How To Tune a 17 Key Kalimba + How To Fix Kalimba Buzz

[@AngryBeerrin]

I love any instrument that you have to tune with a HAMMER!

[@averie-w.]

😂😂😂💖

[@wholesomedemon7611]

Absolutely

[@mikeloredo]

yea, but a cute hammer😂

[@m0nsterchief]

Makes you feel like the Thor! Isn't

[@poiwytlee]

For people new to the kalimba who are having a buzzing issue: If your kalimba doesn't have an option to adjust the pressure on the tines, sometimes if I can fennagle it out of the barr/bridge/I-have-never-learned-what-it's-called-in-9-years, the buzz is often caused by a loose tine. Your tines will be loose if they are bent too much, so if you can fennagle it out and grip with protected pliers (cloth or similar between them and the tine) and apply gentle pressure until you can straighten it out better, it'll tighten it. It can be a challenge getting it back in after this and sometimes you have to bend it back a bit more. It should be harder to get it back in and I've scratched up plenty of bases this way, but sometimes this can be the solution :)

[@lynjade3397]

Can you make a vid on how you do that? Thanks :)

[@Chandy84]

I didn't understand

[@hasansakib3969]

Hello dear let me tell you my problem. I got my kalimba yesterday. All keys are fine but 2 keys the A6 and E3 (highest note) are sound like muted..dont have any sustain..i am too much worried if my kalimba is wrong or abnormal.can u please explain more to fix it?

[@efeunal8729]

What? I didnt understand it

[@deletedkneecaps]

All I did was straighten the metal bar and the buzzing stopped

[@BillHart_Family_Friends]

Wow, it sure is frustrating; I sure hope it stays in tune and doesn't need constant tuning like new strings on an instrument! Thanks for sharing this procedure!

[@KaliTheNomad]

How to tune a kalimba without a sweat! (with English Subs) kzbin.info/www/bejne/jn62g4WunNedrc0

[@TastyLaserCakes]

@@KaliTheNomad That's a horrible video. Shaky camera, oddly tuned voice, and I personally can't understand it. Much worse in every way when compared to this video.

[@ShoppingBored]

It doesn't need constant tuning though you might get bored with your current scale (which is usually key of C) and try a different one. From time to time I shift to key of F. You can check out the website there are other recommended tunings as well

Wow, thanks!! I know NOTHING about notes and music other than "do re mi fa sol la si do". I received this kalimba that made some beautiful music and loved it so much. Then my son dropped it on the floor and it was a disaster. It was just to terrible. I tried a little bit to see if I could fix the notes a little with no success. Found your video and started to tune it properly, to realise all the notes were something like 1cm off each. Fixed it a little bit for tonight, at least now it sounds like it needs a little more tuning (which I'll do later) but I'm relieved that I feel i'll be able to get my beautiful melodies back

[@UkuleleCheats]

I am glad this helped you :)

[@zhaira9361]

Why am i watching this? (I don't have kalimba)

[@UkuleleCheats]

:D that's a good question

[@zhaira9361]

@@UkuleleCheats i now have one 😂 Just came yesterday in the mail 🤣

[@ruruonmobile8564]

@@zhaira9361 mines waiting the the mail🤣

[@rach3834]

Me too....

[@DeoDeooo]

I'm just getting one lmao

[@jocelyns2176]

I recently ordered a kalimba and it said when you get it you need to tune it, and I didn’t even know what that was, this was so helpful!

[@travv88]

Took about an hour but I finally tuned my cheap ass $17 kalimba! Sounds good. The secret to not being bored doing this, put in some headphones with a podcast while you do it.

[@LostLeftyLimb]

Dude thanks so much for this. I got one because I use to “play” as a child and it’s completely out of tune. I think I got the same kit you have. About to go tune it up. Thanks for taking the time. You’re wonderful for real.

[@dadasaurusrex]

Smart Kalimba- kalimba tuning, playing mode. This is the app I use for mine very easy to tune in a couple min.

