How come it seams like everyone that plays these instrument (at least on UA-cam) seam like theyre the most wholesome and pure humans on earth 😭 great review I learned a lot thank you!
Anyone that disliked this video is an idiot I searched a Kalimba I wanted on Amazon and got more information than I could possibly need through your videos. I love how happy and honest you are in your videos keep it up lady you rock!
You're probably the happiest person I've ever come across on the internet. I'm not quite sure I'm interested in kalimbas anymore, those little laughs you make are addicting.
You literally solved most of my questions while researching to buy a Kalimba, thanks!! I was kinda concerned on price ranges and especially in wether a kalimba would turn up to be out of tune since i don't know crap about tuning a kalimba tho, but thanks for reccomending♥
I’ve just got my first kalimba and loving it! Interesting to find out more about the different kinds available 😃 I’ve subscribed to your channel! Look forward to hearing you playing x
Oh this is so great Molly. Thank you. Ironically, I was just thinking I needed to get a decent kalimba and I don't really know anything about them... or at least I didn't before this video. I think I'm partial to the flatboard kalimbas.
i was introduced to kalimba a year ago or so, and the sounds were beautiful🤩 but i was always hesitant to buy it since i can't play musical instruments and i was scared that i'll have a hard time playing it (i have past traumas when i bought a guitar and tried learning it). it was yesterday that i stumbled upon a kalimba on an online shop, and in an instant my interests were up through the roof😀 it was an acryllic kalimba yet the price wasn't so bad. it was such a beautiful piece, which is why i decided to get one. honestly, i'm just really excited to learn and play it because of how small yet beautiful it is☺️
What I'm really looking for is a 34 key chromatic kalimba with a hollow box. I really like the vibrato a hollow box allows for. I guess these don't exist, I"ll have to rig one myself
Thank you so much for putting this comparison up. I was surprised how much better the solid wood Kalimbas sounded than their hollow brethren, it seemed counter-intuitive to me. Glad I heard the difference before buying one! :)
I really wanted to buy one. They sound so soothing and are so nice. Thank you for the guide! Sadly all the kalimbas that I wanted to buy from your video are unavailable :( (I can read notes). If they are back in stock I will wish for them.
Who knew? An informative presentation. Did not know that they came in keys. Liked that they could be attached via some mics and cords to an amp. Maybe there's some computer musical software out there so you could plug in to your computer and get some really interesting sounds?
Yes, Hugh Tracey Kalimbas were the first popular, quality kalimba. I met one of the Tracey brothers at a music festival around 1988. I had been playing one of their instruments for 15 years, and he was pleased I had one. He said that they made them in South Africa, using local tribesmen in their factory. The workers were very skilled and were well paid. My kalimba was beautiful, with light and dark streaks in the hardwood body. It always played perfectly. I added small metal rings to some of the notes to get the buzzing sound that some of the African mbiras produce. I'll soon be buying a Chinese made Kalimba, with built in pick up, off of Amazon. I plan to play it thru a small amp, using different effects pedals. I jam with a bunch of drummers playing djembes and Dumbecs, and need amplification. There's no way anyone can be heard over 8 drummers banging away unless you're amplified. Thank you for the great, concise video.
Thank you for the information and tips comparing different brands! In the beginning I bought the ones I liked the look of but what I've found out of all of them is the Gecko Kalimbas are carefully constructed with quality materials (for example, the keys are actually steel, not an inferior metal that was electroplated!) and they carry the best resonance of the bunch. I have not tried a Kimi yet ... but now am VERY tempted! ^_^ subscribed :)
Great find...I"ll be sure to review some of your earlier posts. And some of the other commenters are right-- what a great cheery smile! (Nice to hear a wee one chuckling the background... :0) )
Would a kali va be a suitable present for a 9/10 year old? Looking for an exciting Christmas present that doesn’t involve a computer game!! And these look really cute. Ps. Your baby in the background is adorable 😍
Aww, thank you! Yes, I think a 9 or 10 year old with an interest in music would love a kalimba! My 9 year old definitely enjoys playing around with them 😊
I Like making random weird trippy synth noises, I stumbled upon the Lottie Canto electric karimba it has built in effects! rather cool, so I started looking on amazon, then I found the Lottie Canto site but it's sold out and rather expensive. Then I stumbled upon here, yay! I think the Kalimba with a pick up linked to an effects peddle will be a more available and maybe cheaper option for me to get a similar effect as the Lottie Canto. I also agree with other comments, clear concise and respectfully I find your inner beauty radiates out with lovely giggles.🤗
So I bought my daughter one for Christmas... Being a guitarist I was looking for a solid wood one with a sound hole (not plywood). I found one... It came with a little hammer. What is that for?
