The African thumb piano, or kalimba (also called by other names) is an unusual percussion instrument consisting of a number of thin metal blades (keys) mounted on a soundbox or soundboard.
What is the Kalimba used for?
HISTORY: The Kalimba is a modern version of the African mbira. It can be a solo instrument or as an accompaniment to singers, musicians and dancers. In the 1920’s, Hugh Tracey came from England to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) to help his older brother run a tobacco farm. He became fascinated by the local music culture.
What are the types of Kalimba?
There are three main types of kalimbas. They are treble, celeste, and alto. The Celeste model is board mounted, and has clear high notes. In comparison to the other types it sounds more delicate like a music box.
What is an African thumb piano?
The thumb piano, also known as a kalimba or mbira (or many other names), is an instrument originating in Africa. It is a member of the idiophone family, meaning that it is an instrument whose sound is produced primarily by the instrument vibrating without the use of strings or membranes.
What do you call a person playing Kalimba?
I know people who play the kalimba who prefer to call their instrument an mbira. Why? They feel this honors the African roots of the instrument.
Is it hard to play the kalimba?
Kalimbas are typically available with 6, 8, 12 or 17 tines. Beginners find that fewer choices can make for easier playing, but a kalimba is not difficult, and many come with instructional manuals or DVDs. Even non-musicians can start picking out tunes in a short while.
Is the kalimba easy to play?
There is no secret that kalimba is one of the easiest instruments you can learn. Unlike the regular piano, you won’t have dozens of keys, and complex chords and scales you should learn. This means that beginners that possess even a hint of musicality can learn to play something in a matter of minutes.
Which Kalimba should I buy as a beginner?
For kids and adult beginners to start the music, this instrument is a good option. If you are a Kalimba fan and want to buy an instrument to learn the art of playing it then you should definitely consider buying East Rock Kalimba 17 keys Thumb Piano. SLINT Kalimba is a suitable instrument for everyone.
What type of Kalimba is best for beginners?
The 5 Best Kalimbas For Beginners
- M Y Fly Young Finger Piano (Kalimba Mbira Likembe Sanza) Thumb Piano 10 Key Light Yellow.
- Luvay 10 keys Finger Thumb Piano African Instrument Mbira Kalimba.
- Andoer 10 Keys Birch Finger Thumb Piano Mbira.
- Thumb Piano, Large by Mid-East.
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Is it worth it to buy Kalimba?
A kalimba is more than worth anything you can put against it. They are great value for money when considering how much instrument you are getting for relatively little money, and the effort? Oh yeah, once you get the hand of this little baby, you’ll not be able to put it down.
Is a kalimba spiritual?
The kalimba journey can reflect your inner spiritual journey. Kalimba music tends, like the concept of Karma, to be cyclic. With Karma, what goes around, comes around, basically. Our job is to improve on what we put into the world, and what we get back will similarly improve.
Why is it called a thumb piano?
The thumb piano, or mbira – a name derived from Shona language of Zimbabwe – is uniquely African percussion instrument. In the distant past it was made entirely of wood or bamboo and could have been used for a few thousand years.
What is a thumb piano called?
Mbira, also called mbila sansa, kilembe, likembe, timbrh, or thumb piano, plucked idiophone (instrument whose sounding parts are resonant solids belonging to the body of the instrument itself)—or more specifically, a lamellaphone—that is unique to Africa and widely distributed throughout the continent. …
Can Kalimba play all songs?
Chromatic Kalimbas
The answer is, of course, a chromatic kalimba. This type of kalimba follows a chromatic scale, which means that there is every note at your disposal, including sharps and flats. You will be able to play any song and any scale without having to retune or adjust anything.
What is the difference between an mbira and a kalimba?
While there are a few subtle differences between the kalimba and the mbira, including a double row of keys on the mbira and a single row of keys on the kalimba, the major difference between the two instruments is in their scales. … The kalimba also features a different percussive element.
How much does a kalimba cost?
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| Price | $2499 | $2799 |