More Chromatic Kalimbas Coming Your Way!

November 2020 gave us a look some unique and beautiful chromatic kalimbas, each worthy of being owned and enjoyed for its versatility.

Since then, the Seeds 34 key chromatic kalimba finally launched and has bloomed into a much-adored choice for a number of kalimba collectors and enthusiasts alike. Not only does it sound dreamy, this chromatic kalimba is available at an affordable price making it a financially viable option for many musicians.

Based on this progression, with time, budding and advanced kalimba playing enthusiasts can expect an increase in the number of chromatic kalimba designs with equally competitive prices, thus bringing many more options to choose from.

The question is, are there more chromatic options out there? You know the answer, so let's find out.

Nail Problems? Easy Fixes For Kalimba Players

Kalimba nails! Some like it long, some like it short. But what happens when they tear or break?

Visiting a nail technician at a salon can result in a professional repair and finish. Though, if you prefer doing things yourself, some easy fixes for broken, split, or damaged nails can temporarily fix the issue.

Do note that these at-home repair tricks involve some amount of trial and error, so while a particular method might work, another may not. Also, depending on the number of chores you regularly do, these nail procedures will serve for a week.

Nail tools you will need

• Nail glue or brush-on resin
• Cotton
• Nail files
• Nail buffer
• Acrylic powder
• Clear base coat polish
• Water

Flat Board Kalimbas in India - Dive Deep with the Hluru Ocean Resin Kalimba

Previously, we saw a number of pretty hollow kalimbas that are easily available to order online in India. This week we look at some of the best flat board kalimba styles in India that are too gorgeous to ignore and eager to be loved.

What's so special about a flat board kalimba? The main difference between this design and a hollow one is the absence of the internal chamber that creates that deep sound that so many have fallen in love with. The flat board kalimba, on the other hand, doesn’t have any chamber or sound outlet so volume is reduced. The upside is that this flat shape creates a beautiful balanced resonance that is clear and crisp and very relaxing to for player or listener.

Hluru 21 Keys Blue Ocean Whale Beech Wood Kalimba

It is absolutely thrilling to see this Hluru kalimba in India. This is what happens when you marry wood and acrylic kalimbas-- one very esthetically pleasing piece of art! A carefully polished beech wood kalimba has smooth curved edges for that feeling of ease and comfort in your hands. The fact that there are 21 keys means that you have an even wider rage of music to play. Plus, since it's in C-major you still get to play the majority of music freely available online and offline.

If 21 keys still seems a bit daunting, you're in luck! There is also a 17 key whale and jellyfish flatboard kalimba for those interested.

Affordable Hollow Kalimbas in India - 7, 10, 17 and 21 Keys!

So you've been watching kalimba videos and you're already excited to take one on? Great idea! To my fellow desi fans asking where to buy, how to choose, prices and the kind of kalimbas available in the Indian market, this is for you.

Before moving ahead, let's understand what exactly is a hollow kalimba and what makes them so unique?

A hollow kalimba, as its name suggests, has a hollow body that creates a large chamber for the notes to resonate when the tines are plucked. You can usually recognise this type of kalimba by the circular or uniquely shaped hole on its front, just below the tines. There are also electric hollow kalimbas that allow you to connect to an amplifier. Perfect for those who are in a band or want to play around with special effects.

1. Kadence Pulse 10 Key Solid Mahogany Kalimba

Kadence is commonly known for their guitars, but did you know that they sell kalimbas too? Well, you do now. This brown kalimba from the house of Kadence, is a great sounding melodic instrument in a compact, handheld size. With its solid construction and an ergonomic shape you can experience the sound of pure joy as your fingers move through every key and resonating melody.

My First Kalimba From Global Village, Dubai!

This is a story about how I got my very first kalimba in Dubai!

