Hokema B11 Kalimba "melody"

Eleven metal tines are precision tuned to 7 notes of the G Major Scale (G A B C D E F#). and so arranged that six shorter tines are above five longer ones, allowing easier playing. With access to all the notes of a major scale, many musical possibilities are opened up, while still be intuitive and easy to play. You can make it sound musical easily, resulting in free and relaxing play.

The B11 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. Arrived 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.