As a kalimba enthusiast, I got to a point where the available notes on my 17 key kalimba were severely limiting what songs I could play, so I delved into the world of the chromatic kalimba.
This article answers the question “Why should I get a chromatic kalimba?” and gives you reviews of all the most popular chromatic kalimbas.
In a nutshell: With a 17 or 21 key kalimba you are limited to KTabs, or Kalimba tabs, where the songs are adapted and written using only diatonic notes from just a few octaves.
With a chromatic kalimba you can read and play more songs, including songs from staff notation because you have more notes available (especially sharps and flats) and those notes also span more octaves.
I researched just about every kalimba with between 30 to 42 keys, compared them and created this Chromatic kalimbas buyers guides to share with you. Plus I included 13 chromatic kalimba reviews so you can compare each one.
I also included a kalimba tuning chart for each one on the list.
So, what’s so great about a chromatic kalimba with a huge amount of keys?
It comes down to song choice and availability. The 17 key kalimba is diatonic, meaning if it were a real piano, it would only have the white keys.
A kalimba with 33 to 42 keys is chromatic, meaning it includes both diatonic notes, as well as the sharp and flat notes you would find on the black keys of a piano.
PLUS a 42 key kalimba would cover more octaves than a 17 or 21 key kalimba, giving it even more range, especially notes in the lower range below C4.
Compare that to a Seeds 41 Key Chromatic Kalimba which covers 2 WHOLE octaves 2 Partial octaves and is chromatic, therefore also includes sharp and flat notes.
Chromatic Kalimbas with 37 to 42 keys usually have more bass notes than Kalimbas with 34 keys or less.
Of course typical full size pianos have 88 keys, so even a 42 key kalimba can not translate every piece of piano music on a kalimba.
But…
A 33 to 42 key kalimba will have the notes available to play most intermediate and even some advanced piano pieces, without needing to rewrite the music.
What 33 to 42 key chromatic kalimbas are available today?
Let’s take a look at the reviews, tuning key layouts and special features of 13 of the best chromatic kalimbas with between 33 to 42 keys so we can compare.
Chill Angels Chromatic Kalimba 34 Key
Keys: 34
Tuning and Key Layout: Tuned to C with 5 harmonic bass notes on the top row
Note Range: F3 to E3
Chill Angels 34 Key Kalimba Tuning Layout
Review of Chill Angels 34 Key Kalimba
Pros:
- I love the sound. Its warm and sunny, almost like if sparkling had a sound, that’s the sound this kalimba makes.
- The note arrangement really makes sense as the notes are arranged like a piano, chromatically, with sharps on top and diatonic notes on the bottom. In fact, if you read sheet music you will notice that all notes on the right side of the kalimba will fall on the line in staff notation, and notes on the left will fall on the spaces.
Cons:
- The sustain on these kalimbas is a bit long, causing notes to play over each other at times.You can hear it in the sound sample below.
Neutral:
- The chill angels 34 key kalimba has standard C tuning, which makes it easy to cross over from other kalimbas without having to relearn the tine tuning arrangement. However, I MUCH prefer the Chill Angels 41 key B Tuned Kalimba because I really dig the chill, calming vibe of B tuning (and the extra notes and range are great too).
- The tines are tightly spaced and the board is narrow. This may be a challenge for larger hands, but it has a benefit of making notes easier to reach and glissandos easier to play.
Moozica 36 Key Chromatic Kalimba
Keys: 36
Tuning and Key Layout: Piano layout with keys going strictly from lower to higher notes, with diatonic nones on the Bottom layer and semitones on the top layer, just like a piano.
Note Range: F3 to E6
Moozica 36 Key Kalimba Tuning for Piano Layout
Review of Moozica 36 Key Chromatic Kalimba with Piano Layout
Pros:
- Fully chromatic, no missing semitones within the range of F3-E6
- This kalimba has a relatively short sustain, compared to other kalimbas on this list. Shorter sustain allows each note to be distinctly heard so the notes don’t run into each other.
- This piano is one of few that have a true piano layout, where the notes run strictly from lower to higher, with the semitones on the top layer, between the diatonic lower notes, just like you would see on a piano.
