How to Choose a Kalimba: Reviewing Kalimbas on Amazon

[@kyju7093]

How come it seams like everyone that plays these instrument (at least on KZbin) seam like theyre the most wholesome and pure humans on earth 😭 great review I learned a lot thank you!

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Aww, thank you 😊 they are so peaceful!

[@soslothful]

Perhaps wholesome. pure people are attracted to kalimbas.

[@popeyegordon]

At least they don't have a mullet and fantasize about becoming a rock star.

[@keylupveintisiete7552]

I agree! 🤣 Only beings of light can buy kalimbas 🤣

[@keylupveintisiete7552]

@@popeyegordon Mullets are awesome

[@MisterMcKnight]

i dont even know why I'm watching this but girl you made the ULTIMATE guide, mad props

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Thank you :D

[@vanessasu7530]

i wasnt even looking into buying a kalimba until 13 minutes ago, but i guess im buying a kalimba now

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Haha, I hope you love it! 😊

[@MissAndDav]

An ad to buy a kalimba just popped in my KZbin feed and I was just about to purchase it but list the ad! But I found this instead. Now I'm definitely going to find the ad again.

[@Goated_Earl_Sweatshirt]

Same

[@emilyfromalaskax63]

😂❤

[@billpierce2510]

I've played a lot of different kalimbas and by far, I recommend Hugh Tracey Kalimbas. The are more expensive, but the quality is worth it. In fact, if I'm not mistaken, the Hugh Tracey Kalimba was the first commercially produced kalimba. The body size fits the hand perfectly, the tremolo holes on the back fits the middle finger exactly and the tines ring pure. I bought one in the late 70s and still have it today. I've used it on several recordings.

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

I have heard they're wonderful! 😊

[@ericwright7636]

Anyone that disliked this video is an idiot I searched a Kalimba I wanted on Amazon and got more information than I could possibly need through your videos. I love how happy and honest you are in your videos keep it up lady you rock!

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Thanks so much! Glad to help 😊

[@mightbebatman3659]

I bought these for my grandkids for Christmas. I need to buy one for myself, the sound is so soothing

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Wonderful! I'm sure they will love them 😊

[@mightbebatman3659]

@@MusicalMollyKhan Oh my goodness they were a huge hit. The adults loved them and the kids haven't stopped playing them. What a wonderful gift idea!

[@evelynfranklin6728]

you look so young 😍

[@carloscornelio5739]

How i hope u're my grandma :

[@dream_y1000]

Should I buy the acrylic one?

[@josephlively2524]

I don’t know how I found this video. I don’t know why I watched this video. I don’t know what a kalimba is but I now know you have a lot of them and I can tell that you love them all.

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Haha, glad you enjoyed it either way 😊

[@maxs-lz4pn]

This is the best intro to kalimbas! Thank you so much for breaking everything down and making it fun and easy to understand

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Thank you! I'm so glad it was helpful 😊

[@Goozeless]

Oh my god you have the cutest laugh and your smile is golden :0 this was very helpful ! thank you :)

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Aww, I'm glad. Thank you! 😊

[@theartsyintuitive]

🙏🌞totally

[@estitxu98101]

You literally solved most of my questions while researching to buy a Kalimba, thanks!! I was kinda concerned on price ranges and especially in wether a kalimba would turn up to be out of tune since i don't know crap about tuning a kalimba tho, but thanks for reccomending♥

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

You're welcome, I'm so glad it helped! 😊

[@giovannimataramirez421]

I really enjoy your video, your laugh and the baby sounds are a big plus haha 💕

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Aww, thanks so much :D

[@ethomas1995]

Just got the acrylic one. Its fun to tinker with in between daily life stuff. I also got the blue one too & prefer the middle prongs to the outer ones as you pointed out.

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

That sounds beautiful! I hope you love it 😊

[@Guitarbarella]

I have an aklot electric kalimba. It came in perfect tune! But they included a hammer too.

