OK, I’m an advanced kalimba player, and yes, I do love playing the 17-Note Kalimba because it offers so many musical possibilities and can play hundreds of thousands of songs.
(People also ask me about the 21 note. I do have a 21-Note kalimba, but I have not bonded with it. Partly because it has SO many notes, and partly because I don’t like the “sound and feel” of the lowest notes.)
But I also love the freedom and simplicity that is available from the 10-Note Kalimba. The tines are smoother. The tines are wider. There is more space between each tine. And with only 10 tines, the music is easier to play. But note that everything you learn on the 10-Note – every song, every technique, every confidence – is immediately extended to your 17-Note playing.
I happen to think a lot more people should have this 10-note kalimba in their collection, mainly to help improve their playing on their other instruments.
Get a 10-Note Kalimba
Introduction to the 10-Note Kalimba in C
Everything You Need to Know About Playing the 10-Note Kalimba in C
African Music on the 10-Note Kalimba in C
Christmas Carols on the 10-Note Kalimba
Duets with 10-Note and 17-Note Kalimbas
If you play 17-Note Kalimba, consider this. You may have someone in your life – a partner, a child, and grandchild, or an elder – who is not ready for a 17-Note Kalimba. But they could make great progress on the 10-Note Kalimba. You know from these videos that the 10-Note Kalimba is quite capable, and can create real music. Imagine the fun you could have playing 10-Note and 17-Note Kalimba with the person you love!