Review: Hluru Kalimbas 21-key Hollow and Flatback

[@themayproperty]

Thank you. I've made up my mind to choose the flatback after watching your video.

[@FlosKalimbaWorld]

For the hollow you can create the wah-wah effect the same way as you would with a flatboard...by moving the kalimba up and down after playing the tines. Hope this helps. :)

[@firstinthedance]

You can easily get the wah-wah effect by holding the hole against your belly and then moving the kalimba away again. Also, if you block the kalimba's hole with your body as you play, it sounds more like a flatboard.

[@unliving_ball_of_gas]

Unfortunately in my country, the hollow is 22USD (converted), while the plate is 44USD. I think I'll go with a 22USD 17 key plate.

[@uesugikenshin386]

Thanks for the comparison! I am thinking to get the flat board one. 🤩🤩🤩

[@RaphaellyRaphaelly-KalimbaHike]

I chose as my first kalimba the Hluru flatback, after at least a week of reading about kalimbas, and hearing their sound in different youtube channels. I guess I made a good choice, it really sounds amazing. Did you get yours from bates music? that is where I got mine, I still have to wait for a couple of weeks to actually hold it and see how it sounds. I really hope it sounds like yours!

[@DawnSChampion]

I got mine from Amazon! Congratulations on your new kalimba! I hope it's all you wish for!

[@pingung7269]

Thanks for your review. This is the most informative review for these 21 key kalimbas that I've come across and it's just what I need right now!

[@DawnSChampion]

You're welcome!!

[@euniceng670]

When u play flatboard kalimba is it sound silent ? When I play sound silent , not loud , but yours sound louder I think. I have the same kalimba as u

[@carriekay5987]

I just saw this one for thr first time last night. Love the sound quality on the flatboard. Great to see your presentation. 👍👌👍

[@sherryd1323]

About the 21 keys kalimba, would you recommend Treelf, LingTing or Hluru in terms of sound quality? What are the differences between them?

[@DawnSChampion]

I would tank them as Bolf, LingTing Hluru

[@sherryd1323]

@@DawnSChampion Thxx

[@FlosKalimbaWorld]

All three are great! Specifically for 21 keys-- Treelf and Lingting use the same type of tines and are un-numbered or blank. Additionally they're both tuned to the key of F. These two have better resonance. Hluru 21 keys on the other hand are in C major even though the lowest key is F. Resonance doesn't match Lingting but it's hardly noticeable and still great to play. Hope this helps.

[@euniceng670]

Hi I have flatboard kalimba same as u provided with pickup , but I didn't have voice box speaker. May I know how I use the pickup for louder sound ?

[@DawnSChampion]

I show how to use a pickup here kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKjMq4Kwo76paJI

[@euniceng670]

@@DawnSChampion tq

[@SoniaTolson]

Dawn, I have not found the Hluru keys to be very friendly to my thumbs. The excessive bend (almost a curl) on the end keeps me from being able to do chords easily. Have you had that problems as well?

[@DawnSChampion]

I haven't found that to be a problem for my calloused thumbs. But it does taking some getting used to going back and forth from the straight to curved tines.

[@euniceng670]

And may I know when u play flatboard kalimba u have use pickup when recording video ?

[@DawnSChampion]

You don't have to. I have many videos where you can hear the sound of the flatboards with no pick ups.

[@euniceng670]

@@DawnSChampion is it clear and loud ?

[@euniceng670]

@@DawnSChampion because I play normally without record and sound quieter than the one with hole

[@euniceng670]

@@DawnSChampion u also using flatboard kalimba without hole ?

[@DawnSChampion]

@@euniceng670 - it's clear and loud enough to play in a quiet room. It's not as loud as a hollow kalimba. And it's louder than an acrylic kalimba.

[@Makinen689]

Would you recommend ling ting k17p or hluru 17 keys in terms of sound quality ?

[@DawnSChampion]

Bolf, then LingTing, then Hluru

[@FlosKalimbaWorld]

This is a great video! Would you consider getting a hollow with the sound hole up top instead?

[@DawnSChampion]

I’ve tried something similar. I don’t like the sound directed away from me

[@FlosKalimbaWorld]

I see your point. I hope you figure out a way that works for you. :)

[@thuy-trangphan9321]

Which one do you prefer of the Lingting over the Hluru?

[@DawnSChampion]

That's a tough choice. But I think I'd have to go with the LingTing. That's totally personal choice though. Both are very nice.

[@imaginaryguide1895]

Thanks for posting this! I've had the hollow version before, but it cracked (!), so I'm going to try my first flatboard!

[@DawnSChampion]

You're welcome!

[@mechkitten]

Was the kalimba made of acacia wood? Those crack super easily.