As children, many of us grow up learning musical instruments. From the guitar to the violin, we all learn one instrument or another. However, as we go through our teenage years, many of us give up on our musical ability. Whether we fall out of love with the instrument, begin prioritising alternative activities or simply want to focus on our social life, we all have our reasons for doing so. How do you want to get back into music whilst doing something different to everyone else? You can consider playing the kalimba.
Also known as the thumb piano, the kalimba is a small piano-like instrument inspired by the traditional Zimbabwe instrument, the mbira. It has a very distinct sound and is now played all over the globe. Where can you buy one? You can buy a beginner or professional kalimba online. There are many digital stores you can buy a kalimba from, many of which will provide you with a high-quality instrument. We sell coconut thumb pianos and do not currently have kalimbas for sale but we can still guide you in the right direction.
Manufacturer
Kalimbas are traditionally from Zimbabwe, Africa and are made from Kiat wood which is a traditional African hardwood. One of the most popular kalimba brands is a chinese company called Gecko and each instrument is mass produced. To ensure your instrument is unique, we highly recommend doing a little research before purchasing.
Types
There are many different types of kalimbas but typically they come in two different forms; board or box type. A board kalimba is made from a flat piece of wood whereas a box type has a hole below the tines to allow more resonance. One is not better than the other, it depends on your preference. In terms of tuning, there are three main types of kalimbas, these are treble, celeste, and alto.
- The Treble kalimba has 17 notes
- The Celeste model is board mounted, and has clear high notes. In comparison to the other types; it sounds more delicate like a music box.
- The Alto has 15 notes which is exactly two octaves. This kalimba is usually in the key of G but can vary from instrument.
Material
A traditional kalimba is made from African hardwood (usually kiaat). Alternative options include coconut, gourd, bamboo, maple, cherry, spruce, sandalwood, mahogany and more. All of which will provide the instrument with its own unique sound.
Notes / Tines
Depending on where you shop, a kalimba might have 6, 8, 12, 17 or 21 notes. If you’re completely new to the instrument, you could look for a lower number of tines although going for an instrument that has 17 notes means that you will be able to play almost any song. Many kalimbas will come with their own manuals which will help you to quickly pick up the instrument.
Price
When it comes to buying a kalimba, the price is one of the most important aspects. You can pick up a budget instrument made from coconut or gourd for as little as £12. If you are looking for something more midrange with 17 keys, a case, tuning hammer and other accessories you will be looking at around £22. The professional Hokema range is priced at around £90 plus, whilst the Sansula and electric kalimba is priced around £150 or more.
Most Popular thumb piano kalimbas
There are many different types of the thumb piano, those made with a ply, hard, softwood board, coconut shell, base metal keys, or superior steel sprung keys. From small 12cm to a large 20cm, the number of notes is another factor. Ours range from 5 to 17 and are tuned to the western scale. These could be a suitable gift for a kid or for a beginner-professional musician. We have compared many types of kalimbas to make this easy for you and have chosen these based on the manufacturing, the style, and the price.
Yulin Kalimba - 17 Note
The Yulin 17-Note Kalimba Bundle is a great choice for beginners, offering a complete set to start playing, including a tuning hammer, note stickers, and a kalimba book with beginner tabs. Its solid wood construction produces a bright, metallic tone, making it ideal for those looking to explore the unique sounds of the Yulin kalimba.
Hokema Kalimba - 17 Note
★★★★★ - "Wonderful item and friendly helpful service" - Verified Buyer
The hand crafted 17 note Hokema kalimba is a luxury music instrument that has a solid American cherry wood board and is tuned to perfection allowing the sound to be perfect every time. Each instrument is made in Germany; if you are serious about playing the kalimba then this is one of the most professional sounding musical instruments you can get hold of, second to the Sanulsa deluxe range.
Order the Hokema B17 Kalimba Today.
Coconut Thumb Piano - 7 Note
★★★★★ - "Item arrived in time window, intact and ready to be unwrapped for Christmas. It hasn’t had a day without being played since" - Verified Buyer
This one is a little different, and is rather unique. The coconut thumb piano is made from natural produce and comes in assorted dot painted pattern designs. Each one is approximately 12cm, but this does of course vary. This one has 7 notes which makes it much less intimidating for beginners, allowing you to relax with your kalimba without the worry of knowing too much what you are doing. It has a beautiful sound and each one features different colours.
Shop Coconut Thumb Piano Kalimba Now.
Magadi Pocket Kalimba - 7 Note
Just as the name suggests, this small beautiful pocket kalimba is approximately 7cm, yet it still has 8 notes, and fits in your pocket. It has the notes on it so that you can play like a pro, on the go. It is compact, portable, and sits perfectly in the palm of you hand. You could say that it's child size, but we think that its the perfect size.
Gourd Kalimba - 9 Note
★★★★★ - "Beautiful instrument, carefully packaged and sent quickly." - Verified Buyer
Showcasing our large gourd kalimba, that is approximately 20cm diameter. This one has 8 strong robust steel keys and is suitable for a beginner adult. It combines the dot painted design with the wooden top and is a statement woodwind instrument that delivers a stunning natural look.
Order the Gourd Thumb Piano Kalimba Today.
Kosbaar Kalimba - 5 Note
This African musical instrument consists of a rosewood board with attached staggered metal tines, played by holding the instrument in the hands and plucking the tines with the thumbs. So fun to play and relaxing to hear, the most simple thumb piano that we sell, children love to play these, it is a fantastic toy but can also be used by the professional musician who would like to try a new angle.
Purchase the Kosbaar Kalimba Here.
8. Chisai Pocket Kalimba - 8 Note
★★★★★ - "Fabulous, thank you". - Verified Buyer
The Chisai Pocket Kalimba, with its 8 notes, may be small, but it delivers an impressive resonating sound. Compact and versatile, it features a keychain attachment, making it the perfect gift for musicians who want to play on the go. The engraved notes on the keys make following kalimba tabs effortless, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable playing experience anytime, anywhere.
Buy the Chisai Pocket Kalimba Now.
9. Gansu Kalimba - 9 Note
★★★★★- "Thank you so much for the super speedy dispatch and delivery. I'm delighted with the kalimba, which is beautifully made and very sweet sounding." - Verified Buyer
The Gansu Pocket Kalimba, with its 9 notes, is a portable gem crafted from solid wood. Designed for convenience, it features numbered keys, making it simple to play along with songs. Despite its small size, this kalimba produces a magical sound with each note, offering a delightful experience for beginners. Its compact design ensures easy handling and effortless reach for every note.
Order the Gansu Kalimba Today.
Nakuru Kalimba - 7 Note
The Nakuru Thumb Piano Kalimba has six note and is a unique, handmade instrument from Kenya, crafted from natural materials like gourd, timber, and metal tines. Known for its rustic, authentic design, this kalimba produces warm, clear tones, amplified by a small sound hole.
Purchase the Nakuru Kalimba Here.
Magadi Kalimba - 17 Note
The Magadi 17 Note Kalimba offers a rich, resonant tone with its solid wood construction and metal sprung keys. Tuned to the C Major scale, it's perfect for both beginners and advanced players. Its ergonomic design ensures comfort, while its durable build guarantees long-lasting sound quality.
Gecko Kalimba - 21 Note
The Gecko 21 Note Kalimba is perfect for musicians seeking versatility with its 21 keys and mellow tone. Made from durable camphor wood and tuned to C, it offers a clear, resonant sound. The compact design, along with included accessories like a tuning tool, case, and instruction booklet, makes it a complete package for players of all levels.