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

That's wonderful, I love mine too :)

[@Guitarbarella]

@Celina Martinez lol I know that..ha ha it’s actually called a kalimba hammer though.

[@barspinoza]

I'm so glad that I stumbled on your clear, detailed, beginner-friendly breakdown of Kalimba. Super helpful. Thank you!

[@Bumble_beegum]

i just recently discovered this instrument and I’m planning on getting one real soon. Your video and many others are so very helpful thank you!

[@ReddoFreddo]

What I'm really looking for is a 34 key chromatic kalimba with a hollow box. I really like the vibrato a hollow box allows for. I guess these don't exist, I"ll have to rig one myself

[@CanuckLynn]

I loved learning from you! Your smile is SO contagious that I found myself smiling back at you! Thanks!! 😊 🇨🇦

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Aww thank you! 😊

[@musicalmiscellany]

Oh this is so great Molly. Thank you. Ironically, I was just thinking I needed to get a decent kalimba and I don't really know anything about them... or at least I didn't before this video. I think I'm partial to the flatboard kalimbas.

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

The flatboards are my personal favorites as well :) I'm glad it was helpful for you!

[@wayfaringshaman]

You're probably the happiest person I've ever come across on the internet. I'm not quite sure I'm interested in kalimbas anymore, those little laughs you make are addicting.

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Haha, thanks 😊

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

Really nice review of several brands. And you are *adorable*. That giggle puts a smile on my face.

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Haha, thanks 😅

[@Garryjonesmusic]

Great vid. I don’t read music. I’m aging… dealing with dexterity issues. You are very helpful. Thank you. ☀️ Shine on…

[@FlameFlickers]

Just the video I was looking for, you've answered my questions - thank you. Also, you're absolutely adorable!

[@LJMusicuk]

I’ve just got my first kalimba and loving it! Interesting to find out more about the different kinds available 😃 I’ve subscribed to your channel! Look forward to hearing you playing x

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Thank you for subscribing! I hope you enjoy your kalimba 😊

[@jitanandaswami9982]

I like to see how you are so happy and your reviews are so light to see. Keep going!

[@uroojkhan7776]

Amazing Review! I never knew there are so many types of Kalimba existed. Keep smiling Molly you rock! Love and respect from India!

[@athingtobehold]

I really wanted to buy one. They sound so soothing and are so nice. Thank you for the guide! Sadly all the kalimbas that I wanted to buy from your video are unavailable :( (I can read notes). If they are back in stock I will wish for them.

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Aww, what a bummer! I hope they're back in stock soon 😊

[@frankross7982]

This gal has the nicest laugh and giggles ever!

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Aww, thank you! 😊

[@nixaeerl]

i was introduced to kalimba a year ago or so, and the sounds were beautiful🤩 but i was always hesitant to buy it since i can't play musical instruments and i was scared that i'll have a hard time playing it (i have past traumas when i bought a guitar and tried learning it). it was yesterday that i stumbled upon a kalimba on an online shop, and in an instant my interests were up through the roof😀 it was an acryllic kalimba yet the price wasn't so bad. it was such a beautiful piece, which is why i decided to get one. honestly, i'm just really excited to learn and play it because of how small yet beautiful it is☺️

[@riosolid7737]

If you love music trust me you'll learn to play it naturally

[@annaanisa7388]

