Gecko Kalimba

The kalimba is an African musical instrument with a wooden soundboard and metal keys. Karimba translates to “little wooden xylophone” and Nyunga nyunga translates to “something little that causes fun trouble”…In the classification of musical instruments the kalimba is in the category of lamellophones or plucked idiophones (Hornbostel-Sachs system).It produces melodic tones when its metal tines or keys are plucked with the thumbs or fingers. Kalimba instrument is small, portable, and perfect for playing on the go or in intimate settings.

Variations of the kalimba are found all across Africa, for example in Zambia they play the Kankobela which has 7 to 12 keys. In Congo they play the Likembe which has 8 keys in pentatonic tuning.

At Gecko, we offer a wide selection of kalimbas online, ranging from beginner models to high-end professional-grade instruments. Our kalimbas are made from high-quality materials such as wood, and metal and come in various designs and tunings to suit your musical needs.

Whether you're a seasoned musician or a beginner looking to try a new instrument, our kalimbas offer a unique and beautiful sound that captivates and inspires you. Browse our collection online and discover the perfect instrument kalimba to buy for your musical journey. With Gecko, you can buy kalimba with confidence.They are quality and solid instruments that can last you a lifetime. All metal keys are hammered by hand and tuned with a tuner to ensure they are in pitch and can be played with other instruments. The soundboard is made of quality hardwood and artistically crafted into shape.

While we do not know the exact origins of the kalimba, it is understood to have been played for almost 3000 years, with the earliest metal-tined kalimbas originating about 1300 years ago. The Kalimba originally would have been built from available resources like bamboo or gourds, and only, later on, was metal introduced. Much like the modern guitar or piano, its development took place in many stages and evolutions over time. According to Gerhard Kubik, from his 1998 book Kalimba, Nsansi, Mbira: Lamellophone in Afrika[2], ‘The first kalimbas were made about 3000 years ago in west Africa around present day Cameroon, created completely of plant materials such as bamboo. Then around 1300 years ago, when the Iron Age reached the Zambezi valley in southeastern Africa, someone got the bright idea to make kalimba tines out of metal.’[3] Metal tines obviously last longer than plant material and produce a brighter, louder sound than the plant tines would have, making them the ideal choice for future iterations of the kalimba. Still, traditionally made kalimbas with plant tines do continue to be made by individual craftspeople.

Kalimba is the name given by the ethnomusicologist Hugh Tracey in the 1950s when he began to introduce in the West this musical instrument of African origin, called mbira by the Shonas ethnic group of Zimbabwe. The mbira is an emblematic instrument of the Shonas culture. This instrument has several names depending on the geographical area where it is used: likembe, sanza or senza in Cameroon and Congo, mbira in Zimbabwe and Malawi, lukeme, karimba in Uganda … The Europeans called it thumb piano or finger piano but It is under the name of kalimba that we now designate all the thumb pianos that are not traditional in Africa. Mbira remains the generic name used for traditional African thumb pianos.

A solid kalimba usually has a smoother sound than its hollow counterpart and the tines usually ring for longer (around 20% longer depending on the instrument) but the trade off is the volume. The solid kalimba is quieter than a hollow kalimba.

So, in reverse, the hollow kalimbas usually have an earthier tone to their sound, don't ring for quite as long, but they're louder.

When purchasing a kalimba instrument, evaluating its quality is important to ensure that you're getting good value for your money. Here are five things to think about while evaluating a kalimba's quality:

1. Sound Quality:

Sound quality is one of the most necessary factors when considering a kalimba. The tone should be clear and resonate well. Pay attention to how the notes sound when played together and individually.

2. Tuning Accuracy:

A good kalimba should be in tune and remain in tune for an extended period of time. Check each key's tuning to ensure they're all at the correct pitch.

3. Material Quality:

The material quality of the kalimba can greatly affect its durability and sound. Seek for kalimbas manufactured from sturdy materials like metal or solid wood.

4. Build Quality:

The build quality refers to how well the kalimba is put together. Look for kalimbas with sturdy construction and secure fittings, such as bridges and tuning pins.

5. Overall Satisfaction:

Ultimately, the most important factor is your overall satisfaction with the kalimba. If it meets your expectations and you enjoy playing it, it's a good instrument.

At Gecko, we offer a variety of high-quality kalimba instruments for sale. We carefully select each kalimba for its sound quality, tuning accuracy, material quality, and build quality to ensure our customers are satisfied with their purchase. Shop our selection and find the perfect kalimba for you.

Choosing the perfect kalimba for your needs doesn’t have to be a difficult task. In order to find the best instrument for you, there are several key factors to consider.

Production:

Look for instruments made by reputable manufacturers using high-quality materials. This ensures that your kalimba produces great sound quality and has a longer lifespan. The material the kalimba is made of is another key factor. Kalimbas can be made from a variety of materials, such as wood, metal, or acrylic. Each material produces a unique sound, so it's important to choose one that matches your preferences and desired sound.