I'm glad you were able to find one! The little hammer is for tuning the tines. Hitting the top makes them longer and flattens the note, hitting the bottom will make it shorter and sharpen the note :)
Yes of course! :D I use the Fender Acoustasonic Amp, get it on Amazon at: amzn.to/37r3tjS (that's an affiliate link so I'll make a bit of a commission if you buy it there) :)
Hi, thanks for your lovely informative video. How is it to tune from G to C or Any other Key? Also which one would you say is lighter or easiest to hol and press. I have fibromyalgia and pain is easlily provoked lol even in the hands and fingers. If you happen to know the lighter types, that would be fab. Thanks in advance. Keep smiling and laughing.
I prefer an alto kalimba range of sound, but the Hugh Tracey is more than I want to spend. Is it possible to “tune down” a regular kalimba so that it plays more like an alto? Love your videos!
Which one would recommend for someone who wants to get a kalimba for their first instrument? A hollow wooden one or a flat board one? P.s I love the sounds that baby is making its so cute
I got mine today, my 3 year old granddaughter already nicked it 🤷🏻♀️, so I’ve bought myself another one, I’m 53 years old, can’t play an instrument to save my life, hope it’s not too late to learn this, it’s such a beautiful sound, having said that I wish I’d seen this before I bought it, I have a box type, wish I’d bought a flat board, but if I can master it, then I may buy another one. Has anyone else bought one having no instrument experience at all?
Luckily kalimbas are one of the easier instruments to learn! You can find tabs all over the internet so you won't have to learn to read music right away if ever 😊
Hello, thank you for this vidéo, it's nice to know what kalimba is nice for beginners. I would like to buy the Gecko K17CAS but the link doesn't work ( product is unavailable). Do you know where i can find it? It's hard cause it seems to have a lot of copy of the gecko kalimba. Thanks!
The only one I know of that is smaller is this pentatonic model: ua-cam.com/video/0xOIyw3zeCw/v-deo.html You wouldn't be able to use kalimba tabs with it, but it sounds beautiful :D
Why doesn't Moozica make their 20 key kalimbas with the tines raised like the Gecko, it would be perfect. I imagine with the layout being the way it is, the lower row might be relatively difficult to play. With the tines raised and bent like on the Gecko, it gives the keys so much better accessibility making it far easier to play.
It's okay ofcourse but you must ask your parents or guardian first before buying.Learning music at a young age is the best time to memorize and you'll learn easier when you're still young.Go for it!
Thank you for this video. I purchased a Kalimba for my grandnephew and it arrived today. He's thrilled. How can you tell which Key the Kalimba is in? Is it the first note on the left? -- or the Center (longest) note?
It's actually tricky! If it's a 17-tine kalimba, it will be in the key of the center note. If it's bigger or smaller though it's a little trickier to figure out 😊
@@MusicalMollyKhan His is a 17-tine, yes. It's like your blue one ... I'm going to order the same one for me -- so I can work with him over video chat. That should give me a better idea what we're dealing with. I hope! He's 12 years of age and is just beginning learn about music. Thank you!
Knowing nothing about kalimbas, my question is, for a "standard" 17-tyne kalimba, can you essentially only play in one key at a time, specifically, the key that the kalimba is tuned to? And you cannot play accidentals, is that right? I mean, If it is tuned in C major, for example, you wouldn't be able to play Eb because the tyne is tuned to E natural? Just another quick question/example to hopefully make my point; how would one play a melodic MINOR scale, it requires different notes going up than it does coming down from the octave? Perhaps even more starkly, how would someone play a chromatic scale, is it possible? I suppose they would have to tune the tynes to play such chromatic notes, but that would really constrain the range of the instrument.
