Hugh Tracey Treble Kalimba with Internal Mic Pickup - 17-key Treble Kalimba
From Hugh Tracey
Hugh Tracey Kalimbas are hand made thumb pianos from South Africa, known the world over for their beautiful tone. These instruments are truly authentic both in construction and sound. The Kalimba - depending on the region also called Thumb Piano, Finger Piano, Mbira, Sanza or Likembe - is a wood box on which a collection of metal strips are mounted. The Kalimba is held in the hand or on the knee and the musician plucks the free hanging strips with the thumb or fingers.
Amazon Sales Rank: #9050 in Musical Instruments Color: Natural Brand: Hugh Tracey
Nice authentic African Instrument Am really enjoying my Kalimba. The unit was smaller than I was expecting but I didn't check the measurements before ordering so it was just my wrong concept. The treble scale is reported to be a bit smaller than the alto in terms of tine spacing. If so, I'd probably be happier with the alto as I have big hands and the space is a bit pinched on the treble. Sound wise it is beautiful with lots of sustain and clear bell like tone. The hole on top and the two smaller holes on the bottom allow for some neat vibrato effects. The pickup works fine. I did find the finish of the metal tines to be a bit rough. They were not properly formed and smoothed on the end where you fingers/nails strike the tine. I would polish them myself but am not sure if that will change their pitch. These are very fun instruments to pick up and doodle with even if not trying to play a proper song.
