8-Note Box Student Karimba

Description

The African notes to play the African songs, plus mounted on a box with coverable sound hole to give the “wah” effect.

This kalimba started out life as the “Spiral-10” kalimba tuned to “Do Re Mi” in C. BUT, I changed the tuning on this one to the tuning of the Student Karimba – also known as the “Original Mbira” and the “Kalimba Core” (according to ethnomusicologist Andrew Tracey, Hugh Tracey’s son) – that is, what is thought to be the original tuning of the original African mbira from about 1300 years ago. As such, it plays a whole bunch of traditional African music – or, like the piece in the video tab, African-sounding music.

This one comes tuned to C major. The African scale and note layout are a bit odd… but it turns out the 10-Note kalimbas with stamped note names/numbers have the same notes as the African Kalimba (removing the low D and F). So, the stamped note names and numbers will really help you play and understand this very important traditional note layout.

The Spiral-8 has a brilliant sound, good volume from the amplification of the box, and very smooth tines. It is a joy to play.

This is a great instrument for kids, with soft smooth wood and smooth and light metal tines. Lets say the instrument is great for kids 6 and up (at least up to 63, as I love mine).

Learn more about the Student Karimba.