Yes, the kalimba is diatonic, meaning it only has the notes of one scale. But you can buy chromatic kalimbas with a set of "sharp and flat" tines on the back side. It's tricky to get used to but greatly expands repertoire possibilities. I have a review for one coming on Friday 😊
@@MusicalMollyKhan Thanks. I got a Kalimba for my 8 y.o. nephew thinking the piano would probably be a bit too hard for him right now. I think the kalimba(which I hadn't even heard of until two days ago when I stumbled on a video for Music Box Dancer, I wasn't happy with the piano versions) is a great instrument to start with when teaching kids about music, it's a perfect instrument for the beginner just learning. And as an added bonus, this way he can put his thumbs to good use, not being like my sister who just wastes her time writing texts on her phone. Personally, I waste time writing with all my fingers, especially comments on youtube. But hopefully, this one might have some value. Anyway, thank you kindly. I've enjoyed your video and appreciate the response. I also look forward to your review on Friday, it should be interesting. I personally want to play Mozart's the Marriage of Figaro overture, and I know there are a lot of accidentals in there, so a chromatic kalimba may be the only way for me to go. But at least it only has two sharps and not five. : )
@@MusicalMollyKhan www.walmart.com/ip/17-Key-Kalimba-Thumb-Piano-Transparent-Acrylic-Material-with-Carry-Bag-Musical-Note-Stickers-Tuning-Hammer-Cleaning-Cloth-Musical-Gift/472068160?selected=true this one is the one i want 💕 i have seen othetr stores but its nearly $50.
Sure! I think if you're just starting out this is a great option: amzn.to/3Liw6Cc Gecko is a great company, it's the standard 17 tines in the standard key of C, and that shape is easy to hold. It's got a coupon for $8 off right now :D
hey Molly. hope all is well with you. Say, I found a Gecko solid wood kalima on Amazon for $35 and they go up to $105. So, is it worth $70 for the higher-priced unit? I am a newbie to Kalimba playing. what is the difference between the two units for $70.
Hmm, I believe you have probably run into some sellers that are over charging. I don't know of any models of Gecko kalimba that run over $50; and usually the difference is quite obvious like pickup/no pickup, or greater number of tines.
How come it seams like everyone that plays these instrument (at least on UA-cam) seam like theyre the most wholesome and pure humans on earth 😭 great review I learned a lot thank you!
Aww, thank you 😊 they are so peaceful!
Perhaps wholesome. pure people are attracted to kalimbas.
At least they don't have a mullet and fantasize about becoming a rock star.
I agree! 🤣 Only beings of light can buy kalimbas 🤣
@@popeyegordon Mullets are awesome
i dont even know why I'm watching this but girl you made the ULTIMATE guide, mad props
Thank you :D
Oh my god you have the cutest laugh and your smile is golden :0
this was very helpful ! thank you :)
Aww, I'm glad. Thank you! 😊
🙏🌞totally
Anyone that disliked this video is an idiot I searched a Kalimba I wanted on Amazon and got more information than I could possibly need through your videos. I love how happy and honest you are in your videos keep it up lady you rock!
Thanks so much! Glad to help 😊
This gal has the nicest laugh and giggles ever!
Aww, thank you! 😊
I really enjoy your video, your laugh and the baby sounds are a big plus haha 💕
Aww, thanks so much :D
You're probably the happiest person I've ever come across on the internet. I'm not quite sure I'm interested in kalimbas anymore, those little laughs you make are addicting.
Haha, thanks 😊
You literally solved most of my questions while researching to buy a Kalimba, thanks!!
I was kinda concerned on price ranges and especially in wether a kalimba would turn up to be out of tune since i don't know crap about tuning a kalimba tho, but thanks for reccomending♥
You're welcome, I'm so glad it helped! 😊
I have an aklot electric kalimba. It came in perfect tune! But they included a hammer too.
That's wonderful, I love mine too :)
@Celina Martinez lol I know that..ha ha it’s actually called a kalimba hammer though.
I loved learning from you! Your smile is SO contagious that I found myself smiling back at you! Thanks!! 😊 🇨🇦
Aww thank you! 😊
I'm so glad that I stumbled on your clear, detailed, beginner-friendly breakdown of Kalimba. Super helpful. Thank you!
i just recently discovered this instrument and I’m planning on getting one real soon. Your video and many others are so very helpful thank you!
