Buy Kalimba 2025 - Buy cheap Kalimbas online

The kalimba is a simple-looking instrument that's easy to play, but somewhat more difficult to master. A good kalimba will help you greatly in learning to play it. Learn everything you should consider when buying a kalimba , how to buy kalimbas online at a reasonable price , and what kalimbas actually are, if you don't already know.

The Kalimba/Sonolimba at Sonodrum is handcrafted from high-quality coral wood, which is characterized by an accurate, loud tone and a pleasing echo. The increased density of the coral wood gives the Sonodrum Kalimba a slightly deeper sound. You can only purchase it online.

The relaxing effect of the sounds produced by a kalimba musical instrument has made it so popular and has become extremely popular in recent years. Many people want to buy a kalimba but aren't sure how. With its soothing melody, the kalimba is considered a wonderful instrument for meditation, relaxation, and yoga . The kalimba also sounds perfect when played alongside a large lotus drum or tongue drum .

Learn everything about the instrument and the new hobby that keeps many people in check and immersed in music. The topic is " Buy Kalimba 2025 - Buy Kalimbas Online at Affordable Prices," and by the end, you'll have found the information you've been looking for.

What is a Kalimba - Thumb Piano Kalimba

There's an instrument that's little known to the general public, but it's easy to play and produces a sound that's both magical and gentle. It's the kalimba—an instrument everyone will love!

The African thumb piano

The kalimba is an instrument from sub-Saharan Africa. Like the tongue drum , xylophone, glockenspiel, and vibraphone, this instrument belongs to the family of idiophones (instruments whose sound is produced by the material of the instrument).

The kalimba was originally used in traditional music and had bamboo slats, which were later replaced by metal slats.

Like many African instruments, the kalimba can have several names: Mbira, Sanza, thumb piano, finger piano , etc. The body of this instrument can be a coconut, a wooden board, or a wooden sound box. The Sonodrum kalimbas are made from a handy block of natural wood, onto which the individual sound bodies made of ore metal have been delicately integrated by hand to form a piano. The arrangement of the individual sound bars creates a beautiful melody when playing the kalimba / sonolimba . The sounds are produced by the vibration of the reeds, each of which is cut to a specific length and thus produces a specific note that can count from 5 to over 20, depending on the model. Using this instrument is very simple: you hold the body in your hand and make the lamellae vibrate with your thumbs.

Today, this instrument can be found in a wide variety of fields. It is used not only in "conventional music," but also in music therapy and early musical education. Due to its distinctive sound, it is also frequently used in popular music.

Buy the Kalimba online now

The soft, warm tones of the kalimba will make you fall in love with its timbre. The kalimba is played all over the world because learning the kalimba is a natural process. It practically plays itself. Playing the kalimba requires no prior knowledge or musical training. This makes it easy to play even for absolute beginners.

The best price only online!

Our kalimba, which is only available online, is available in two different versions, i.e., two different prices: one with 17 keys and one with 21 keys. The keys are rounded and made of ore steel for a pleasant feel. The rounded edges of the wood ensure that the kalimba is comfortable to hold. Sonodrum's price -performance ratio remains undisputed – as already mentioned, the topic is: Buy a kalimba in 2025 - Buy kalimbas online at low prices . You'll find the best and cheapest kalimbas online in Germany at Sonodrum !

Kalimba test - how good is our Kalimba

Just take a look at the instrument reviews ; that says it all about the quality and the kalimba test , which Sonodrum definitely passes in Germany. For example, Cy W. writes: "The kalimba arrived faster than I expected. The workmanship is so beautiful and it comes with a hard case. I love it and will definitely recommend it. ❤️." Or Julia E.: "A fantastic instrument. I didn't expect this at all. I already have a Sonodrum tongue drum, but the Sonodrum is also really great and very easy to play." These are versions with 17 or 21 keys.

Since you 'll be playing a kalimba handcrafted from high-quality coral wood, it will last a long time!