I have the Gecko K17 CAP, multiple LingTings in various Keys, Kimi Rainbow Acrylic, 2 Myron Kalimbas, a Hluru (that I ended up giving away) and a cheap $20 flatboard by the seller Origlam on Amazon (for my 4 year old daughter lol). The LingTings resonate so amazingly I haven’t ever found a brand yet that resonates as good (and sounds as dreamy) as theirs. However, I notice I tend to use my Gecko the most. I wish Geckos tines resonated a little more BUT they sound so unique and beautiful in it’s own way that it keeps me coming back to it. PLUS I notice the Gecko plays much louder than all my other flatboards. I think it may be the thinness of the board cause it seems the thicker the board, the more it seems to absorb some of the sound (which isn’t quite a con ... but could be to some?). Also, I wanted to note, that super cheap kalimba I bought for my daughter for christmas this year honestly sounded better than my Hluru 😭😂😂. I like hers so much I’ve thought about adding one to my collection too - except in blue since I bought her a pink one, haha. The tines on some of the Hluru models sound super “tin-canny” if that makes any sense... I liked the sound of that one the least and gave that one away to my mom. I do have ONE hollow/resonance box kalimba... but I’ll be honest. I tried my hardest to like it but I just can’t get myself to enjoy the sound. The pure, clear notes on flatboards are far superior to my ears... nothing tops them. I wish I could get on board with the hollows cause there are too many cute ones on Amazon!!

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

I definitely prefer the flatboards as well! I haven't tried Ling Ting yet, but I adore my Gecko kalimbas 😊

[@SlinkySmith59]

great video! now is it only me or does she look kinda like hank greene?

[@gamespsych1177]

Can you tell me the exact pedal effects you used at 3:42 and 3:46? (in case they are different, I'm not sure) Great video btw!

[@anthonyrich1592]

Thank you so much for putting this comparison up. I was surprised how much better the solid wood Kalimbas sounded than their hollow brethren, it seemed counter-intuitive to me. Glad I heard the difference before buying one! :)

[@GenesisDarkweb]

Very informative video abt Kalimbas.I loved your laughter!!

[@TenedorAzucarero]

One question: if the kalimba is in B, you can tune it in C, or it "will always tend to return" to B. Thank you very much for your video (:

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

No, it will stay in tune however you set it! Kalimbas are so easy to tune because wherever you set them they will stay 😊

[@jimparsons6803]

Who knew? An informative presentation. Did not know that they came in keys. Liked that they could be attached via some mics and cords to an amp. Maybe there's some computer musical software out there so you could plug in to your computer and get some really interesting sounds?

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

I'm sure you could! I know less about manipulating sound on the computer than many, but I have done some fun effects 😊

[@sprialls1387]

thank you so much!! im buying my second kalimba because i thought id be able to reposition the tines into the piano-type layout... ended killing them all (and realized it was harder to play like that...) at least it was a little cheap starter kalimba!! again, thanks for the super helpful video

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

I'm so glad it was helpful! Good luck on the second time around 😊

[@kweenjade01]

Um...kalimbas aren't pianos tho..lol hope the new one is doing alright.

[@maja0476]

Thank you so much for the links in the description ✨✨ makes it much easier

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Welcome! I'm glad it helps 😊

[@altstufftv]

Just bought one, thanks for the vid! I've subbed woo

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed 😊

[@emitindustries8304]

Yes, Hugh Tracey Kalimbas were the first popular, quality kalimba. I met one of the Tracey brothers at a music festival around 1988. I had been playing one of their instruments for 15 years, and he was pleased I had one. He said that they made them in South Africa, using local tribesmen in their factory. The workers were very skilled and were well paid. My kalimba was beautiful, with light and dark streaks in the hardwood body. It always played perfectly. I added small metal rings to some of the notes to get the buzzing sound that some of the African mbiras produce. I'll soon be buying a Chinese made Kalimba, with built in pick up, off of Amazon. I plan to play it thru a small amp, using different effects pedals. I jam with a bunch of drummers playing djembes and Dumbecs, and need amplification. There's no way anyone can be heard over 8 drummers banging away unless you're amplified. Thank you for the great, concise video.

[@Cornplanter]

When you mentioned the one with pick-ups, I had a mental image of pulling it into an amp cranking up the distortion and playing "Smoke on the Water".