Dubai is city I once called home for half a decade, and during my time in that gorgeous city there are plenty of unforgettable experiences that I still hold dear. Among those are trips to Global Village, one of the most fun-filled tourist attractions in the UAE, and where I was introduced to a kalimba.

Click to Listen to the Sounds of this Kalimba!

A trip to Global Village - 2016

Outside the African pavillion, lively music and fanfare emanated calling out to one and all. This was where I bought shea butter for the first time and it is still one of my favourite finds.

As I strolled around, I came upon a stall selling African music instruments where a colourful coconut shell kalimba with just 7 keys caught my eye. The shop-minder showed me how easy it is to create fun sounds on the tines. The arrangement was random, it sounded very relaxing, and was comforting to hold too. I was sold.

Sadly, I returned to Mumbai  to study a year later and mostly forgot about the little instrument.

A post-graduation treat - 2020

Last year, after completing my Human Resource Management studies, I treated myself to some kalimbas. I now own two 17 key kalimbas; a Gecko camphor flatboard and a Hluru rosewood hollow-box. The 21 key Lingting in walnut is another gift from a dear friend. I love all three of them and continue to share short videos on various social media platforms. 

Finally, a reunion - 2021

For a good while my belongings remained in Dubai until they were recently couriered to me this month. Finally, I was so happy to be reunited with my very first kalimba! It still feels good to play it just like the very first time I found it in Dubai.

Thus, so ends this little tale of my first kalimba.

Balancing Life with a Kalimba Even While You Work

Choosing an instrument to play is the first step towards entering a whole new world. It can be a fun-filled and exciting one, with lots of learning, and the effort you put into it will always be worthwhile.

Family responsibilities, a full-time job and other life priorities might leave little time to practice music. Add some pending reports along with accumulated work stress to the mix and hardly anyone can expect to be in the mood to pick up even a little instrument like the kalimba and play. Or can they?

Luckily, a kalimba is portable enough for roaming souls. So if finding time for the kalimba seems impossible when you have Zoom calls to attend and work on your mind, then this article just might bring about the change in perspective you need!

Caring for Stickers on Your Kalimba Tines

A quick search on YouTube for stickers and kalimba will likely have you watching multiple esthetically pleasing videos on how to apply stickers to the tines of a freshly unboxed kalimba. For those who have tried it out, it is especially pleasing when you finally manage to get them all aligned perfectly on the tines and look all  dressed-up and ready for some music practice.

Sticker placement, as we know, is an art in itself that requires steady digits besides a set of trusty tweezers. Even so, sticker mishaps can happen even to the best of us and can turn out to be a messy affair if done incorrectly. So if you or someone you know has been considering applying or removing the stickers on their tines, or perhaps looking for fresh ideas when it comes to stick-on kalimba decor, then this article might be what you need.

Fall in Love With These Gorgeous DIY Chromatic Kalimbas

Fancy building a chromatic kalimba? Take a look at these instruments for ideas!

December 2020 saw a wave of some very interesting chromatic kalimbas available for purchase that continue to gain popularity among musicians across the globe. Great looks, strong build and elegant finishing aside, the prices can be a bit steep for some.

With that in mind, a number of kalimba players decided to take things into their own hands. Quite literally in fact, by building their very own chromatic kalimbas. Some are dual-sided, while many more are dual layered chromatic kalimbas that are very unique from the ones available for purchase.

While the idea may seem both exciting and daunting, enthusiasts considering to self-build a chromatic kalimba should definitely plan their project well. 

Here is a self-survey before you decide if a DIY kalimba project is worth trying out

• Do you have experience working with wood
• Ever tried building a DIY kalimba kit before?
• Are you adept at using a tool kit?
• If not, is there someone or a workshop that can be of assistance?
• Are you musically knowledgeable enough when it comes to tuning the keys?
• Would you rather just buy a chromatic kalimba?

If the questions above inspired or deterred you in any way, no worries. You can still enjoy watching these self-made instruments made by kalimba hobbyists.