What is the Kalimba, the Hottest Instrument?

What is a Kalimba?

The kalimba is a musical instrument that is played by finger flicking metal rods called keys or tone bars that are lined up in a box or board. The instrument's roots date back 3,000 years, and its current form is believed to have existed for 1,300 years. It is an ancient folk instrument of the Shona people of Zimbabwe, Africa, and in those countries is called “mbira”.
As the name suggests, the kalimba is also known as a "hand music box" where anyone can easily play the gentle, beautiful sound of a music box by simply flicking it with their fingers.

Names of Each Part of the Kalimba

How to Choose and Types of Kalimbas

1. Choosing Based on Wood Type

The different types of wood that are used for the resonating box and soundboard of the kalimba result in varying tones and characteristics. Here are four types of wood that are categorized by their features:

Mahogany

Mahogany wood, which is also used in high-end furniture, has a warm, soft sound.

Sela Cajon / SE245 Kalimba

↑Mahogany wood is used.
The simple and sophisticated design is attractive!

Core Material

The sound is clear and crisp, and the midrange resonates well.

Sela Cajon / SEKL17P-KO Kalimba

↑Core wood is used.
Equipped with pickups, this authentic model can be connected to PA systems and recording equipment!

Maple

Features a clear, contoured and gorgeous sound.with excellent durability.

Sela Cajon / SEKL21MS Kalimba

↑Made with Maple wood.
It features a natural-looking, clear and transparent sound. The thin profile makes it easy to hold and it’s not bulky.

Black Walnut

Delicate bass, powerful mids, and clear highs. You can enjoy extended sustain without muddiness.

Sela Cajon / SEKL17WS Kalimba

↑Made with Black walnut.
Each register has its own excellent sound quality characteristics with a deep sound and muddy sustain.

2. Selecting the number of keys

Depends on the number of key changes and the range and size of the keys.

10 keys (C Major)

Range: C4 - E5

Sela Cajon / SE 242 Kalimba

↑Beautiful 10-key kalimba with deep red color on mahogany wood. Limited number of keys allows you to move your thumbs without confusion!

17 keys (C Major)

Range: C4 - E6

Sela Cajon / SE 250 Kalimba

↑This 17-key kalimba is made of mahogany wood with beautiful and creative artwork.

21 keys (C Major)

Range: F3 - E6

Sela Cajon / SEKL21WS Kalimba

↑21-key kalimba with a beautiful transparent sound made of Black Walnut. I love playing on this one! It really has a clear sound, and with 21 keys, accompaniment is no problem because it gives you a wider range of expression.

3. With or without sound hole (box type or solid type)

Those with sound holes on the front or back are called box type, and those without are called solid type.

Features of Box Type

• Rich sound
• Relatively loud sound
• Vibrato can be applied by closing or releasing the sound hole on the back of the instrument with a finger.
• Many types are lightweight because of the cavity

Features of Solid Type

• Clear sound with well-defined contours
• Relatively low volume
• Thin and easy to hold

Sela Cajon / SE246 Kalimba

↑Box type (with sound hole) kalimba/17 keys/mahogany
Rare black color for kalimba. Stylish appearance makes it a must have for those who love black.

Sela Cajon / SEKL17SS Kalimba

↑Solid type (no sound hole) kalimba/17 keys/sapele wood
Thin kalimba unique to solid type. It features clear and bright sound made of sapele wood.

4. Selecting by design

In addition to the different colors and shapes of the kalimba itself, there are many kalimbas with attractive designs. Both visual and auditory senses should be satisfied with kalimba of your choice.

Sela Cajon / SE 252 Kalimba

↑Beautiful natural design drawn around the soundhole.
(17 keys / mahogany)

Sela Cajon / SE 253 Kalimba

↑As the name Flower Power implies, this brightly colored design evokes the life force of flowers.
(17 keys / mahogany)

Sela Cajon / SE 254 Kalimba

↑A powerful and cool design that overturns stereotypes, the name is Little Monster.
(17 keys / mahogany)

How to Play the Kalimba

1. How to hold it

● Hold it lightly with both hands, with the index finger resting on the side.

2. How to Play

● Single note: Hold the key with the tip of your thumb, and pluck the tip of the key with your fingernail.
● Chords: Slide your thumb down the key and lightly flick your thumb downwards on the endnote key.

However! There is no one method of playing the kalimba. I think one of the charms of the kalimba is that it can be played as it comes to mind, and it can be played freely. It is a wonderful instrument that reminds us that music can be free.

Summary

The kalimba is an instrument that anyone can start playing easily by young or old, male or female, regardless of previous experience with the instrument. It is a free instrument with no set way of playing, and the styles of playing and sound are limitless! Since it requires no special preparation to play, it is an instrument that can be played as quickly as picking up a video game console. All you have to do is think "let's just do it for a minute" and you can be fulfilled learning this instrument. For this reason, I believe that it is truly an instrument that accompanies our lives and senses.
The Sela Cajon kalimbas that were introduced in this blog are unique to Sela's focus on quality, bringing out the best characteristics of the woods that were used to make kalimbas. Go check out one that you may be interested in!