The originals had thousands of different kinds of tuning, as they were hand made and tuned preferably from person to person. The westernized version was created in the 1950's modern kalimbas are tuned to a diatonic scale (generally in C) which means it has no sharps or flats like a chromatically tuned instrument such as a piano or glockenspiel. The enclosure will often have a resonator to assist. The metal tines are mounted onto a box with a hollow to resonate the sound and amplify it in the same way an acoustic guitar body does. Traditionally they have African tuning and are used as a bass accompaniment to a mbira which has 2 layers of tongues (or lamella) and plays a wider range, thus able to take the melody line. It is a metal tongued instrument which originated from Africa that belongs to the lamellophone family which is classified as a plucked idiophone. Often the bass geared kalimba is confused with its more intricate originator the African mbira both commonly known in the western world as thumb pianos and so this weeks buyers guide will be giving a little more depth and explanation for those who aren't in the know.

The manufacturers have also included a guide booklet to help get beginners on their way. It doesn't come with a sturdy case like the first two we have highlighted which probably accounts for its lower price-tag but it does have a few useful accessories including an all-important tuning hammer a soft carry pouch, cleaning cloth and rubber thumb protectors. It also has a nice stained finish which is available in various shades. The body is mahogany it has very pretty carved details which are more complex and larger than a traditional sound-hole inlay. They have red green stickers to visually aid for as long as is needed as well. It features manganese steel keys, there are 17 western tuned notes from C to E they are embossed with the notes and numbers to help the user learn to play with or without musical knowledge. This next choice is far less expensive and may be a good option for those on a lower budget, the quality is still pretty decent and it is made utilizing the same material choices.

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