Buying a Kalimba - what should you look out for?

A kalimba is probably not the instrument you think of first, but it is one with a certain tradition. It's difficult to say when the first kalimba originated. And it seems to have been a constantly evolving instrument. It may have first appeared around 3,000 years ago in West Africa, somewhere near present-day Cameroon. Back then, it was made from plant material like bamboo.

For many people, this is a new instrument. Therefore, most won't necessarily know what to look for when purchasing one. Therefore, there are a few simple things to keep in mind:

• The wood
• The keys
• The mood

Product tips for buying Kalimba

If you're planning to buy this African instrument, you might be having trouble choosing a kalimba, especially because you know nothing about it. You just saw someone play the kalimba brilliantly, liked the music, and decided to buy one. Choosing the wood used to make the body of this musical instrument is one of the most difficult tasks. Don't worry, the following product tips will help you find the best one for you.

The wood

This can have an influence. Mahogany is a tonewood most people will be familiar with. It's commonly used for guitars and has a particular resonance and warmth. Some of this transfers to the kalimba, but some doesn't. But the mahogany used for guitars relies to some extent on the body to create its resonance. On a kalimba, there's no body; just a solid piece of wood. Coral wood is often used as a substitute for mahogany in kalimbas. Our Sonodrum kalimba is made of coral wood and gets very good ratings in kalimba tests .

Koa is also an alternative, and in some people's eyes, a better option. There are also kalimbas made of bamboo or even plywood. These don't sound as good, nor are they as durable and resilient. In our opinion, it's better to stick with mahogany or coral wood.

The keys

They are often ignored as unimportant, but they are the most important element responsible for the kalimba's notes . Most keys are made of metal, but there is some confusion regarding the type. Ore refers to a raw metal that is not bonded to another metal to form an alloy.

Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, so it's not a raw metal in itself. Every name sounds different. Even steel sounds different depending on the alloy's composition. It's best to choose a metal that's flexible yet durable. Sonodrum's keys are rounded and made of ore steel for a comfortable feel.

The mood

Most kalimbas are tuned to C, although this can be changed. This beginner kalimba is popular. Just because it's tuned to C doesn't mean it can play a C scale as kalimba notes . This is important if you want to play Western music on it. If you want to play popular music, you need an instrument that is tuned diatonically. Most music uses the chromatic scale, which uses the white and black keys. In C, these are just the white keys on a piano. The kalimba notes played change with a key change and then use black keys. The kalimba does not have the equivalent of the black keys on a piano.

So, you can't play kalimba songs on it, but you can play many of them. It usually comes with a tuning hammer, and the individual tines/keys are tuned by pulling them out or pushing them back in. There are even apps for smartphones where you can download a tuner for the kalimba .

These are the product tips we can give you today if you 're thinking about buying a kalimba . Listen to the different kalimba songs and choose one you like . Buying the best kalimba can be that simple .

Buy the most popular Kalimba in Germany now

Don't wait! Now is the perfect time to buy a kalimba online, as prices are extremely attractive for the German market. Give a thumb piano and kalimba music book as a Christmas present, treat yourself, or treat your kids with a kalimba for children .

The choice of kalimba depends on your needs (traditional music, contemporary music, early musical education, or music therapy). To choose the right kalimba, you should listen to videos on YouTube or watch our video here . Even a beginner will notice the difference between the crystalline and harsh sound. Our Sonodrum kalimba has a sound that is sure to please and envelop you. The kalimba plays in the international standard key of C major. The melodies of the keys correspond to the following kalimba notes: D, B, G, E, C, A, F, D, C, E, G, B, D, F, A, C, E

Kalimba instruments in different materials and colors

As a rule of thumb, you can assume that more expensive kalimbas are made of higher-quality materials and therefore have better keys. However, this is not a guarantee, so be careful when buying from websites like eBay or from unbranded brands that aren't available anywhere else. Some kalimbas also have lacquered keys. We consider this purely aesthetic and can detract from the clarity of pitch when playing.