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Haha that sounds amazing! 😊

[@ChacoteOutdoorRecreation]

I am all for the introduction of the Kalimba into north America, providing the wild and reckless behavior that accompanies kalimbist is not a part of it, once leather clad violence prone Kalimba bands form they usually leave a wake of destruction before they can be quelled.

[@deborahlile3594]

I am just getting started and appreciate the information.

[@camillez.7535]

Great find...I"ll be sure to review some of your earlier posts. And some of the other commenters are right-- what a great cheery smile! (Nice to hear a wee one chuckling the background... :0) )

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Aww thank you! 😊

[@nuggy9556]

Thank you for the comparison! Also, hi to happy baby! 😊

[@danielktdoranie]

So I bought my daughter one for Christmas... Being a guitarist I was looking for a solid wood one with a sound hole (not plywood). I found one... It came with a little hammer. What is that for?

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

I'm glad you were able to find one! The little hammer is for tuning the tines. Hitting the top makes them longer and flattens the note, hitting the bottom will make it shorter and sharpen the note :)

[@danielktdoranie]

@@MusicalMollyKhan thank you Molly!

[@missfunk5]

Hi, thanks for your lovely informative video. How is it to tune from G to C or Any other Key? Also which one would you say is lighter or easiest to hol and press. I have fibromyalgia and pain is easlily provoked lol even in the hands and fingers. If you happen to know the lighter types, that would be fab. Thanks in advance. Keep smiling and laughing.

[@cutedingo]

thank you your introduction n tips are really helpful!

[@BarryGrueter]

Nice review thanks for sharing ❤️ 13:34

[@dmboyett]

🤗This was very helpful. Thank you Molly you are a real treasure.

[@robsonruzvidzo3086]

I enjoy your presentations. Could you please help find me someone to make a kalimba with 15 keys on 2 layers, like the Ghecko 17 key kalimba but tuned to the tune of a nyunganyunga mbira which I can supply with the details.? The nyunganyunga is a kalimba type mbira from Africa. Thank you.

[@grit5124]

Thanks...good info...I have a music degree and I love to fool around with different instruments. I'm thinking of getting the Seeds 34 key kalimba.

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

I think the Seeds would be perfect for you! You're going to want something with chromatic notes and a bit more range and it definitely fits the bill 😊

[@jraoulmer9962]

I love the transparent kalimba because I think they sound clear & beautiful 🤗🎶🤗🎶🤗

[@Firebolt4]

Thanks, made my purchase based off of this video. Appreciate it

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Glad to help 😊

[@Iceland874]

The Gecko kalimba isn’t available on Amazon current. I had gotten a Donner in 2018 and had to return it. One tine was not tunable.

[@mackenlyparmelee5440]

Yo just giving a shoutout, you have awesome energy!

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Thank you 😊

[@mackenlyparmelee5440]

@@MusicalMollyKhan For real, keep doing whatever it is you're doing! The world needs it! lol

[@noblentnt4217]

Such positive energy

[@ms.kalimba2267]

Now this really helps me to choose what Kalimba is right or what is best to buy. Thank u so much!😍🤩

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

I'm glad to help 😊

[@danielktdoranie]

Also, what did you use to mark the notes on it?

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

I used a sharpie, as I read that it is easy to remove with dry erase marker and a dry eraser. I haven't tested this though, so try at your own risk :D

[@danielktdoranie]

@@MusicalMollyKhan cheers!

[@bobthomas4651]

She make that thing sound like a baby. I love it and you .ur personality and giggle is beautiful

[@EvaaLvsM]

Ah thankyou for this! Looking to upgrade my knockoff Kalimba which I've loved playing. Is it worth the money to switch up to a better one? And would you then recommend Gekko or maybe an even better one (looking for the original shape)? Btw you are sooo cute

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Aww, thanks! I think it is worth it to upgrade - the main difference seems to be quality of the tines, which will make it easier on your hands/nails. I recommend anything by Gecko as I think their tines are the best 😊

[@playman9158]

Thanks a lot for your help, I now understand how chose mine and I think that I Will buy one son 😉

[@SoniaTolson]

IMHO, Ling Ting has the smoothest tines and the sweetest sound. =) (Like your sweet giggle!)