I’ve just got my first kalimba and loving it! Interesting to find out more about the different kinds available 😃 I’ve subscribed to your channel! Look forward to hearing you playing x
Thank you for subscribing! I hope you enjoy your kalimba 😊
Oh this is so great Molly. Thank you. Ironically, I was just thinking I needed to get a decent kalimba and I don't really know anything about them... or at least I didn't before this video. I think I'm partial to the flatboard kalimbas.
The flatboards are my personal favorites as well :) I'm glad it was helpful for you!
i was introduced to kalimba a year ago or so, and the sounds were beautiful🤩 but i was always hesitant to buy it since i can't play musical instruments and i was scared that i'll have a hard time playing it (i have past traumas when i bought a guitar and tried learning it). it was yesterday that i stumbled upon a kalimba on an online shop, and in an instant my interests were up through the roof😀 it was an acryllic kalimba yet the price wasn't so bad. it was such a beautiful piece, which is why i decided to get one. honestly, i'm just really excited to learn and play it because of how small yet beautiful it is☺️
If you love music trust me you'll learn to play it naturally
What I'm really looking for is a 34 key chromatic kalimba with a hollow box. I really like the vibrato a hollow box allows for. I guess these don't exist, I"ll have to rig one myself
Great vid. I don’t read music. I’m aging… dealing with dexterity issues.
You are very helpful. Thank you.
☀️ Shine on…
Thank you so much for putting this comparison up. I was surprised how much better the solid wood Kalimbas sounded than their hollow brethren, it seemed counter-intuitive to me. Glad I heard the difference before buying one! :)
Just the video I was looking for, you've answered my questions - thank you.
Also, you're absolutely adorable!
I really wanted to buy one. They sound so soothing and are so nice. Thank you for the guide! Sadly all the kalimbas that I wanted to buy from your video are unavailable :( (I can read notes). If they are back in stock I will wish for them.
Aww, what a bummer! I hope they're back in stock soon 😊
Thank you so much for the links in the description ✨✨ makes it much easier
Welcome! I'm glad it helps 😊
Amazing Review! I never knew there are so many types of Kalimba existed. Keep smiling Molly you rock! Love and respect from India!
Who knew? An informative presentation. Did not know that they came in keys. Liked that they could be attached via some mics and cords to an amp. Maybe there's some computer musical software out there so you could plug in to your computer and get some really interesting sounds?
I'm sure you could! I know less about manipulating sound on the computer than many, but I have done some fun effects 😊
Just bought one, thanks for the vid! I've subbed woo
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed 😊
I love the transparent kalimba because I think they sound clear & beautiful 🤗🎶🤗🎶🤗
Yes, Hugh Tracey Kalimbas were the first popular, quality kalimba. I met one of the Tracey brothers at a music festival around 1988. I had been playing one of their instruments for 15 years, and he was pleased I had one. He said that they made them in South Africa, using local tribesmen in their factory. The workers were very skilled and were well paid. My kalimba was beautiful, with light and dark streaks in the hardwood body. It always played perfectly. I added small metal rings to some of the notes to get the buzzing sound that some of the African mbiras produce.
I'll soon be buying a Chinese made Kalimba, with built in pick up, off of Amazon. I plan to play it thru a small amp, using different effects pedals. I jam with a bunch of drummers playing djembes and Dumbecs, and need amplification. There's no way anyone can be heard over 8 drummers banging away unless you're amplified.
Thank you for the great, concise video.
She make that thing sound like a baby. I love it and you .ur personality and giggle is beautiful
Thank you for the information and tips comparing different brands! In the beginning I bought the ones I liked the look of but what I've found out of all of them is the Gecko Kalimbas are carefully constructed with quality materials (for example, the keys are actually steel, not an inferior metal that was electroplated!) and they carry the best resonance of the bunch. I have not tried a Kimi yet ... but now am VERY tempted! ^_^ subscribed :)
Yes, I love my Geckos so much! The Kimi is super nice too 😊
I love her laugh ❤
IMHO, Ling Ting has the smoothest tines and the sweetest sound. =) (Like your sweet giggle!)
Aww thanks 😊 I need to get a Ling Ting!
One question: if the kalimba is in B, you can tune it in C, or it "will always tend to return" to B.