[@bucketnoodles8355]

Thanks 🥺, I needed a simple app-

[@barbedstar6480]

Just tuned up my new Gecko 17 MBR Kalimba...not difficult, but time consuming. Things that will help: If you do not know about the piano keyboard.. find and copy a picture of it - one or two octaves. Find and note what keys represent which notes on your paper copy. Get a good tuner that represents piano keys. Working with the key of 'C'. With tuner on, run the keys of the kalimba to understand which keys you need to tune. Get out the little hammer. It is only to be used in tiny taps, 2-3-4 at a time...very few and very gently as your note approaches dead on tuning. I found that by holding the heel of my hand braced against the kalimba side and holding the hammer like I would hold a pencil, by moving just my fingers, I could hold the hammer perpendicular to the tine I was taping into tune. If the note shows flat (to left of center) you need to shorten the tine, taping at the bottom of tine. If the note is sharp (needle swings to right of meter center) tap at the top. Gentle, little taps and inch your way to the meter middle line. By checking your piano keyboard picture you will see where your note is as to the tuner and where it needs to go to become in the center of the meter and in tune. My tuner gives me a green light when dead on in tune. I hope this helps. Not all hammers are for pounding nails! If you get frustrated, set it down and go do something else for a while. I read a ton of comments of several sites from frustrated folks and that is why I am posting this. Love, love my GECKO!

[@mistyspring6684]

This was really good, I just got started on my kalimba I bought on amazon. Also your accent is really cute ✨

[@sunshine-yr4qw]

Just got mine today, a lot to learn. Sounds beautiful

[@aurora6988]

Thank you so much for this video! You have no idea how much it helped me ! I was freaking out on where on earth I am going to find a way to tune this thing, but after seeing your video, it definitely calmed me down - lmao I was even tuning it at the same time as you were. It was especially helpful when you mentioned how the tuning goes by a chromatic scale! I truly do thank you and wish I could give you a high five! :) What Imma do though, is definitely leave a Subscribe :)

[@UkuleleCheats]

Thanks :)

[@EvilNata]

You're an angel sent from heaven, thank you.

[@garywest3763]

KEY TIP, when you are tuning, NEVER EVER Touch ANY part of the Metal tines or any part of the Kalimba as you BLOCK the Resonation of sound by blocking the REST OF THE tines/ sound of the Instrument, this BLOCKS the sound and will throw off the tone.

[@DCBAonline]

You are hitting hammer from wrong side, this might damage the tines, the sharp part in hammer is to correct the alignment of tines.

[@ShadowCatGambit]

No.

[@DanielkaElliott]

I followed the instructions in this video and now my kalimba won't stop buzzing

[@ShadowCatGambit]

Daniela Elliott I've stopped the buzzing by sliding the keys back and forth horizontally.

[@maggiechang588]

Ooh... The kalimba is quite complicated one! I keep watching that tiny cute hammer while you're doing the job... Not sure if I have that patience as yours 😮... A great lesson to learn! Best!!!

[@jimmyvongmusic]

i finished the whole video and I dont even have a Kalimba 😂

[@Xaiff]

Recently bought a kalimba and higher D on it's right always buzz like crazy whenever I hit it. Your video saved my ears, bruh. Greatly appreciated.

[@ShadowCatGambit]

try sliding the key left or right

[@TinaOnEarth]

Thanks so much for the video! Unfortunately my kalimba is set up where the screws are underneath the plates. And my highest D and E don't ring very well if that makes sense. Not sure if it's best to tune down instead.

[@poiwytlee]

I had one of my tines so loose/buzzy I was able to pull it out! I found that it was loose because the tine was bent too much, so I took some pliers to hold it tight and applied gentle pressure until it bent more straight. It was a slight challenge getting it back in but it's nice and tight now :)

[@TinaOnEarth]

Goddess Xy not sure what you mean.. like are you bending them backwards to straighten them out? i just tuned down my kalimba by 2 steps in hopes that it would help the upper 2 tines ring better... but no luck.

[@miracleyang9220]

Omg! Im having the exact same issue and tried tuning it down/up and still nothing. It's really hard learning while your highest D and E don't ring well... If you find something lmk!

[@arunimagiri5410]

Hey miracle ! Did you find a way round the ring issue of D n E ? I happen to be facing the same problem.

[@miracleyang9220]

Arunima Giri I actually did! But only for the D note. I actually found that I had pieces of plastic stuck underneath it (probably from the package) and it made a huge difference but but I also adjusted or moved it closer to its neighbor note but NOT TOUCHING it. You’ll just have to really experiment with it and move it around to hear a difference. Let me know if that worked.

