Kalimba 17 Key Thumb Piano Upgrade Design Acacia Wood Protective Case Tune Hammer Portable Handmade African Musical Instrument for Kids Adult Beginners Professionals

This was a perfect kalimba for a first time player. I am an experienced musician in other instruments and did research to know what to look for before buying- this was the best kalimba I could find for under $40, and it did not disappoint! It is sturdy, well-made, no defects or dings, and came with all the parts described including the surprisingly hardy travel case. It's beautiful- shiny smooth keys, smooth oiled wood that was a nice natural color- not stained too orange or red, and with a lovely pattern around the opening.Best of all was the sound- rich, resonant, and clear on all keys. Problems to look out for on a cheap kalimba are dead keys, weak/plinky keys, buzzing, low resonance (overall low volume), and overall poor sound, but the instrument I received had none of these issues. Perhaps the very outer edge keys were not as resonant as all the rest, but from what I understand that is more than usual with kalimbas that are not solid, and it doesn't impact playing at all.The booklet that comes with the kalimba gave me all the information I would need to be introduced to this instrument, maintain it, and play it. Well, everything except how to tune it (you hit the tip of the key/prong with the hammer), but that is easy to find videos to explain. Tuning a new instrument for the first time can be very time intensive and frustrating, but this was easy and already pretty well tuned. When I opened it for the first time I was able to tune it with the recommended tuning app and included hammer and start playing in less than half an hour.Other reviewers have complained of the strong perfume smell, and mine definitely has a fragrance (maybe rose?) but I enjoy it and don't mind, and it's not very strong anyway. If the perfume is to cover what would otherwise be an unpleasant factory/industrial smell from its production (which is my guess), then I would much rather have the perfume.All in all a great package- a fine instrument and everything you need to learn and play it- and I would highly recommend for yourself or as a gift.

The media could not be loaded.  We are very happy with our choice of an affordable attractive instrument. This Kalimba is made with the attractively grained hardwood acacia, so it is not easily dented and it produces a nice resonant tone. It came tuned. It comes in a secure molded case with a booklet. In It are care and tuning instructions and easy to learn songs. The kit is complete with a tuning hammer, cleaning cloth and other accessories. It is an ideal instrument for musicians and beginners alike because you can be playing songs in no time.

I purchased this Kalimba (Thumb Piano) not only for the instrument, but also for the assecessories: Songbook (songs to learn and play, songs are mostly American Folk Music), included in the songbook care instructions for the tuning and maintenence of the Kalimba, and a CD of recorded songs (from the songbook) played on the Kalimba.I do not know how to read music, I've no experience with instruments, have no talent and little interest in instruments. But while on Amazon, I came across the Kalimba, and my mind went back to grade school, where I saw a demonstration of the Thumb Piano, as it was called at that time; I recalled how pleasant it was both to see and hear. It was not complicated, and was not loud or harsh. Right there in grade school, I thought "One day I'll own a Thumb Piano."If you've never had a Kalimba, and are just becoming acquainted with it, there are two very important facts one must consider before purchase. I did my homework and I am VERY glad I did. Kalimbas originated in Africans distant past. The sound music scale is different from the western sound or music scale. And this is a big difference. Think of the movie "Sound of Music," and remember "Do, Rea, Me, Fa, So, La, Ti, Do," notice the 8 notes (keys). This Kalimba is an eight-note Kalimba, which is the basic western music scale. Some Kalimbas have 5 or 7 notes (keys), but the western music scale has 8-notes (keys): Do, Re, Me, Fa, So, La, Ti, Do. If you know very little about music or Kalimbas, keeping it simple can save you plenty money, and disappointment. Though African in origin, Kalimbas have been adapted and change over time. There are thousands of Kalimbas out there- different sizes, designs, shapes, sounds etc. I provided this information for those who know very little about music or Kalimbas. I hope this helps.I am enjoying my Kalimba-its compact, uncomplicated, pleasant sounding and easy to play and learn.

The design of this is super cute! The highest two notes on mine do not play very well even after tuning. I am not sure if this is an issue with just mine or for others. But overall I am really happy with it and can't wait to learn new songs!

I love this Kalimba. It came tuned and it sounds magical. There is a strong perfume/soap smell but it really doesn't bother me. I think that if you're someone you enjoys incense then the smell wont bug you. I spent a lot of time looking at kalimba youtube videos to try and find the one I thought sounded best. I almost went with the Kimi acrylic one, but because I'm a beginner I went with this one because it was much cheaper, I liked the look, and it sounded nice in the videos in the review section. It's everything I thought it was going to be and I'm super happy with it.

Of the $20-$30 Kalimbas I have purchased, this one is the heaviest (in a good way). Other Kalimbas feel light and cheap, but this one actually feels like a real instrument. The Kalimba comes with a hard case which seems to be reasonably good quality. The tuning hammer fits in a foam cutout in the case beneath the instrument. The tone is nice too (though all the Kalimbas I purchased in this price range sound about the same). The finish is satin and more on the yellow side instead of red.The one problem I had with my particular Kalimba was that one of the tines is not horizontal with the instrument. I may have to do an exchange.

I decided on this kalimba after much searching. I was not disappointed, it is lovely. It comes with a tuning hammer, instructions, stickers and a sturdy case. It looks and sounds so beautiful. Very pleased with my purchase.

It did not come tuned, the higher tines are really hard to play, and it shows sign of being used before. This is not what I payed for.

The media could not be loaded.  Es un instrumento súper bonito. Fácil de tocar. Le encantó a mi hijo de 10 años.Suena perfecto y viene con su estuche rígido y libro de tutoriales para tocarlo. Lo recomiendo mucho. El sonido es relajante. Además llegó antes de lo esperado.

The media could not be loaded.  Update: returned as the perfume gave me migraines. I couldn't even be in the same room as the Kalimba, even after airing it out for a week. The company was very pleasant and understanding. In their email they confirmed that they do in fact place 1g of perfume in the packaging.I have a brief musical background and knowledge of music theory under my belt, but that was more than 15 years ago.The Kalimba came securely packed in its own hard case, within a bubble wrap envelope. Right off the bat, I could smell a rosy scent. The whole thing smells like roses, and I'm not sure it is artificial or inherent to the wood. But it is strong!As mentioned by the previous reviewers, the high notes do not resonate as much, but the overall sound quality is beautiful; it is a beginner quality instrument after all, so no complaints.Right out the box, I was able to play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Later that same day I learned Ode to Joy, Brahms Lullaby, and Savage Love, all by following random video tutorials online. The design is so comfortable in my small hands, and the numbering and letting on the keys make it quite intuitive to learn and follow tutorials. Haven't had a chance to review the booklet enclosed, but everything conveniently fits into the carrying case.I'm going to take my kalimba everywhere with me.Edit: if you have trouble growing your nails or they break easily, try buying a pair of Alaska picks (size XL for most thumbs, L if you have very tiny hands).After playing my Kalimba over the past 24 hour, my thumb nails have grinded down to the flesh and I can't pluck the keys well. Alaska picks should help.

The media could not be loaded.  とても優しい音色です。いい匂いがするというレビューをみたので気になっていましたが、本品のケースの中に香水？が染み込まれた紙が同封されていました。いい匂いですがかなり匂いがキツいので、匂いが気になる方はすぐにその紙を取り除いて、本品をしばらく風通しのよい日陰に置いてあげるといいと思います。小学生の娘でもとても楽しそうに演奏しています。