Thank you very much for your video (:
No, it will stay in tune however you set it! Kalimbas are so easy to tune because wherever you set them they will stay 😊
Great find...I"ll be sure to review some of your earlier posts. And some of the other commenters are right-- what a great cheery smile! (Nice to hear a wee one chuckling the background... :0) )
Aww thank you! 😊
Thanks, made my purchase based off of this video. Appreciate it
Glad to help 😊
🤗This was very helpful. Thank you Molly you are a real treasure.
Very informative video abt Kalimbas.I loved your laughter!!
Now this really helps me to choose what Kalimba is right or what is best to buy. Thank u so much!😍🤩
I'm glad to help 😊
The first thing that catch me to tap on this video is your bright smile... Keep smiling 😁
Aww thank you! 😊
I am just getting started and appreciate the information.
Such positive energy
Thank you for the guide im planning to learn kalimba this video helped so much 😊
This helped me out a lot. Thank you!
So glad it helped 😊
Great video!
Thank you!
I ordered my first today on Amazon, flat board, blue, 21 keys, C scale 42 dollars. Starting to grow my thumbnails longer beginning today.
I am planning to buy a kalimba for my birthday, thank-you so much for sharing :)
I am sorry for my bad English, English is not my first language :)✨🦋
Your English is wonderful, no apologies necessary! I hope you love your new kalimba 😊
thanks for this detailed review
Thank you so much I want to buy one of these but don’t know much about them, you have made a very useful video.
I'm glad it was helpful! 😊
Very cute and the Kalimba's are nice too. . I sense another collecting addict!
Enjoy 😊
I just ordered a hollow one in. Black. Can't wait to learn a Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg song
Thank you now I know what to get😌
I'm so glad it was helpful for you :D
Would a kali va be a suitable present for a 9/10 year old? Looking for an exciting Christmas present that doesn’t involve a computer game!! And these look really cute. Ps. Your baby in the background is adorable 😍
Aww, thank you! Yes, I think a 9 or 10 year old with an interest in music would love a kalimba! My 9 year old definitely enjoys playing around with them 😊
@@MusicalMollyKhan thank you so much. I have bought one now. Hopefully it is a good i e. Bought it from Amazon so I’m feeling anxious 😆
Bravo.
Thank you
Thanks...good info...I have a music degree and I love to fool around with different instruments. I'm thinking of getting the Seeds 34 key kalimba.
I think the Seeds would be perfect for you! You're going to want something with chromatic notes and a bit more range and it definitely fits the bill 😊
Very helpful Molly, thank you.
Glad to help 😊
I loved the sound of the moozica best and then the acrylic (bear head! lol) best. Can't wait to get my hands on them. Thanks for your videos.
Glad to help 😊
Thank you for the video :)
You are so peaceful!
😊
I Like making random weird trippy synth noises, I stumbled upon the Lottie Canto electric karimba it has built in effects! rather cool, so I started looking on amazon, then I found the Lottie Canto site but it's sold out and rather expensive.
Then I stumbled upon here, yay!
I think the Kalimba with a pick up linked to an effects peddle will be a more available and maybe cheaper option for me to get a similar effect as the Lottie Canto.
I also agree with other comments, clear concise and respectfully I find your inner beauty radiates out with lovely giggles.🤗
That sounds like such a cool kalimba! I think an electric one and an effects pedal will do what you're looking for also. Good luck 😊
VERY HELPFUL haven't bought first 1 yet
Good luck! 😊
So I bought my daughter one for Christmas... Being a guitarist I was looking for a solid wood one with a sound hole (not plywood). I found one... It came with a little hammer. What is that for?
I'm glad you were able to find one! The little hammer is for tuning the tines. Hitting the top makes them longer and flattens the note, hitting the bottom will make it shorter and sharpen the note :)
@@MusicalMollyKhan thank you Molly!
thx sm for this! mind linking the amp you used too?
Yes of course! :D I use the Fender Acoustasonic Amp, get it on Amazon at: amzn.to/37r3tjS (that's an affiliate link so I'll make a bit of a commission if you buy it there) :)
Greeeat Video.... Fabbb Infos.... Thankssssss 🤘🥰🤘💝
Can you tell me the exact pedal effects you used at 3:42 and 3:46? (in case they are different, I'm not sure) Great video btw!
You seem like a pleasant person. Thanks for the info.
Glad to help 😊
Nice review thanks for sharing ❤️ 13:34
Thank you Molly
I dare say, is Musical Molly going to convince me to buy another instrument again?
