaveEditor app.
I use these metal picks with a small drop of hot glue on the tips to stop the metal metal 'ting' noise when playing!
To save space on the trip, you might like getting a mini acrylic kalimba. It's only eight keys but fits in your pocket. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0817HVHTJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_21DDXKZ4KTE2JEAVVD3C?psc=1
The first thing that came up in my search looked fine to me.
I haven't found anything for 34, but you might try reaching out to someone that makes stickers on etsy and see if they'll do a custom order.
Get a cheaper one to start. I got a gecko camphor board kalimba and it was only about $30, and it was wonderful to learn on. It has kind of a soft resonant sound. Then I bought a second one to mess around with different tunings for around $20, and while my gecko sounds gorgeous I actually like the tone on the $20 one much better. It's very clear and bright.
It looks like the price is $26 now, but I would definitely recommend this for beginners if they're all as nice as the one I ended up with. Or for experienced folks who just want an additional instrument.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0819N52N7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I’m not OP but it looks like the hluru 21 keys hollow kalimba shown here (I can’t speak for where they bought it exactly but hopefully this is enough for you to be able to research it yourself if OP doesn’t reply :) )
I find my Gecko K17MAP has very stiff tines compared to my other kalimbas. Sometimes I use Dunlop finger picks to practice.
I tape the ends of the finger picks with electrical tape to soften the sound.
Recommend you this site and this app
I first started with app
https://www.kalimbatabs.net/kalimba-tabs-tutorials/harry-potter-hedwigs-theme/
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.plasticapps.mkalimba
A 7 year old has small hands. I would probably look for something slightly smaller/easier to hold. Most box-type kalimbas are about 4.5 to 5.5 inches across. Some of the small, oval (cat) shaped lucite instruments might be easier for her to hold. Also, something like this might be work well for a child:
Good luck. I'm sure she will love whatever you buy her.
kathy
Not a website, but the android app Kalimba Real does both of these things.
Unfortunately, it doesn't appear to be maintained anymore, so use it at your own risk. It would however allow you to right now import a .midi and export it as a PDF kalimba tab.
I mitred all edges as in this video. When it came to clamping, I just took a fairly heavy latex resistance band , created smaller, tighter bands by cutting strips and used that to pull everything together. If your mitred edges are correct it should all pull together without fuss or being scew.
Tip: when cutting resistance bands, use a blade and a ruler and make smooth cuts, any jagged edge piece will cause the band to snap right at that point.
I second the Moozica! My first one was a cheapie and I loved the sound...until I got the Moozica. I was blown away by the difference in sound quality. I bought this one: Moozica
I recommend you this app I neither don't know notes but i learn 3 plays (music? What do you call it? Whatever!) Anyway try it
Check out "Meditation Kalimba" https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.plasticapps.mkalimba
I don't have an imgur set up, so here's a direct link to the amazon page. It's made from Koa wood and sounds amazing.
UNOKKI Kalimba 17 Keys Thumb Piano with Study Instruction and Tune Hammer, Portable Solid African Wood Finger Piano, Gift for Kids Adult Beginners (Chocolate Brown). https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QHT87CG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_Pnd5Fb2G576K9
It’s a good Kalimba, about 25 dollars
I purchased my first one a few weeks ago and I'm very happy with the quality. Needed some tuning but good one to learn on.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088F8HD87/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_m992FbW43YCKW?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Excellent to know. It kind of makes sense if you think about it— a solid instrument doesn’t resonate and soak up the sound waves the way a hollow one would, so they’re projected out.
That being said, I think part of the issue with the upper/outer tines is that not only are the waves smaller but they’re made in a stiffer place where the top panel is fixed to the side panels. So instead of resonating the body they just get absorbed/broken up, which sounds plunky. Do you (or anyone) have any hands-on experience with this type of thing, where there are holes under the upper tines to help the sound waves get inside the body? In theory it seems logical, but could also be a gimmick.
u/newguy8908 this is the one I recommend tho personally haven’t tried it. Sorry no smile link I’m on mobile.