Apart from that, stickers are often included with the kalimba to mark the notes, similar to how you can put stickers on piano keys. They make little difference to the sound as perceived by an untrained ear, but if you can learn without them, you should give it a try. Sonodrum kalimbas come with stickers. This makes playing the kalimba easier at first. You can remove them later.

On kalimbas made of solid wood, the keys are closer together and the sound is less full. They are ideal for players who like to "hit" several keys at once and build chords .

Hollow-body kalimbas often have a sound hole, which increases the volume of the instrument. The distance between the keys and tines is usually wider than on their solid-wood counterparts. These are ideal for players who want to play songs that require a lot of individual plucking. With widely spaced keys, you have more space to be more precise while playing, leading to fewer mistakes.

You may have noticed that some kalimbas are made of acrylic , while others are made of wood. But which is better, acrylic or wooden kalimbas?

Many kalimba players like to use both an acrylic kalimba and a wooden kalimba. Using one of each allows for more experimentation with the sounds and greater versatility. If you enjoy the subtle tonal differences between the two kalimbas, you can discover which songs sound best on each kalimba.

Remember, you should only consider two kalimbas if you already have one you really want to play. If you're still looking for your first kalimba, you should only get one, as you won't know if you want to continue playing until you try it out.

Acrylic Kalimba

So what are the advantages and disadvantages of the acrylic kalimba?

Advantages of Acrylic Kalimba

• They are usually available in a wider variety of designs and looks.
• A warmer tone may be better suited to certain songs and styles.
• The quieter sound volume may be better for practicing without disturbing others.

Disadvantages of acrylic kalimba

• They are usually heavier and can be a strain when playing for long periods.
• They are more susceptible to scratches and damage.
• The lower volume can also be a disadvantage in certain situations.

wooden kalimba

And what about the advantages and disadvantages of the wooden kalimba ?

Advantages of wooden kalimba

• They reflect the traditional sound.
• More advanced techniques, such as vibrato, are possible.
• Their lighter weight makes them easier to hold and play for longer periods of time.

Disadvantages of wooden kalimba

• The sound can be a bit louder, which may not be desirable for quieter songs.
• Limited variety in terms of style and appearance.
• Volume can be a problem if others want to play quietly.

What is the best metal for kalimba?

Uncoated steel ore offers the best resonance for a kalimba, with fewer material additives, such as colored coatings, for aesthetic purposes. Furthermore, the sound is clearer and they look more authentic when associated with their African heritage and predecessors.

It's a simple fact that you'll find far more kalimbas that come with coated keys to make them look more attractive. There's nothing wrong with coated tines on a thumb piano , and they play very well if they're of good quality, but cheaper coated materials are often poorly made and can worsen the hum of the kalimba if the surface in contact with the bridge isn't good. For this reason, at Sonodrum, we only use uncoated steel ore keys , which are rounded!

How do you play a kalimba? Is it difficult to learn to play a kalimba?

The kalimba is one of the four instruments in the world that are easy to learn. It is also known by various names such as thumb piano, mbira, and so on. In addition to what you see in the front view, it also has two vibrato holes on the back. Users simply need to cover the vibrato holes with their fingers and strike the keys with their thumbs to produce music. By covering and uncovering the vibrato holes while playing, the melody becomes much more pleasing. It is the ideal instrument for starting to play music—the kalimba for beginners in music is the best choice because learning the kalimba is easy and you get a feel for music. It is also especially suitable for children.

Learn to play Kalimba for beginners

It's possible to buy wooden or acrylic kalimbas . The advice here is to go with wood for your first kalimba. Plastic or acrylic kalimbas can be very good, but there's hardly anything that matches the resonance and overall "feel" of a wooden instrument.

The standard kalimba has about 17 keys, and you only need your thumbs to play it, so it's really easy to get the hang of it. If you're just experimenting with it or want to write your own kalimba songs , it'll take you about an hour to play a good melody because the kalimba is so easy to play. And if you want to learn one of your favorite songs, you can find tons of different, easy-to-follow tutorials on YouTube.