Cost:

Cost is also an important consideration. At Gecko, we offer kalimbas at a variety of price points, making it easier to find an instrument that fits your budget without compromising on quality. By considering these factors and exploring our extensive selection of high-quality kalimbas, you can be confident that you find the perfect instrument that meets your requirements and preferences.

If you're looking for a kalimba, look no further than Gecko. Our kalimba range includes a variety of materials and colors to suit your preferences.

Materials：

When it comes to materials, wood remains a popular choice. Different types of wood give kalimba different timbres and characteristics, allowing you to find the perfect sound for your musical career. Whether you prefer the warm tones of mahogany or the rich sound of rosewood, we have a range of wooden kalimbas to choose from.

Colors:

Meanwhile, if you're looking for a visually striking kalimba, our selection of colors is sure to appeal to you. In addition to natural wood tones, we also offer vibrant options in blue, green, red, and more. Not only do these colorful kalimbas produce beautiful melodies, they also add a touch of personality and style to your musical expressions. Whatever your musical ability, Gecko has the ideal kalimba for you. Shop our extensive range today and discover a kalimba that resonates with your musical desires and aesthetic.

Kalimbas are usually made of wood. There are several different types. Although they can affect the tonality of the sound to a degree, their strongest effect is on the resonance (how long the keys vibrate and, thus, produce sound for).

In general, the harder the wood, the more resonance the kalimba will have as the sound waves will bounce off of the wood, rather than be absorbed by it.

Here are some of the more common woods used, listed by estimated hardness (when in doubt, we’ve listed the lowest number found):

Rosewood (1780)

Sandalwood (1680)

Curly Maple (1450)

Bamboo (1380)

Koa / Acacia Koa (1170)

Walnut (1010)

Camphor (950)

Birch (910)

Mahogany (800)

Spruce (700)

Currently, there are 8 keys, 10 keys, 15 keys, 17 keys, 21 keys, 24 keys, and 32 keys versions available on the market. Without a doubt, with more keys on the board, you can play a wider range of scales (and thus more songs) and tune it to different tones.

8 keys

It is good for beginners to get a feel of how kalimba sounds likes. It is small enough to be carried around and even used as a pendant!

10 keys

It can be used to play songs within one octave. It is larger than the size of hands and slightly smaller than the 17 key version.

15 keys and 17keys

These two are similar in size and are the best kalimbas for beginner-to-mid level people. 15 keys are used more often for bass/low pitch sounds while 17 keys are used for a general pitch of all levels. With either 15 keys and 17keys, you can play most of the popular songs.

21 keys

It has a wider range of scales to be played so it is more suitable for complex song notes. It also requires more advanced skills to use since you have to balance your fingers on a broader range of keys!

24 keys and 32 keys

These are definitely the best kalimbas for more advanced levels. Due to the demand, it is harder to acquire in the market. Since it is more difficult to make one (need more adjustment to tune it), the price is higher as well. However, if you are that advanced musician who loves to level up in playing kalimba, you should definitely search for it in the market or contact us for available styles!

C4,D4,E4,F4,G4,A4,B4,C5,D5,E5,F5,G5,A5,B5,C6,D6,E6

On a 17 key Kalimba tuned to C you should expect to find the notes C4,D4,E4,F4,G4,A4,B4,C5,D5,E5,F5,G5,A5,B5,C6,D6,E6 covering just over two octaves beginning at C4. This is the most common tuning followed by a G Major scale.

Major Scales

C Major Scale: C – D – E – F – G – A – B – C

G Major Scale: G – A – B – C – D – E – F♯ – G

D Major Scale: D – E – F♯ – G – A – B – C♯ – D

A Major Scale: A – B – C♯ – D – E – F♯ – G♯ – A

E Major Scale: E – F♯ – G♯ – A – B – C♯ – D♯ – E

F Major Scale: F – G – A – B♭ – C – D – E – F

B Flat Major Scale: B♭ – C – D – E♭ – F – G – A – B♭

E Flat Major Scale: E♭ – F – G – A♭ – B♭ – C – D – E♭

A Flat Major Scale: A♭ – B♭ – C – D♭ – E♭ – F – G – A♭

Minor Scales

A Minor Scale: A – B – C – D – E – F – G – A

E Minor Scale: E – F♯ – G – A – B – C – D – E

B Minor Scale: B – C♯ – D – E – F♯ – G – A – B

F Sharp Minor Scale: F♯ – G♯ – A – B – C♯ – D – E – F♯

C Sharp Minor Scale: C♯ – D♯ – E – F♯ – G♯ – A – B – C♯

D Minor Scale: D – E – F – G – A – B♭ – C – D

G Minor Scale: G – A – B♭ – C – D – E♭ – F – G

C Minor Scale: C – D – E♭ – F – G – A♭ – B♭ – C

F Minor Scale: F – G – A♭ – B♭ – C – D♭ – E♭ – F