Also, what did you use to mark the notes on it?
I used a sharpie, as I read that it is easy to remove with dry erase marker and a dry eraser. I haven't tested this though, so try at your own risk :D
@@MusicalMollyKhan cheers!
Thank you mam for this review..👍
Of course! :D
I havent tried aklot but i would really love to get one
It's a great kalimba! 😊
Hi, thanks for your lovely informative video. How is it to tune from G to C or Any other Key? Also which one would you say is lighter or easiest to hol and press. I have fibromyalgia and pain is easlily provoked lol even in the hands and fingers. If you happen to know the lighter types, that would be fab. Thanks in advance. Keep smiling and laughing.
Thank you so much!
Great video! I have the arylic one and want to get a hollowbody w a pickup
I prefer an alto kalimba range of sound, but the Hugh Tracey is more than I want to spend. Is it possible to “tune down” a regular kalimba so that it plays more like an alto? Love your videos!
Which one would recommend for someone who wants to get a kalimba for their first instrument? A hollow wooden one or a flat board one?
P.s I love the sounds that baby is making its so cute
Hehe, she is adorable 😊 I recommend a flatboard kalimba unless having a louder kalimba is really important to you.
@@MusicalMollyKhan thank you so much! Would a gecko be good for a first choice?
Keep up the videos 😊 Have you got soundcloud ?
I don't have one! I have thought about branching out in that direction but need a little more time in my day, haha :D
I need someone to show us how to play "Lara's theme" or a.k.a. "somewhere my love" on Kalimba ....beautiful song..... from the movie Doctor Zhivago.
THANK YOU. my end tines haven’t worked and i didn’t know why.
Now you know the secret 😁
👍 love it 👍 Thank You for sharing this video. 😺
Thank you 😊
Thanks. Good video for information.
Glad it was helpful 😊
Do you like the acrylic one better? i’m kind of looking at them and I’m trying to decide which one I like and I am leaning toward the acrylic one.
Are the non wood kalimbas less subject to tuning changes due to weather/climate?
I’m getting Kimi one
I hope you love it! 😊
I got mine today, my 3 year old granddaughter already nicked it 🤷🏻♀️, so I’ve bought myself another one, I’m 53 years old, can’t play an instrument to save my life, hope it’s not too late to learn this, it’s such a beautiful sound, having said that I wish I’d seen this before I bought it, I have a box type, wish I’d bought a flat board, but if I can master it, then I may buy another one.
Has anyone else bought one having no instrument experience at all?
Luckily kalimbas are one of the easier instruments to learn! You can find tabs all over the internet so you won't have to learn to read music right away if ever 😊
I have really large/ wide thumbs. Do you think a Gecko k17 CAP would be a good choice? Thank you!
Hello, thank you for this vidéo, it's nice to know what kalimba is nice for beginners. I would like to buy the Gecko K17CAS but the link doesn't work ( product is unavailable). Do you know where i can find it? It's hard cause it seems to have a lot of copy of the gecko kalimba. Thanks!
Hi Molly
I have really small hands
And I’m having issues finding one that suits my hands, what would you recommend Iv tried a fee already
The only one I know of that is smaller is this pentatonic model: ua-cam.com/video/0xOIyw3zeCw/v-deo.html
You wouldn't be able to use kalimba tabs with it, but it sounds beautiful :D
Thank You
Why doesn't Moozica make their 20 key kalimbas with the tines raised like the Gecko, it would be perfect. I imagine with the layout being the way it is, the lower row might be relatively difficult to play. With the tines raised and bent like on the Gecko, it gives the keys so much better accessibility making it far easier to play.
That would be so great! I always keep my eyes out for new or interesting kalimba designs 😊
I wanna try play the Kaliumba but I’m still a child and i don’t know if I’m able to hold it so is it okay for children to play Kaliumba’s?
It's okay ofcourse but you must ask your parents or guardian first before buying.Learning music at a young age is the best time to memorize and you'll learn easier when you're still young.Go for it!
@@minsugar4743 ok, thank you very much!
Yes yes yes! Kalimbas are a fantastic instrument for kids. I hope you're able to get one and you love it 😊
I’m a beginner planning to get a Kalimba , do you think the acrylic. Bear shaped, would be good ?
