Kalimba,17 Keys Kalimbas Thumb Piano Start Kits with Protective Case Study Instruction and Tune Hammer Marimba Musical Instruments Gift for Kids Adult Beginners (Brown)

This kalimba is perfect for the beginner, its got all you need, a lovely case , tuning fork, cloth colour coded stickers and a instruction book, seller was very caring and very helpful and generous. Please get this item if looking too learn the kalimba. Also great price.

I brought this for my Grandaughter, she really likes it but has only just begun to learn some tunes on it. It makes a lovely sound an come with an instruction leaflet. Very pleased

The person I bought it for is very into his music and writing music. He was very pleased with this. Another sound to play with.

I love this, it so addictive

I have to be honest and say, that before the Kalimba arrived at my home for review, I had never heard of such an instrument. I’ve played the guitar for 50 years and during that time I’ve also self-tutored myself on the mandolin, banjo and keyboards so this was a challenge of sorts.Although the Kalimba arrives in a very plain cardboard box, what’s inside the outer packaging is a very nice zippered case containing a lovely musical instrument fashioned from Okoume wood.This particular Kalimba has 17 playable tines, each with its own note value and all of these can be individually tuned should the need arise, and in case you were wondering, that’s where that little steel hammer comes into play. Using a set of electronic pitch pipes I found that my Kalimba was very much in tune, but there may be occasions where that may not be the case. Each tine has its note value stamped on it to make the selection of notes easier, especially for beginner players.(More on this later) If any note is slightly off key and needs to be lowered in pitch, then you must tap the offending tine downwards from the top. If the pitch of that particular tine needs to be raised, then you must tap the note upwards from the bottom. I must add that it’s far better to tap gently then check the pitch and repeat this several times if necessary than to be overzealous and overshoot the runway. However, once you’re satisfied with the tuning, you’re good to go.You may find it easier to play the Kalimba if you have a length of thumbnail, as this gives a crisp ring to the sound and failing that, thumb picks specifically designed for this instrument can be purchased.The accompanying 26 page tutorial and instrument care manual does a real good job of explaining the instrument and how to get the best from it musically, but also take heart in the fact that there are plenty of tutorials specific to the Kalimba on you tube.In summary, this is a lovely little musical instrument that is not only enjoyable to play but has a certain charm about it. However, there’s one area in which this particular model of Kalimba could have been improved. Instead of just stamping the note values on each individual tine, they could have made the stamped note values more distinguished by colouring them. As they stand, they are very difficult to see and warrant the removal of one star from an otherwise lovely musical instrument.

This is a really lovely item and comes boxed with everything you need (except thumb picks!) to play, including a zipped hard storage case, tuning hammer and instruction book.I admit to ignoring the instruction book and hopping onto youtube where I found tonnes of guides.Having short nails it was a bit difficult for me to play so I actually used guitar picks held between my finger and thumb which worked okay but i think I need to buy actual thumb picks to go with it for the full experience and to actually make it sound like it should.I tried the recommend android tuning app and it arrived in perfect tune so havent needed to tune it yet - I can imagine over time repeated use if the different keys will mean the tune goes off slightly and will need t tune it using the provided tuning hammer.Would recommend this

I had never seen or heard of a kalimba before and i am so pleased to have received this beautiful little handheld instrument. It is a wooden sound box fitted with metal pegs of various lengths for the different musical notes which are marked, you simply pluck these with your fingers and/or thumbs. It plays the loveliest and gentle little notes and is really soothing to play. I am not really musical at all and i have no idea how to read the music for one of these (a small starter melody guide booklet is provided) but it was quite easy to play my own tunes using the marked notes and i am sure there are plenty of ideas available via online tutorial video.Comes with a tuning hammer and all goes in a neat storage case making it good to travel with. Really lovely item and great value at £21.99 (at the time of order), i was surprised about this as instruments can sometimes be expensive and this is a really nice and well made one. Such an interesting item, it has been therapeutic and a joy to play around with, the children have enjoyed this also.