[@bringmethatcoffee5235]

Okay, so I borrowed a Kalimba from a friend bc I wanted to try it out before buying one for myself. Yesterday though, I stupidly thought that I could slightly "correct" it, and.. Yeah. So thank you. :D

[@tzeweitan6703]

Hi can u do a tutorial on how to fix a dead tone? (Not resonating) or just offer me some tips on how to fix it? It is so fustrating >___< . P.S nice video :D

[@XSSOS]

Me too thanks. Just got one with a dead A flat in freygish

[@hasansakib3969]

Did u get any solution? Same problem A6 and E3

[@chloewalker214]

You are literally a life saver thank you so much

[@janetgerena2657]

Who else’s kalimba is coming in the mail right now?! 🤚🏻

[@chiarasharethelove]

Wow Love it. I learn to Play kalimba since a day and that helps me a lot. Thank you so much.Much Love ❤️

[@lailahmorales6179]

Ughh. I needed this so much!!! Thank you!

[@aaronward9140]

Anyone know how to tune a Kalimba properly so that the highest D and E tines don’t just sound like metal? They are too stiff so there is no nice sound coming from them, i tried tuning every note down but the tines aren’t long enough :(

[@lindseydejesus1877]

i have the same issue with the highest c, d, and e. i would also love to hear any possible solutions??

[@bertildew]

@@lindseydejesus1877 @aaron ward Yes indeed, I've got the same problem! They are just too tight so there's no sound coming out of em.

[@mestredoescudo]

my kalimba has the same issue, the last notes are just metal sounds very annoying i would love to hear a solution

[@aperkins07]

Can you loosen the screws at the end? Just an idea

[@tonkakatsu]

Hi, any solution for this kind of situation??

[@arunimagiri5410]

Hey! I've got a question . I just got a gecko kalimba and was in the middle of tuning it when I realized that the end keys(2) don't vibrate at all .Is there a way to fix it or returning it is my only option ?

[@schleepy6362]

I know you commented a year ago, but I have a gecko too, and I heard its a common problem with most kalimbas. Those higher notes have a hard time sustaining, and the only "fix" is tuning them lower. Still means those notes will always sound bad, which blows, but I don't think there's anything especially wrong with your kalimba.

[@hasansakib3969]

@@schleepy6362 your comment is so relaxing as i was also worried that mahbe jst i have the problem but i have a question when the most famous kalimba player gecko sponsored April Yang play the kalimba i saw no problem with full sound.. I was inspired by her sound and now i feel like what the hell i ordered.. Some higher notes no sustain jst muted sound what can i doooooo

[@schleepy6362]

@@hasansakib3969 I'd give a magical solution if I had one, bro. Not sure why it sounded better in April's video, sometimes influencers just get better, special-made products from their sponsors. If your kalimba is brand new, I've heard that just playing all your notes often will help loosen the tines and get a better sound. I found this article that goes pretty in-depth if you wanna read: www.kalimbamagic.com/blog/item/how-do-you-get-the-high-notes-to-sound-good It gives a few tips for adjusting tines and techniques for playing those higher notes to make them sound better.

[@lindseydejesus1877]

oh my god you do kalimba too???? i just got one!! omg you're actually perfect

[@omiseunlomax4775]

Thank U. This was very helpful. Also, encouraging for a beginner; thanks again ☺

[@samih.potter6798]

you really have to say something special for me to like the video but its so rare for me to subscribe AND LIKE the vid, thank you for being helpful so kind of you

[@Duckers_McQuack]

Do you know of an alternative? Pitchlab is possibly too outdated as i couldn't find it on my iphone 11 pro.

[@jayceee10]

Where can i download the tuner app? :)

[@zeroseventwentyone]

Great stuff! I'm getting a kalimba today and it doesn't have the tuning kit but I can borrow it from my friends so I guess it's fine.

[@godd226]

Thanks, was educational and comedic as well. Good teacher

[@jarvis610]

Question - I just got a Kalimba and the last "plate"/key whatever is basically dead. The sound, when plucked, is almost a thud. There isn't any vibrating tone at all. Does that mean that the little allen wrench needs to be used to loosen or tighten that one? I don't even think that mine included one of those. Help please? Thanks for making this video!

[@kasibree2569]

I can't find this answer either. My D and E on the ends dont vibrate like the other keys so it sounds muffled.