Kalimba Thumb Piano 17 Keys, Portable Mbira Finger Piano Gifts for Kids and Adults Beginners https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q38FWFJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_eKtZFbZ0FAJPJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Lingting K17A ($36)
Treelf TF-17C ($25) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089DKZGC2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_QVLYFb4RZ9VGF
Both are incredible quality, sound great, no broken tines. The Treelf one is heavier since it's acrylic. Highly recommend both.
This hollow wooden one produces a pretty nice sound, but the one I used had low resonance on the outer most tines on each side. I don't think the tines were dead, but they needed more force to sound better. This is about $21 with the coupon applied https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q45VLF1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabt1_QUSXFb890H01D
This is an acrylic kalimba, which is heavier than wooden kalimbas, but it produces excellent sound. Acrylics tend to be a little quieter though. This one is about $25. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089DKZGC2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabt1_WTTXFb457B9CK
Ya if u want u can take a look at the same kalimba I have. The brand is called Kactus kalimba and its on Amazon. The quality is better than the other kalimbas I have bought in the past before.
I have a kalimba cover on my reddit page if u want to check out the sound quality.
One thing I can say for sure that stands out from this kalimba is the sound resonance it produces from all the tines. If you look around this subreddit, u may see some people talk about that being a problem in box kalimbas even for the leading brands like Gecko.
I recommend you give it a look right away as they are on sale for Cyber Monday: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YPR67KH?ref=myi_title_dp
Hi I actually bought a kalimba recently and its from a new brand on amazon called Kactus Kalimba. They are on sale right now for a relatively cheap price but I can assure u that the quality is good. I'm uploading a video of myself playing it soon if u wanna check out the sound quality for yourself.
The link to the kalimba: https://www.amazon.com/Kactus-Kalimba-Thumb-Piano-Mbira/dp/B07YPR67KH/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=kactus+kalimba&qid=1606162965&sr=8-2
I'm in Canada, but this is the model I have
I have this one it’s really good!
16! it’s a very easy instrument to pick up & you’ll be happy you got one with a wider range of notes once you get the hang of it, since it’ll allow you to play more songs.
i got this 2 pack on amazon if you’re interested in starting off with a smaller range kalimba, but i gave the 10 key one to my brother and he made me buy a 17 key one a week later LOL
Scorina Kalimba 17&10 Two Pack Kalimba Thumb Piano,With Study Instruction And Tune Hammer,Best Gifts For Adult,Kids And Beginners https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PPF7R5B/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_UOxrMc4g7ZSdD
Thanks. I just saw that the newest version of the Gecko K17MAP has laser-engraved letters and numbers on the keys!
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B08GVL5YT3/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A1ZV8XTKKIVOJY&psc=1
is something like this any good? with the raised tines? https://www.amazon.com/Kalimba-Campphorwood-Instruction%EF%BC%8C-Beginners-K17NOTE/dp/B085C1CNDT/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=gecko+17&qid=1602848902&sr=8-8
Did you figure it out?
This is the tuner app I use sometimes (usually I use a clip on tuner, since I have one); https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ru.aterlux.guitartuner
The tines need to be moved to tune them. A longer tine will make a lower note and vice versa. If a tine is too low (flat), you will need to hammer the bottom. If too high (sharp), you will need to hammer the top.
The lowest C on a C kalimba is called C4 or middle C.
If a tine buzzes at the correct pitch, you will need to keep shifting it up/down/left/right until you figure out a place where it will stop buzzing.
Probably best to start with install a tuning app on your phone (I like this one) to find out what key it's in, and if it needs any adjustment to it's tuning. After that, it depends a little what you know already. Is this your first instrument?
I struggled with this as well, I ended up buying a cheap tripod, I'll link it here, it's very good for holding my phone steady while I play https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B087TW1NGJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
As a fellow Kalimba dabbler who has many other musical instruments, I've loved my Gecko kalimbas. You can get them in a few keys, usually G or C, they sound nice, and the tines aren't hard on my thumbs.
