MGR/Brian Johnston « Bell-like tones with wide array of notes »
Published on 08/31/21 at 15:09
Best value:
Correct
Audience:
Anyone
This Kalimba has a two-tier, stainless steel set of keys, tuned in the Key of C. It provides a chromatic scale, with the bottom keys arranged in the 'do-re-mi' sequence. With half-steps located in the outer parts of the top row of keys, there is a very decent range of notes from which to choose (making this more interesting to play than many Kalimbas limited to an octave range, for example).
The body is American Walnut, whereas the hardware is patented by the Seeds company. This is the first and only Kalimba I own, and so, I cannot make comparisons. Generally speaking, the tone is quite defined and bell-like, with very good sustain. After an hour or so of playing, it does require some tuning up - I'm uncertain if that is typical with other Kalimbas. It does come with a tuning hammer, a hardshell protective case, and an instruction manual (which includes tuning information and several easy-to-learn songs). You also can get free phone tuners (I use my piano) and additional music selections on-line.
The Seeds company does ship world-wide, whereas I bought this one off Amazon.ca. The 34 key version is called Pisces, whereas a 17-note version also is available, called Columbus. Below is a short video I created demoing the Pisces.
The body is American Walnut, whereas the hardware is patented by the Seeds company. This is the first and only Kalimba I own, and so, I cannot make comparisons. Generally speaking, the tone is quite defined and bell-like, with very good sustain. After an hour or so of playing, it does require some tuning up - I'm uncertain if that is typical with other Kalimbas. It does come with a tuning hammer, a hardshell protective case, and an instruction manual (which includes tuning information and several easy-to-learn songs). You also can get free phone tuners (I use my piano) and additional music selections on-line.
The Seeds company does ship world-wide, whereas I bought this one off Amazon.ca. The 34 key version is called Pisces, whereas a 17-note version also is available, called Columbus. Below is a short video I created demoing the Pisces.