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Aww thanks 😊 I need to get a Ling Ting!

[@Zultzify]

Great video! I have the arylic one and want to get a hollowbody w a pickup

[@wylancslass]

46 seconds in and I seem to recognise you .. do you play Ukulele? I am sure somewhere in my past life I have seen you elsewhere haha! Just started Kalimba so I am visiting .. perhaps .. again!

[@TheCommentNinja81]

Hi! Nice models you shown there that I did not know. ! I should have watch this video before order my first kalimba🤦‍♂️Do you have any opinion on Lingting's Kalimba ? The 21 keys one.

[@ralphkruger9996]

Are the non wood kalimbas less subject to tuning changes due to weather/climate?

[@FedericoZeOj]

Hi!! Amazing videos, thanks Molly, really entretaiment . A favor, would you please make a comparisson between Gecko 17 Note (5:50min) and the Gecko Kalimba 24-key, the one who looks similar but with more keys? Does it worth to buy, if you allready have the kalimba Gecko 17 ? bye :3

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

I will look into it! Thank you for bringing that to my attention!

[@HolenaPontecilla]

Thank you for the guide im planning to learn kalimba this video helped so much 😊

[@Gary-Seven-and-Isis-in-1968]

Somebody on another site mentioned that the cheap Kalimbas can suffer from something called a "Dead Tine" and stated that it was faulty and did not resonate properly, can you explain this fault, is it just badly engineered and can it be repaired?

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

I believe this is a result of bad engineering; usually the tine being made out of material that slightly dampens vibration; this is most obvious on the shortest tines.

[@Gary-Seven-and-Isis-in-1968]

@@MusicalMollyKhan So if I encounter such an issue I need to actually replace the Tine?

[@Darvit_Nu]

Thank you for the information and tips comparing different brands! In the beginning I bought the ones I liked the look of but what I've found out of all of them is the Gecko Kalimbas are carefully constructed with quality materials (for example, the keys are actually steel, not an inferior metal that was electroplated!) and they carry the best resonance of the bunch. I have not tried a Kimi yet ... but now am VERY tempted! ^_^ subscribed :)

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Yes, I love my Geckos so much! The Kimi is super nice too 😊

[@sonnylou8087]

Do you like the acrylic one better? i’m kind of looking at them and I’m trying to decide which one I like and I am leaning toward the acrylic one.

[@Armored_Saint]

I ordered my first today on Amazon, flat board, blue, 21 keys, C scale 42 dollars. Starting to grow my thumbnails longer beginning today.

[@katewoodworth887]

I prefer an alto kalimba range of sound, but the Hugh Tracey is more than I want to spend. Is it possible to “tune down” a regular kalimba so that it plays more like an alto? Love your videos!

[@rick43pen]

Very cute and the Kalimba's are nice too. . I sense another collecting addict!

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Enjoy 😊

[@cathyleposa-petraud8054]

Greeeat Video.... Fabbb Infos.... Thankssssss 🤘🥰🤘💝

[@ramajr257]

Thank you for the explanation Molly.🙏

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Of course! 😊

[@wongbo75]

Just ur smile deserve a thumbs up.

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Aww thank you 😊

[@timbridge9189]

This helped me out a lot. Thank you!

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

So glad it helped 😊

[@theelonelystoner]

thx sm for this! mind linking the amp you used too?

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Yes of course! :D I use the Fender Acoustasonic Amp, get it on Amazon at: amzn.to/37r3tjS (that's an affiliate link so I'll make a bit of a commission if you buy it there) :)

[@AKAK-gm1od]

Thank you for the video :)

[@quarkgluonplasma3614]

Bravo. Thank you

[@1o_0I]

thanks for this detailed review

[@insidious]

Great video!

