Types of Kalimbas (Kalimba Instrument)

Kalimbas a.k.a Thumb Pianos are basically musical instruments that are shaped in various forms and have tines on them that you have to press to compose your song and create your music. Kalimbas have a very sweet sound and since they belong to the idiophone family there is a lilting melody to its crooning. Kalimbas are very little instruments and they can basically fit very well in your pocket. Learning and playing them is also super-fun and easy as all you have to do is press the tines according to the given notes and play them. Kalimbas have a long history and they are actually a part of our rich musical and cultural heritage. Born in Africa, Kalimbas have been one of our all-time favourite instruments since time immemorial. That is why, here, we will elaborate about the types of Kalimba and their charms and grace. Then you can choose the type of Kalimba that you want to make your life-long buddy as well.

Types of Kalimba

Kalimbas are of various types. Each of them has their own qualities and are unique in their own ways. But playing all of them is a child’s play. These are the different types of Kalimba-

Mbira

This is actually the mother of Kalimba. An ancient African instrument belonging to the Shona tradition of Zimbabwe, Mbiras were used in choirs in church. Mbiras were small, a bit wide and had metallic resonating tines on the wooden bodies. They were selected in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020. Mbira is the main parent instrument from which its variants were born and the Kalimba came into existence.

Sansula

Also known as the mounted Kalimba, these are basically shaped like a drum on which the Kalimba is mounted. Another interesting variant of the Mbira, this instrument is the predecessor of the Kalimba. Hokame, a German company, makes excellent Sansulas and playing them is a treat. They have an amazing & different appearance as well.

Treble Kalimba

Also the famous and the most used 17 key Kalimba, this instrument is a delight to play. Made out of wood usually, treble Kalimbas have a Chinese C scale and the music coming out from them is simply heavenly. The treble Kalimba was originally created by Hugh Tracey.

Alto Kalimba

Larger than the treble Kalimba, Alto Kalimbas have 15 keys and they have just two octaves with a scale based in G. These Kalimbas have low scale notes and are less confusing due to less notes and thus easier to learn. Beginners usually begin their journey of music with the Alto Kalimba only.

Celeste Kalimba

These too are 17 key Kalimba and are quite similar to the treble Kalimba. But the only difference is that the tines are fixed on the wooden board and there is a board mounted on it which gives it the appeal of a sweet and aesthetic music box. The notes are high and lucid.

Electro Kalimba

As the name indicates, these are electronic Kalimbas and like electronic guitars, you have to play the Kalimba with electronic picks. The sound is quite amplified and the acoustics are mind-blowing.

Acrylic Kalimba

This Kalimba is made out of acrylic material that imparts it the excellent glossy finish and that stylish look. The sounds are also low and quite resonating.

Chromatic Kalimba

Usually, most Kalimbas are diatonic implying that they have only the major key notes which are similar to the white keys on a piano. Chromatic Kalimbas are those that have the sharps and flats as well meaning the black notes of the piano. Set in the C major scale, you have to tune your chromatic Kalimba and they will add these musical overtures as well. Those who want to play the songs perfectly and add all the musical intricacies should go for this Kalimba definitely.

Wooden Kalimba

As the name suggest, these Kalimbas are made of different types of woods like mahogany, spruce, gourd, sandalwood and many others. They can be shaped into the box type and the flat board type or the thumb piano type as well. The sound these Kalimbas impart are quite resonating and you will find bliss in the.

Flat Kalimba

Hollow Kalimba

What Type of Kalimba Should I Buy?

Wooden Kalimba

Both Flat Kalimba & Hollow Kalimba are good for beginners. We would recommend you start playing these easy kalimba songs whenever you get your first Kalimba

Acrylic Kalimba

Acrylic Kalimbas are also good for beginners, but we will recommend to go with the Hollow Kalimba if you’re just a beginner.

Thus, these are the plethora of Kalimbas that are available for you. Kalimbas have 6, 8, 12, 15, 17 and 21 keys variants as well and you can pick the one you find is suitable for you. These are quite easily available both online and offline and each one of them is brilliant. Playing the Kalimba will give you a lot of peace and tranquillity and it will calm your perturbed mind and your lost and wearied soul. It will take you a step closer to God. So, now you decide, which type of Kalimba do you want to make yours to attain Moksha?!