The nice thing I've noticed about kalimbas is even the low end ones are pretty nice. I think it will serve you well 😊
Gecko k17
Thank you for this video. I purchased a Kalimba for my grandnephew and it arrived today. He's thrilled. How can you tell which Key the Kalimba is in? Is it the first note on the left? -- or the Center (longest) note?
It's actually tricky! If it's a 17-tine kalimba, it will be in the key of the center note. If it's bigger or smaller though it's a little trickier to figure out 😊
@@MusicalMollyKhan His is a 17-tine, yes. It's like your blue one ... I'm going to order the same one for me -- so I can work with him over video chat. That should give me a better idea what we're dealing with. I hope! He's 12 years of age and is just beginning learn about music. Thank you!
i just bought one, ima learn thunderstruck by acdc
Oh how fun! Enjoy 😊
Knowing nothing about kalimbas, my question is, for a "standard" 17-tyne kalimba, can you essentially only play in one key at a time, specifically, the key that the kalimba is tuned to? And you cannot play accidentals, is that right? I mean, If it is tuned in C major, for example, you wouldn't be able to play Eb because the tyne is tuned to E natural?
Just another quick question/example to hopefully make my point; how would one play a melodic MINOR scale, it requires different notes going up than it does coming down from the octave?
Perhaps even more starkly, how would someone play a chromatic scale, is it possible? I suppose they would have to tune the tynes to play such chromatic notes, but that would really constrain the range of the instrument.
Yes, the kalimba is diatonic, meaning it only has the notes of one scale. But you can buy chromatic kalimbas with a set of "sharp and flat" tines on the back side. It's tricky to get used to but greatly expands repertoire possibilities. I have a review for one coming on Friday 😊
@@MusicalMollyKhan Thanks. I got a Kalimba for my 8 y.o. nephew thinking the piano would probably be a bit too hard for him right now. I think the kalimba(which I hadn't even heard of until two days ago when I stumbled on a video for Music Box Dancer, I wasn't happy with the piano versions) is a great instrument to start with when teaching kids about music, it's a perfect instrument for the beginner just learning.
And as an added bonus, this way he can put his thumbs to good use, not being like my sister who just wastes her time writing texts on her phone.
Personally, I waste time writing with all my fingers, especially comments on youtube. But hopefully, this one might have some value.
Anyway, thank you kindly. I've enjoyed your video and appreciate the response. I also look forward to your review on Friday, it should be interesting. I personally want to play Mozart's the Marriage of Figaro overture, and I know there are a lot of accidentals in there, so a chromatic kalimba may be the only way for me to go. But at least it only has two sharps and not five. : )
Have you seen they sell some online on walmart?
I hadn't seen that! I'll have to check them out :)
@@MusicalMollyKhan www.walmart.com/ip/17-Key-Kalimba-Thumb-Piano-Transparent-Acrylic-Material-with-Carry-Bag-Musical-Note-Stickers-Tuning-Hammer-Cleaning-Cloth-Musical-Gift/472068160?selected=true
this one is the one i want 💕 i have seen othetr stores but its nearly $50.
@@jazzie2967 wow, that's a great deal!
I can't seem to get the buzzing to stop even if I tried the paper and moving tines side to side. Any advice?? Its mild but still.
That sounds frustrating! Is it a hollow or a flat kalimba?
Did you label the tines with the note letters or was it purchased that way?
I definitely labelled the tines, I don't know kalimba well enough to play an unlabelled one, though many people do! 😊
Kimi is for me I’ll give it a go, aging guitar player
What is your recommendation for the very beginner of the Kalimba? Can you just pick one?
Sure! I think if you're just starting out this is a great option: amzn.to/3Liw6Cc Gecko is a great company, it's the standard 17 tines in the standard key of C, and that shape is easy to hold. It's got a coupon for $8 off right now :D
hey Molly. hope all is well with you. Say, I found a Gecko solid wood kalima on Amazon for $35 and they go up to $105. So, is it worth $70 for the higher-priced unit? I am a newbie to Kalimba playing. what is the difference between the two units for $70.
Hmm, I believe you have probably run into some sellers that are over charging. I don't know of any models of Gecko kalimba that run over $50; and usually the difference is quite obvious like pickup/no pickup, or greater number of tines.