Versatility of Modern Kalimbas
We would like to outline three categories of contemporary kalimbas, namely those crafted from wood, those with electronic components, and those made from acrylic.
WOODEN KALIMBAS
The wooden Kalimba is the most common and widely available type of thumb piano. It can be constructed using various types of wood and comes in a range of options, styles, and builds.
Box Kalimba – mounted on a box with sound holes.
This type of Kalimba is recognizable by its keys, which are set on a box with a sound hole on the front and two smaller sound holes on the back. The reverse sound holes can be used to mute and create a "Wah-Wah" sound effect or vibrato. Box Kalimbas produces a warm tone, and the front-facing sound hole provides more resonance.
The Chromatic Kalimba sets itself apart from other types of Kalimbas.
Unlike traditional Kalimbas, the Chromatic Kalimba has been tuned to play chromatically and features more tines, including sharps and flats. The tines may be arranged on the reverse of the Kalimba or as a second row of keys above and slightly behind the bottom row.
Moreover, because of the pitch relationship between each note on the tines, it can identify their distance from "diatonics." This feature provides access to more sounds and melodies than traditional African thumb pianos or typical Western 12-tone scale instruments, such as guitars.
Board Kalimba – Mounted on a flat board.
The board-mounted Kalimba is another common design that is mounted on a flat board. The tines are set upon a square, rectangle, or curved board. Unlike the box Kalimba, board Kalimbas do not have the "Wah-Wah" sound effect, but they have crisp, clean tones. Some board kalimbas have up to 21 tines, making them more versatile.
Pocket Thumb Piano – A mini, pocket-sized instrument.
The pocket Kalimba is a mini, pocket-sized instrument that is as loud and tuneful as larger Kalimbas but has fewer tines. It is a great option for carrying around and playing on the go. They are also more affordable than larger instruments.
A coconut-painted kalimba is a unique and visually striking variation of the traditional kalimba. Instead of a traditional wooden body, the coconut kalimba uses a hollowed-out coconut shell as its resonating chamber. The exterior of the shell is often painted or carved with intricate designs, making each instrument a one-of-a-kind work of art.
The tines or keys are typically made of metal and are mounted on a wooden or plastic bridge that spans the top of the coconut shell. Coconut painted kalimbas can have anywhere from 7 to 17 keys, depending on the size of the coconut shell and the preference of the maker.
The use of a natural coconut shell as the body of the kalimba gives it a unique and warm tone that is different from traditional wooden kalimbas. The sound is often described as slightly softer and more mellow than a wooden kalimba.
Overall, the coconut painted kalimba is a beautiful and unique instrument that combines art and music in a way that is both visually and aurally pleasing.
The number of keys or tines on a kalimba can vary depending on the specific instrument. Some kalimbas may have as few as 5 or 6 keys, while others may have upwards of 20 or more. The number of keys can also affect the overall size and shape of the kalimba, with larger kalimbas typically having more keys. Ultimately, the number of keys on a kalimba can impact the range of notes that can be played and the complexity of the melodies that can be created.
ELECTRIC KALIMBAS
An electric kalimba is a variation of the traditional kalimba that is equipped with pickups or microphones that allow it to be plugged into an amplifier or sound system. It can be played acoustically, like a regular kalimba, or amplified for a bigger, more dynamic sound.
Electric kalimbas usually have a solid body, often made of wood, with a bridge and a set of tines or keys that are typically made of metal. They can be played with the fingers, like a traditional kalimba, or with a guitar pick or other similar accessory to produce a brighter, more percussive sound.
Some electric kalimbas also come with built-in effects and processors, such as reverb or distortion, that can be controlled via knobs or switches on the instrument itself. This allows for more creative experimentation with different sounds and tones.
Overall, electric kalimbas provide a unique and modern twist on the traditional kalimba, allowing for greater versatility and potential in a variety of musical settings.
ACRILYC KALIMBAS
The acrylic kalimba is a unique variant of the traditional kalimba that features a base made of clear or colored acrylic, allowing for a wide variety of shapes and designs. The bridge and tines are mounted onto the base, creating a visually stunning instrument that can be shaped like a heart, cat face, star or round. Acrylic kalimbas are typically smaller than their wooden counterparts, and usually come with 5-17 keys.