Kalimbas

Kalimba

Kalimba, mbira, karimba? A beloved child has many names. A kalimba is part of the percussion family, and it can be called a type of thumb piano.

The kalimba originated in Africa about 3000 years ago. In fact, it is believed to have originated from the 8-stringed instrument called ambira, which can be traced back to 1586 in Mozambique. Over time, the musical instrument has been further developed, and about 1300 years ago, kalimbas with metal tines – as we know them today – appeared.

Since the kalimba was brought to the USA in the late 1960s, it has gained widespread popularity worldwide. It is played by everyone from professional musicians to children, who use the kalimba as a fun and educational musical instrument.

What is a kalimba made of?

The African thumb piano is typically made from either a wooden box or a hollowed-out block of wood. They come in various sizes and shapes, and the material can be different types of wood. The metal tines or 'keys' on the top of the instrument also vary in both number and spacing. For example, kalimbas are available with 8, 9, 15, or 17 tones. The smallest types of kalimbas with 8-9 tones are particularly popular as beginner and children's instruments because they are simpler and therefore easier to start with.

How do you play a kalimba?

You play the kalimba by holding it in your hands and playing the metal keys with the tips of your thumbs. Long keys play low tones, while the short keys play high tones. The kalimba generally has warm and soft tones that can be played alone or in harmony with other instruments.

If several people play the kalimba at the same time, they can create a kind of echo effect.

SoundStoreXL offers kalimbas in various price ranges, and you can find our selection here on the page.