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Thank you!

[@colourmequaint9690]

I have really large/ wide thumbs. Do you think a Gecko k17 CAP would be a good choice? Thank you!

[@karioxley7691]

Hello we are looking at the lingting k17p and k17a flat board. One is c tone. She currently has a gecko hallow board in C tone. Is there one you would recommend between these two lingting models? I have no idea!

[@FlosKalimbaWorld]

Wow! Quite a collection there! Hope you try out a LingTing, their tine resonance is by far the best. If you ever consider getting something by Hluru, their flatboards in 17 and 21 keys are both good. Hopefully we'll see a wood-based review by you as well soon. :)

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Thank you! I have my eye on the LingTing 21 as I've heard they're amazing :D

[@FlosKalimbaWorld]

@@MusicalMollyKhan From your video I take it you have experience with reading sheet music. Here are two chromatic kalimbas to tempt your consideration. 😉🤭 Double-sided: kalimba-kings.com/products/two-sided-chromatic-kalimba Single-sided: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5i8f6iroNFnjs0

[@dbabs1558]

Thank you so much I want to buy one of these but don’t know much about them, you have made a very useful video.

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

I'm glad it was helpful! 😊

[@bigbarty8648]

Very helpful Molly, thank you.

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Glad to help 😊

[@hadrian1552]

The first thing that catch me to tap on this video is your bright smile... Keep smiling 😁

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Aww thank you! 😊

[@2l84me8]

You seem like a pleasant person. Thanks for the info.

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Glad to help 😊

[@DeeMoback]

I need someone to show us how to play "Lara's theme" or a.k.a. "somewhere my love" on Kalimba ....beautiful song..... from the movie Doctor Zhivago.

[@wulfhshado]

I loved the sound of the moozica best and then the acrylic (bear head! lol) best. Can't wait to get my hands on them. Thanks for your videos.

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Glad to help 😊

[@sunseeker4775]

Thank you for all that info. Very helpful. 🌹

[@francishatton6683]

Here goes .please forgive me .I'm no musician..but when I hear the scale played on 1.it always seems off.dont know. But to my ears things dont sound right. MY QUESTION. WHICH DO I BUY FOR A FRIEND. THAT WILL B ABLE TO BE PLAYED. GOD BLESS KIDDO XXX

[@whatalife05]

I love her laugh ❤

[@crossby38]

Hello, thank you for this vidéo, it's nice to know what kalimba is nice for beginners. I would like to buy the Gecko K17CAS but the link doesn't work ( product is unavailable). Do you know where i can find it? It's hard cause it seems to have a lot of copy of the gecko kalimba. Thanks!

[@nancysieracki6774]

VERY HELPFUL haven't bought first 1 yet

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Good luck! 😊

[@ADAOWO]

THANK YOU. my end tines haven’t worked and i didn’t know why.

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Now you know the secret 😁

[@deydododontdedoh.5672]

I Like making random weird trippy synth noises, I stumbled upon the Lottie Canto electric karimba it has built in effects! rather cool, so I started looking on amazon, then I found the Lottie Canto site but it's sold out and rather expensive. Then I stumbled upon here, yay! I think the Kalimba with a pick up linked to an effects peddle will be a more available and maybe cheaper option for me to get a similar effect as the Lottie Canto. I also agree with other comments, clear concise and respectfully I find your inner beauty radiates out with lovely giggles.🤗

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

That sounds like such a cool kalimba! I think an electric one and an effects pedal will do what you're looking for also. Good luck 😊

[@miniminmina6259]

Hi Molly I have really small hands And I’m having issues finding one that suits my hands, what would you recommend Iv tried a fee already

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

The only one I know of that is smaller is this pentatonic model: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqmyeqytaN-Yedk You wouldn't be able to use kalimba tabs with it, but it sounds beautiful :D