The mbira or ‘thumb-piano’ is a traditional instrument, well known in many parts of Africa.  It was the favourite instrument of pioneering musicologist, Hugh Tracey, who first heard it played in the 1920s in Zimbabwe.  He loved its originality, its companionship and the fascination of its crossing finger and sound patterns. For him, the essence of African music was encapsulated in this small, lively instrument that fitted comfortably into your hands. In the 1950s he developed his own version, the KALIMBA. By tuning it to a western scale he enabled musicians world-wide to enjoy the instrument. It can be played solo or accompanied and its clear tone holds its own well against vocals or other instruments. It is the ideal portable instrument for use in any setting.

Like the African originals the body is made from resonant Kiaat wood. The keys, plucked with the thumbs, are high quality spring steel. Kalimbas are tuned to the diatonic scale of G major, although  they can be retuned to any key. They come with instruction cards giving hints on tuning, melody and chord playing.

There  several different Kalimba models, some with a hollow box (box-based) and others with a wooden board body (board-based)!

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