Instrument: Kalimba
Orchestra Section: Percussion (Idiophones)
Brand: Kalimba
Model: W-17T
Purchased: August 28, 2020
Cost: $35
A Kalimba is a type of lamellophone that makes sounds by plucking thin metal or wooden tines mounted on a resonating body. It is also called a thumb piano. I purchased it because of its music box sound. I was debating purchasing a music box kit that let me punch holes in a strip of paper and use a hand crank to pull it through. I then discovered the Kalimba in my research and decided it would be far better for experimenting with sounds and portable.
I found one that seemed of good quality for starting out, with 17 keys, a sounding box, a waterproof case, and a little hammer to adjust the tines for $35. It also included note stickers for the tines, finger covers, and instructions.
I would often take my dogs to different parks around town. Over at Rockland Park, I would go to a secluded field up a little hill, surrounded by tall grass. I would enjoy the subtle breeze and sit down with the Kalimba, pluck away while my dogs mosey around, stick their noses in the grass, or just lie down and watch. Over in Gertrude Miller Park, we would go down by Happy Creek River, down to a grassy part of the bank, and do the same. I would alternate with experimenting with random tones, scales, and some songs by ear. I would often try to play the opening intro to the song “One Summer’s Day”.
The sound is very meditative.
on a Kalimba
Played on a Kalimba
Seccluded Field