You can buy great kalimbas with or without sound holes, so the choice depends on personal preference and appearance. In any case, learning the kalimba is easy and suitable for beginners.

Kalimba with sound hole - buy the Sonodrum Kalimba

The advantage of a kalimba with a sound hole is that the space is used to modulate the sound. Additional holes on the back of the kalimba, accessible with the ring or little finger, allow the volume coming out of the hole on the front to be increased or decreased. This also allows the sound of the kalimba to be influenced note by note.

The sound is naturally amplified in the chamber created by the box design, and with practice, you can create vibratos by quickly moving your fingers back and forth near the rear sound holes.

There's nothing that even remotely resembles the sound of a kalimba. In the lamellophone class of percussion instruments, which also includes things like tongue drums, there are very few instruments that sound like it, even within the same class.

Long thumbnails are not essential for playing the thumb piano , but they can be helpful when you are first learning and acquiring the basic technique.

If you have long thumbnails that allow you to pluck the notes with your nail instead of the end of your thumb, this is much easier.

Over time, as your technique improves, you can return to shorter thumbnails. However, many experienced kalimba players keep their thumbnails not too long so they can play with either the nail or the end of the thumb for a softer sound.

Finger piano against stress

Creating music can be an important therapeutic tool for reducing stress or alleviating depression. The kalimba produces a light and cheerful sound that can positively influence mood. The instrument can be as simple or complex as the player desires, giving them control over the amount of time and dedication to music, as desired.

The Kalimba has a firm place in the field of music therapy today and offers people with

•       brain injuries,
•       physical disabilities,
•       hearing damage,
•       Autism spectrum disorders and
•       Depression

remarkable health and well-being benefits. Music therapists use the kalimba in different ways, depending on the patient's needs and comfort level.

Creating kalimba notes and sounds for infants can have a calming and soothing effect, helping new mothers feel less overwhelmed while creating a lasting bond between mother and child. The kalimba can also be used before birth to stimulate the fetus by playing it against the mother's belly, allowing the sounds and vibrations to reach the baby.

Kalimba therapy

Physical disabilities, such as gait disturbances or mobility problems caused by arthritis, can be treated with the sound of the kalimba, as it is designed to produce music with the slightest movements of the thumbs . In addition to the benefits of the sound or playing the kalimba, the vibrations produced by the kalimba can relax various muscle groups. Furthermore, these same vibrations allow people with hearing impairments to experience music through the sense of touch.

Sonodrum Kalimba soothing sounds - easy to play

You might think that an instrument at this price wouldn't sound particularly good, but the Sonodrum Kalimba is a truly excellent instrument . It produces beautiful, soothing notes and is therefore safe for children to play. It's not as annoying as a xylophone, for example, but it's still an easy way to get started with music. That's why it's often used in music therapy or during yoga sessions.

The peaceful sounds of a kalimba are the perfect way to calm your mind when you need some relaxation. It might not solve all your problems, but taking a break from work and pulling out a kalimba for just 20 minutes is a really good way to calm yourself and distract yourself from whatever's bothering you.

The Sonodrum Kalimba will definitely not disappoint you with its soothing and relaxing kalimba sounds .

Kalimba notes - are there Kalimba songs

Most modern kalimbas have 17 keys and are tuned to C major. Without getting too deeply into music theory, this means the kalimba can only play natural notes (C, D, E, F, G, A, and B) in a diatonic scale.

If the song you want to learn uses only these notes, you should be able to play it on your kalimba without any problems . A perfect example is "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star ," which uses only the notes C, D, E, F, G, and A. All of these notes are accessible to the kalimba, making this song easy to play without any adjustments.

