NKD - Tinkling in my hand

[Volker Kirstein]

New Kalimba hath arriven! I've already tinkled Do-Re-Mi, Frere Jacques, Twinkle Twinkle, and Greensleeves. The sound is very mellow

I have no idea what the huge hex key is for. There are no hex heads anywhere.

 

[JRA]

I have no idea what the huge hex key is for. There are no hex heads anywhere.

kalimbas are cool! i have several myself and i've made gifts of several this year to grandkids. it's all about the tines.

good luck finding out what that hex wrench is for! and congrats on your new instrument!

 

[Cartier76]

Maybe the Allen wrench is for the truss rod?

 

[mongo2]

The hex key is for adjusting the frenstabulator to control osternorific conjenstalation. Careful though too much can destabilize the holender.

 

[Oddly]

Maybe it's for tuning?
I know you're supposed to use a tuning hammer (google told me) but I'm thinking that allen key would do instead.

 

[Winslow]

Tinkling in my hand

Yeah, I've heard you Germans are a kinky bunch...

 

[Volker Kirstein]

Maybe it's for tuning?
I know you're supposed to use a tuning hammer (google told me) but I'm thinking that allen key would do instead.

The large hex key indeed works well as a tuning hammer.

I'm finding that free-form tinkling on a Kalimba is very pleasant and soothing. Almost zen-like. It's almost impossible to make discordant sounds.... even when including random nose flutery and death screams.

 

[StereoPlayer]

I had one of these in the 70s.

 

[Zooberwerx]

When threatened by a herd of stampeding elephants, it's easier to drag a Kalimba thru the bush than a grand piano. Of course, if this poses a daily challenge in Frankfurt, you've got bigger problems.

Riis

 

[Reedt2000]

Cool

I'd think the hex key is for tightening the bar which holds the tines in place. Usually you can loosen it and slide them back and forth to tune it. Looks like yours might be adjusted through the back? Maybe accessed through the hole in the back? The hole also lets you get a sort of tremolo effect by covering and uncovering with your fingers

 

[Rabidhamster]

I hope you have lots of great tines playing that.

 

[g-dude]

Can you play any Jaco on it yet?

 

[Volker Kirstein]

Kalimba related injury...

To quote Ringo Starr... I've got blisters on me fingers!

 

[MattZilla]

When threatened by a herd of stampeding elephants, it's easier to drag a Kalimba thru the bush than a grand piano. Of course, if this poses a daily challenge in Frankfurt, you've got bigger problems.

Riis

I seldom have the opportunity to drag anything through a grand piano, but if I ever do, a kalimba would be near the top of my list- with or without the elephants.

 

[roller]

How's the kalimba coming along?

I'm thinking about buying one... and am looking for any tips on brands, materials or anything at all.

Thanks!

New Kalimba hath arriven! I've already tinkled Do-Re-Mi, Frere Jacques, Twinkle Twinkle, and Greensleeves. The sound is very mellow
View attachment 4082644

I have no idea what the huge hex key is for. There are no hex heads anywhere.

 

[Volker Kirstein]

How's the kalimba coming along?

I'm thinking about buying one... and am looking for any tips on brands, materials or anything at all.

Thanks!

It's coming along. It sounds so mellow! It's not like I'm actually practicing, mainly just random tinkling as a kind of "mood music" with occasional forays into simple "classical" and "children's" tunes.

I bought an El Cheapo off eBay, and am not aware of any brands. Mine is wood, I don't know what type, but there are plastic and metal ones, as well.

 

[roller]

Coolio. Thanks for the insight. Danke!

I've been thinking about dropping in on an el cheapo as well... just curious if there are any brands I should pursue or stay away from.

It's coming along. It sounds so mellow! It's not like I'm actually practicing, mainly just random tinkling as a kind of "mood music" with occasional forays into simple "classical" and "children's" tunes.

I bought an El Cheapo off eBay, and am not aware of any brands. Mine is wood, I don't know what type, but there are plastic and metal ones, as well.

 

[bholder]

I found a guy on ebay who makes traditional African style, located in the Netherlands, I believe. I have several, here's one playing along with a tone drum:


handpan panned right, kalimba on left. just noodling on some arpeggiated chords.

 

[bholder]

here's their ebay store: africaninstruments_jumadrums on eBay

Highly recommended, I tried several kinds, most were "toy grade", these are a bit rough and rustic looking, but are definitely finely made "pro musical grade" and tuned (and tunable).

 

[Huw Phillips]

I spent a few year in Southern Africa and saw lots of Kalimbas most were made from scrap all sizes and sounds great instrument has anyone made one ?