Hokema B9 Kalimba

Nine metal tines are precision tuned to 5 of the 7 notes of the A minor Scale (the white key of the piano). The notes are A, B, C, E and F, which give a nice flavour to the A minor scale, and is also the Hirajoshi Japanese scale, resulting in intuitive play - and it's certainly easy for a beginner to make it sound musical. Four of the tines are shorter and placed above five longer ones for ease of play.

The B9 Electric version has a a piezo pickup and a 6.35mm jack socket. This allows the Kalimba to be amplified for live performance. You will need an amplifier, cable or other sound equipment to use this feature (you cannot just plug in headphones for example) - Ask any electric guitar player for help! You can even buy guitar "pedals" that can add echo and delay effects - be the next Jimi Hendrix on Kalimba!

Lovingly handmade in Germany from solid American black cherry wood. Polished with natural oils and waxes. Arrives attractively boxed.

See The Electric Version here in action:

And the Acoustic Version:

What is a Kalimba?

A Kalimba is a modern version of a Mbira which is an African instrument, traditionally from Zimbabwe. The metal Tines are played with the thumbs and the sound resonates through the wood. It is also known as a "Thumb Piano".

Kalimbas benefit from using modern, western scales so are more accessible to our western ears than the traditional African versions. Many are tuned to simple scales, making them easy to get started with and to make beautiful, relaxing music straight away. They can be used for meditation, yoga and even performance.

The sound can be amplified by laying the Kalimba on a tabletop or the skin of a drum.