[@robertsmith1810]

I clip my chromatic guitar tuner on the end of the tines and that seems to work alright for tuning

[@BadRizlaiine]

what's the name of the application you're using?

[@pransilka]

gosh my B on kalimba sounds like A on my tuner ;p

[@paulasophie6282]

Ugh mine too and it seems like I can't get it right!

[@thasmerahamid5208]

Im here 2 years later

[@maryelsellis9564]

Hello. What app are you using?

[@fruijae]

Not sure what the correct terminology is, but one of the tines does not ring like the rest. It sounds like someone flicked an empty pot or something, just a really dull note in comparison to the rest. I wrote to the manufacturer and they suggested tuning it with the little tuning hammer, but no matter what I do the tine will not ring like the rest. Anyone know how to fix it?

[@ShadowWolf-br3no]

I cant find the app and my kalimba didn't come with the small Alan key

[@kspooks]

ShadowWolf1403 you can use quantz tuner

[@karenvaage6040]

Yup you showed me some ricks I didn’t know and you are right the paper method under the times doesn’t correct a buzz. Where did you get your kalimba that tightened each key to eliminate the buzz

[@TheJoannazzzz]

HI! Thanks so much for this. But I can't seem to make the tuning change at all when I hammer. How hard do you strike the tines? thanks!

[@EmZTRadioUniquelyCountry]

Thank u so much. I just bought my kalimba and ut arrived today. You have saved me the effort of doing my own video. However i am trying to find the app that you are using on Google play. May i please have thd link?

[@katherineheer4313]

OMG thank you! So helpful!

[@Dorlocor]

I press the lower keys and they make a sound for like, a milisecond and then stop vibrating, is it too firm? the screws are under the notes

[@mestredoescudo]

same issue here, they sound just like metal

[@caronteone]

Nice explanation but..... Are you sure hammers are used this way? 🤔

[@Xxmeca421xX]

Use the flat end so it doesn't dent it up. The sharp end is used between the tines to space them

[@patcotsman866]

You did this so well. Anyone tell you that could be mistaken for Borat? Tnanks muck!

[@eylulurie8343]

Hi! The tuner app in my phone kept on recognizing the F5 note as F5#, can you help me resolve this? 😭 it would be really a big help. Very great tutorial by the way!!

[@me64268]

i have a similar problem! i used three different tuner apps and all of them recognise the E5 note as D5#. Hope we can solve the problem

[@mx.lilith666]

OMFG IT WORKED

[@catiponjillianejoie7666]

what tuner is this?

[@Turtlelover333]

What app are you using, please?!

[@geraldineboyd202]

Very helpful, thank so much😍

[@ShadowCatGambit]

Do you have to hold it for the tune to be accurate? I've been trying to tune with a mic on my computer, but it's only giving me consistent note readings if I put the Kalimba down on my computer where my mic is standing.

[@inoue6]

I know it might be a little late but putting down kalimba on anything transfers the vibrations from the body to the object i.e. a table. That might change the pitch a little bit so it's definitely better to tune while holding the kalimba than placing it on a desk. The same goes for playing, you can check it out for yourself. While playing try to rest a kalimba on the desk and see how the sound changes ☺️

[@wilmacortez1606]

what apps for tuning this kalimba

[@monalisa1344]

My one doesn’t have a tube thingy, it only has a hammer! What do I do?

[@XsofiaangelaX]

What app does he use ??? Thank you

[@shoshoshishi6873]

Hii I have a question so I downloaded a tuning app and when I play the letter A it says in the the app it’s letter G so how do I fix the tune?

[@czanngilhang8293]

What should I choose in the preset instrument? Just the standard guitar?

[@ardiris2715]

I use a punch that has an indented tip. I position it on the tine and tap the punch with the hammer.

[@jamesdo1730]

Where did you get the Tuning App?

[@AniramTay]

G strings is a good tuning app

[@reaganluker2278]

I have InsTuner, good free app for apple.

[@akosinikkaa]

Can you pls. Send the link for the app that you are using. Thank you very much!