It's true that not every song can be played on a kalimba, but the vast majority can be played with minor adjustments. Tuning the kalimba to include the basses and sharps is a good option for many songs, but more complicated songs may be better suited to a chromatic kalimba, which also incorporates basses and sharps. An alternative method is to simply transpose the song into a new key. In some situations, this can remove the sharp note and replace it with a natural note, eliminating the need to retune the kalimba.

If you order a Sonodrum Kalimba, a music book with Kalimba songs is always included in the set, as well as the carrying bag, cleaning cloth and tuning hammer.

Learning Kalimba for children – is the instrument also suitable for children?

The kalimba can be a fantastic stepping stone into the world of music and can become a lifelong musical companion. Sonodrum offers an excellent collection of musical instruments specifically designed for children to play in class or during leisure time.

Kalimba musical instrument for children

They are great-sounding, melodic instruments that offer a pleasant way for children to begin music. The steel keys, tuned to specific notes, produce a light, pleasant sound that can be played recreationally or in the classroom. The high-quality coral wood body projects the played notes, providing a full and rich sound. These instruments are perfect for developing the fundamentals of rhythm and melody. Whether played alone or in a group, the performance and sound quality of kalimba instruments make them an ideal choice for young musicians and their teachers.

Ultimately, the kalimba is that first love you'll always return to. There's something so simple, yet so beautiful and healing about it. Giving your child a kalimba could be just another thing that sits on their bookshelf... or it could be a gateway to a new and amazing world of music that will accompany your child through good times and bad for all their years of life. That's why you should buy a kalimba , especially as a gift for children in your family or friends.

Kalimba accessories

When it comes to kalimba accessories , there are four essential things to consider when buying a kalimba . Especially with the children's kalimba model, it's important to buy the appropriate bag so the instrument can be easily stored.

Kalimba music book

The kalimba music book is included as standard when you order a kalimba from Sonodrum. All packages include the following when you purchase the kalimba :

•       The coral wood kalimba – with 17 or 21 keys
•       a protective bag
•       the labels for the keys
•       an instruction manual and the music book/ Kalimba sheet music
•       a cleaning cloth
•       a hammer for adjustment

Kalimba tuning iron

You need the tuning iron to retune the bars with the hammer. The tuning iron is an inexpensive accessory that you can easily order online.

Kalimba bag

One of the biggest advantages of a kalimba for many people is its portability. Anyone who plays guitar, steel tongue drum , and handpan knows that transporting these instruments can sometimes be difficult. While these are all portable instruments, they're not so small that you can simply throw them in your pocket.

You need a large backpack or guitar case, and sometimes it's not practical to carry one on public transportation. Especially with a handpan, you look like a ninja turtle on the subway. The portability of the kalimba is much better in this case. The bag that comes with Sonodrum, which protects the kalimba, can be quickly and easily stowed away in a carrying case.

Kalimba textbook

The kalimba instruction book is especially helpful for beginners. This is something you should keep in mind, both as a beginner and if you 're considering purchasing a kalimba . It's best to get a textbook along with it. The Sonodrum kalimba package includes an instruction manual that can serve as a textbook. However, many people prefer the self-taught method.

Buy Kalimba Conclusion

Playing the kalimba is fun , there's no doubt about it. But buying just a thumb piano isn't enough for some, and they need something more. Fortunately, there are a whole range of accessories you can also try out, which are included in the Sonodrum package once you decide to buy the kalimba from us, which is a smart move!

Trust your hearing and choose the sound you like best or need (for music therapy, for example, you need a pure and precise sound).

There are enough models available today so that you can find the one that suits you best and we think it is the Sonodrum Kalimba with 17 or 21 keys.

We look forward to helping you find the ideal model that meets your expectations and will last a long time. You'll be buying a kalimba that you can only get online, so consider buying it online from Sonodrum right away. The great thing is that many kalimba accessories are included in the price, allowing you to buy a high-quality kalimba at a fair price.

FAQ: frequently asked questions about buying a Kalimba

Here are some frequently asked questions. Perhaps you still have one after reading this post, and you can find it here in the FAQ...