How to Tune Your LingTing Chromatic Kalimba LT-K34V

Tuning a chromatic LingTing is a completely different beast from tuning your standard kalimba. While I don't generally recommend doing this because it's so tedious and time consuming, it is useful to know and there may come a time where you want to adjust a tine or put your kalimba in a different key entirely.
A precision screwdriver set is a MUST here. If you can't find one at your local hardware store, they can be had pretty easily online. Here's a link to the one used in this video:
www.amazon.com...
And the Universal Tuner App:
play.google.co...

[@johnhernandez3134]

I just got mine and absolutely lobe it! This is my 2nd kalimba. I went ahead and retuned all of it.

[@starlightkalimba]

That's wonderful, I'm glad you're enjoying your new kalimba! I still come back to this model often because of how bell-like it sounds.

[@gunstep-po9gn]

This is the most comprehensive tuning guide for LT-K34V that I've found on YT. Things mentioned like un-fitted wrench key (That comes with the kalimba) could damage the screw cap easily, The pitch while tuning a tine is not only up to the tine position but also, the pressure that screw pressed to the tine. With these two valuable points are worth to follow and subscribed the channel already. By the way, the newer lots of this model has changed the screw type (just a plane hex shape)and the provided wrench which much easier to tune.

[@starlightkalimba]

Thank you! I'm happy you found the video helpful. I didn't know that bit about the newer lots having different hardware - what a relief to know that the process is now at least a little less headache inducing!

[@CheleGreysky]

Worst puzzle in the history of puzzles. The stickers I received with mine don't match what the booklet says they should be. Decided I wanted the keys in piano format instead (for ease of learning). Didn't work out too well. Put them back on size order but can't remember which are upper keys and which are lower keys. No stickers on the keys because stickers don't match booklet. So stressed. I should have just bought a Wei Wuxian flute. At least I learned recorder in primary school and you can't mix up the order of the holes in an attempt at tuning 😅 Thank you for this video!!! Do you have a link please to that tuner?

[@CheleGreysky]

Just found your link! Thank you very much!

[@starlightkalimba]

It really feels like a puzzle when you take it apart. The stickers on mine aren't staying on very well so I'm tempted to say you aren't missing out on much with those, but I also know it can be frustrating to not have any markings to go by. Glad you were able to find the tuner, though!

[@degghre]

00:47 Nice unintended pun.

[@nitinpandey7478]

Thank you for sharing

[@starlightkalimba]

You're welcome, and thanks for watching!

[@kite8102]

would you still say that the ling ting kalimba is worth it?

[@johnhernandez3134]

I just got mine on Tuesday and absolutely love it. Worth it to me! The Allen wrench (tool) in mine DOES fit (unlike hers). A few tines were out of tune. The rest were yp to 3.5 too sharp and since I'm so picky I went ahead and returned all of it. It sounds so great! Every note has a nice ring to it. The tuner app I use is DaTuner.

[@starlightkalimba]

I think this model of LingTing is worth having because it is pretty unique in the kalimba market, even so long after its release. Having a chromatic kalimba that A) has all the tines on the same side and B) has a corresponding sharp note for every lower tine makes it quite versatile. The Seeds chromatic (and I think Hluru makes one similar to that) is nice for having a few low notes, but making chords gets tough sometimes due to sacrificing those middle sharps. My Hugh Tracey chromatic is fun and has corresponding flats for every tine, but those are all on the back and not being able to see them can be disorienting even though that setup is easier for fast playing.