If you're not planning on using tabs but would like to read sheet music instead, I actually recommend this non-standard kalimba: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085C1CNDT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 The layout is *slightly* less intuitive, but the upper tines sound so much clearer and bell-like. If you're wanting to use tabs at all though, better to go with the standard tine arrangement :)
I don't think so. The one I have isn't hollow and I feel like it would have either the same or better chance of surviving a fall compared to my wooden one. It feels pretty sturdy to me, but I wouldn't want to test it by dropping it lol. This is the one I own. I don't know much about Kalimba brands so I don't know if it's a good kind. If you know what an acrylic divider is, it's kind of like that, but thicker.
This is the one I bought that looks exactly the same. I got it with a coupon code that made it like, $14 but I don’t think the code is still active. Z95LR99U if you’d like to try though!
I had been looking at kalimbas back in June but couldn’t justify the cost until this popped up and I had to snag it.
Hello! I'm OP's gf and the one playing in this video! I received this kalimba as a gift last Christmas! I believe it was purchased on Amazon (I will try to post the link to this for you!) and it came with everything--kalimba, chain, stickers, a tuner and a small music book for beginner songs! Kalimba
I really love my Gecko flatboard kalimbas. The tines sound and feel nice, and the sound is pretty and resonant, though not as loud as the box kalimbas. There's one available on Amazon right now for slightly over $30: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08761LG3J/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3MGOHC7E4Q4T7&psc=1
Thanks! I got it here on Amazon. So far, I’ve tried a box kalimba, a flat board kalimba (a cheaper unbranded one), and now the acrylic kalimba. This one has the softest but sweetest sound. At the moment, it’s my favorite of the three types. :)
Here:
Its on amazon. It comes with a tuning hammer aswell and some stickers to help memorize the keys and songs. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MQDXKTY?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_product_details
Its on sale right now :) The packing box is nice too because I will be using it for whenever I go on roadtrips, camping or moving and so far it seems like a sturdy travel box. I think...well I hope I can learn some harder Christmas songs so I can play it for my nieces up north during the holidays c:
Here is the link
Its on amazon. It comes with a tuning hammer aswell and some stickers to help memorize the keys and songs. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MQDXKTY?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_product_details
Its on sale right now :) The packing box is nice too because I will be using it for whenever I go on roadtrips, camping or moving and so far it seems like a sturdy travel box. I think...well I hope I can learn some harder Christmas songs so I can play it for my nieces up north during the holidays c:
I recently bought one on Amazon, and I'm pretty happy with what I got. It has great sound, and I think it is also nice as decor for my room when I'm not playing it. I found this one to be cheaper than others and they also gave me a $15 Amazon coupon when I gave them 5 stars.
Here is the link:
As you were using pound signs, I will presume you are in the UK as I am. This is the link for the kalimba that I have which is from amazon- currently at £26. I personally think that it’s very good and comes with all the things you would need (the kalimba, tuning hammer, note stickers and coloured stickers, as well as a bag) and is a very reasonable price to other ones out there. kalimba
Seconding u/Adrianbigyes.
For me, the Gecko K17CAP is a really great one and runs about $22 on Aliexpress, last I checked. It's one of my most favorite kalimbas!
Are you able to shop on Amazon? (Idk what country you're in.) If so, there are a couple of inexpensive ones there, too. Like this one for about $20. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MV3KN6L Has a decent sound and good resonance. Easy to play. (The inside is not that black. Lol) The model number is W-17T, I think, which you can read on the inside. I think there are a bunch from different brands but the same manufacturer. So if you find ones cheaper on Aliexpress or wherever with that model number, it's a safe bet they'll sound the same. I really enjoy playing this one.
Edit; here you go. Same model number. About $17.50 with free shipping. https://a.aliexpress.com/r9P6DqmU
It has a cheaper variant from the same seller in aliexpress kmise store. The kmise kalimba it also has the same sound holes. The difference is the Case and color is lighter.
You can check it here
https://www.amazon.com/Kalimba-Finger-Mahogany-Padded-Kmise/dp/B07QJ5ZN67
This is my kalimba. It came tuned to C I think. What was your process for learning the Mario theme on the kalimba?