[@roshandolatre]

Heeey, where did you get the app? Can't find it on the playstore. Please answer, I really need some help to tune my Kalimba. Thanks :(

[@UkuleleCheats]

pitchlab-lite.en.uptodown.com/android You need to write "Pitchlab Lite" I am not sure if they have it for iOS, but for Android - it is my favorite

[@roshandolatre]

Ukulele Cheats Thank you so much! You saved my 2 days XD. I am just a newbie and I got a 17-key kalimba as a birthday gift from my parents. So glad I found your channel. You received a like and a subscriber as an exchange. Thank you. 😊

[@sarahmitchell7700]

thank you for this video!

[@KrillWhisperer]

sooo... "dead tins" are just untuned? i don't need to stress over it?

[@andiamo666]

This was useful. Thankyou.

[@alternativetelling5913]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@IreneHerz]

Thank you!

[@Tiquly]

How do you tune a sharp?

[@anglikai9517]

Hi, do we have the link to the pitchlab app, couldn't find it online.

[@temahoney]

.....and now that I know what a Kalimantan is..........I want one.

[@ezandicreates2065]

My way is more awkward i just hold a guitar tuner against the sound hole of kalimba. And tap away.

[@EmZTRadioUniquelyCountry]

Remember he said that a guitar tuner is allot different sound

[@ezandicreates2065]

@@EmZTRadioUniquelyCountry yea but my guitar tuner has a chormstic setting

[@Xxmeca421xX]

@@EmZTRadioUniquelyCountry they still use the same notes.

[@ljcasero5022]

my kalimba doesn't have screws in it, and I'm having some troubles in tuning the g5, b5 c6 d6 and e6

[@fruijae]

same :((

[@benrodz7092]

D6 is soooooo hard to tune I’ve been trying for hrs on hrs

[@benrodz7092]

Nvm somehow the world just blessed me and I got it

[@alkodzuken900]

@@benrodz7092 howwww ??? i hope u reply this cuz i try for hours n it still doesnt work

[@wskong]

Is that true kalimba only can play c major?

[@UkuleleCheats]

Yes. There are kalimas in other keys too.. like harmonicas :)

[@cielomargarettebernardo948]

Im having trouble tuning my kalimba, the app says the tune is right but the sound is horrible obviously its not tuned. I've been tuning it for 2 days now. Im so stressed i wanna play it but it's not tuned. Anyone here can help me?

[@UkuleleCheats]

Are you using a chromatic tuner?

[@cielomargarettebernardo948]

@@UkuleleCheats yes, I've tried like 4 tuners and it didn't work for me. It arrived on me tuned and I tried tuning it hours after I got it and I regret that.

[@Nicola-kb2qu]

How did u tighten it i didnt see it properly cause your hands are blocking the camera

[@RingsOfSolace]

I mean I play guitar and I got a chromatic tuner for my kalimba because apps always try to identify a string and it's even sometimes wrong

[@nichsantos5834]

what app are u using?

[@zodsi]

THANK YOU!!

[@yoanamaksimova3948]

What is the little thin thing for?

[@pay9011]

Is it a lot of work to tune a C 17 kalimba to another key? It seems scary to me.

[@karl1914]

IMPORTANT! He is using the wrong end of the bloody hammer! You won't get anywhere using that end!

[@omgdudewtflol]

my 1*, 3**, 7* and 2** basically make no sound past the flick of the thumbnail....is this just a cheap kalimba i have??

[@emily7427]

I'm having the same exact problem. Mine is a JDR Musik brand from amazon

[@devilmico6118]

i can't tune mine. im stuck on the highest d and e, it just doesn't sound right and has a buzz. how do i fix this?

[@atheeern7741]

What is the app? I use some apps but they are baaaad I hate it I toun my kalimba since 2020 until now 😭💔💔

[@mikeindik1932]

What an app this is?

[@hectormoses2862]

App??

[@Mohsen2493]

I am confused of buying this kalimba or ukulele

[@anggrace3740]

what app is that

[@qylieminneiahchan8865]

I can't find pitchlab

[@akanmenghukummu.]

thankss👍🏻👍🏻

[@adriancarlbronola2345]

Whats the name of the app?

[@gwnkiara745]

The name of the app ??

[@somabanik744]

Is there anything F4# ??

[@mr.keebler7927]

Ha! Be sure to whack your sore thumb. That is a great tuner app.

[@kazutorbruh2555]

Pls send link for pitch lab

[@gvvcvvbsd5435]

THE LOW E IS SO OFF I WANNA CRY

[@indrosutanto]

What app did u use

[@UkuleleCheats]

pitch lab lite on android