Kalimbas
Matt has made over 1000 Kalimbas by hand. The styles are shown below. Clicking on a photo will bring you to the contact page where you can place an order. Add a pickup and jack for playing with amplification for $99 extra.
Gourd Kalimba
Zebra wood.Gourd body.
Stainless steel tines.
Tunable to keys G-C.
Price: $195
KG#1
Gourds
Wood
Gourd Kalimba
Mahogany wood soundboard.
Gourd body.
Stainless steel tines.
Tunable to keys G-C.
Price: $195
KG#2
Gourd Kalimba
California Claro Walnut wood soundboard. Gourd body.
Stainless steel tines.
Face shape.
Tunable to various keys G-C.
Price: $195
KG#4
Turned Wood Kalimba
African Padauk wood soundboard Stainless steel tines tuned : A, Am C, G.
Price: $295
KT#1
Turned Wood Kalimba
Walnut wood soundboard
Stainless steel tines
tuned to either A, Am, C, Cm
Price: $295
KT#2
Gourd Kalimba
Maple wood soundboard.
Gourd body.
Stainless steel tines.
Tunable to keys G-C.
Pickup shown adds $100.
Price: $195
KG#3
Gourd Kalimba
African Padauk soundboard and bottom board.
Gourd body. Stainless steel tines. Tunable to keys G-C.
Price: $250
KG#7
“Spike” Gourd Kalimba
African Padauk wood soundboard.
Gourd body.
Stainless steel tines.
Magnetically attached top.
Tunable to various keys G-C.
Price:$750 KGSP# 1
Gourd Kalimba
Lace wood soundboard.
Gourd body.
Stainless steel tines.
Pickup & Jack installed.
Tunable to various keys G-C.
Price: $195 or $295 with pickup added
KG#5
Gourd Kalimba
Quilted Maple wood soundboard. Gourd body.
Stainless steel tines.
Tunable to various keys G-C.
Price: $195
KG#6
Turned Wood Kalimba
Padauk wood soundboard
Stainless steel tines
tuned to either A, Am, C, Cm
Price: $295
KT#3
Turned Wood Kalimba
Maple wood soundboard
Stainless steel tines
tuned to either A, Am, C, Cm
Price: $295
KT#4
Guitar Shape Wood Kalimba
Wenge wood soundboard
Stainless steel tines
tuned to either A, Am, C, Cm
Price: $250 or $350 with pickup added. KB#1
Other Shapes Available
Shown in unfinished state.
Go To Making Kalimbas Page
Tall form KT#5
Flared rim form KT#6
KT#1 Bowl being crafted.
Gourd Kalimba
Mahogany soundboard and bottom board.
Gourd body.
Stainless steel tines.
Tunable to keys G-C.
Price: $250
KG#8
Tuning
A Kalimba's scale is determined by the size of the body. For example a small gourd body will produce high notes more efficiently than a large gourd body.
Each Kalimba is re-tunable. The metal tines can be moved in or out to change their pitches. To change the scale or pitch of any note simply tap the tine in or out with a mallet. Tapping at the back of the tine will lower the pitch, tapping the front will raise the pitch. Both pentatonic and diatonic scales are possible.
The pentatonic scale is used often in world music. This scale is easy to play. You can make up songs right away and play with other musicians without any fear of hitting a "wrong" note because the tones in a pentatonic scale all ring in harmony. Most of our Kalimbas are sold with the pentatonic scale.
The diatonic scale is a complete seven-tone scale. More complex songs and chords can be created on a Kalimba with a diatonic scale. The most common scales we tune to are A and A minor, C, F, G and G minor.
Pick-up Amplification
We can install internal pickups to amplify the Kalimbas sound. The quality of our German made pickups is great. It is very helpful to have a way of playing loud enough to be heard over other amplified instruments. The world of electronic effects is opened to the Kalimba with a pickup. Try playing with some reverb, echo or delay for a fun experimental sound.
Add A Pickup
To really get some volume out of your Kalimba consider having Matt install a pickup. This really will help with playing live with a band or with recording.
We charge $100 for the pickup and its installation. The price is $150 for pickups not added during construction or for other makers Kalimbas.
Custom Orders
We accept custom orders on Kalimbas.
"I always entertain new design looks and even outlandish dreams. Call and talk to me about what you have in mind."
phone number: (949) 293-4749
email: info@kalimbas.com
Instrument Care
Our Kalimbas are hand rubbed with an oil/poly mix. It penetrates the wood well and dries to a protective coating.
Simply apply good furniture polish or wax with a soft cloth once a year or whenever you wish to bring out extra shine.
The metal tines are plated in nickel and are easily polished with a cotton rag.
Do not subject your Kalimba to harsh weather changes like leaving out in the sun or closed in a hot car. At home position your Kalimba out of prolonged direct sunlight.
Instructional CD
This CD has step by step instructions on playing your Kalimba. It lays out a good approach to the instrument and is very encouraging.
The CD also contains music to play with your Kalimba.
$15 When sold separately.
Learning
Video