Cons:
- The sound can seem plunky or metallic, and lacks some of the whimsical or nostalgic sound flat tine kalimbas have.
- Tuning these kalimbas is more challenging than any other kalimba I have encountered. To be fair, for the most part they come tuned and stay in tune. But if you need to lower the note you add metal tape to the underside of the tine to increase key weight and lower tone, and to raise the note, you need to file or sand the note down to reduce the keys weight and raise the tone.
Neutral:
- This Kalimba tends to favor the higher range of notes. It starts at F3, and goes as high as D6#. If you prefer the higher range, this is great, if you like lower tones, like I do, its not as beneficial.
- This kalimba is not too loud, which is something I like, as I can play it without disturbing others, but if you play for others, you may need a pickup mic.
Bolf 33 Key Chromatic Kalimba
Keys: 33
Tuning and Key Layout: The Auryn model is diatonic on the Botton row, with 19 notes from F3 to F6, and has 14 semitones on the top row, ranging from F3# to C6#
Note Range: F6 to C6#
Bolf Auryn 33 Key Kalimba Key Tuning Layout
Review of Bolf Auryn 33 Key Chromatic Kalimba
If you take a close look at the bridge of this kalimba you will notice that each row is set up separately, with the top row set up on its own wood platform. This certainly contributes to the sound quality this kalimba has and reduces interference from keys played on the bottom row. This attention to detail and design make this kalimba stand out in sound quality and explain the higher cost of this kalimba.
Pros:
- The sustain is balanced not lasting too long, nor too little
- The sound is delicate and enchanting, each tone is clear and crisp, yet when they blend, the resulting melody is tranquil and mesmerizing.
- This kalimba is handmade and hand tuned. Each note is clear and there are no dead of flat sounding tines.
- I love that the notes include a lower F# (F3#) because many songs I like to play use this lower note and not all chromatic kalimbas have it.
Cons:
- Expensive
- Ships from Slovakia, may take time to arrive.
Poopoopidoo Kalimba Chromatic 34 Key Utopia
Keys: 34
Tuning and Key Layout: There are several tuning options available, but not all are in stock. Tuning options include C,B,A,G,F#,F and Low E
There are also 3 tuning arrangements available.
Chroma+ with redundant keys: has 4 redundant keys, 1 missing semitone, in order to widen the range. (19 tones, 11 semitones + 4 repeated)
Full Chroma with redundant keys: Fully Chromatic, no missing semi tones, 4 redundant keys, slightly smaller range. (18 tones, 12 semitones + 4 repeated)
Chroma+ No Redundant keys: No repeated notes, wider range, but only available in B and C tuning. (23 tones + 11 semitones)
Note Range: Varies depending on the note the kalimba is tuned to and the tuning layout you choose. In the pictures below, I choose a B tuning.
Poopoopidoo 34 Key Kalimba Key Tuning Layout
Poopoopidoo 34 Key Tuning Full Chroma redundant Tuned to B
The 34 key Poopoopidoo kalimba with the full chroma redundant layout, if its tuned to B, has a range of B4 to E6 and 18 tones, 12 half tones + 4 repeated repeated at the top. It is fully chromatic but has the most limited range of the three tunings for the 34 key kalimba.
Poopoopidoo 34 Key Tuning Chroma + redundant Tuned to B
The 34 key poopoopidoo kalimba with Chroma+ redundant layout, if tuned to B, has a range of B4 to F6#. 19 tones, 11 semitones + 4 repeated. The Chroma+ is not technically completely chromatic as if it were tuned to B, it would be missing F4, D6 and F6.
It does however have more range than the fully chromatic 34 key kalimba.
Poopoopidoo 34 Key Tuning Chroma + NON redundant Tuned to B
The 34 key Poopoopidoo kalimba with the chroma+ NON redundant layout, if its tuned to B, has a range of E3 to F6# which is the widest range of the 3 available tunings for the 34 key kalimba, as it has 4 bass keys on the top row.
It has 23 tones + 11 semitones without repetitions. Its is not technically completely chromatic as when tuned to B it is missing notes G5,D6 and F6.
Review of Poopoopidoo 34 Key Kalimba
Pros:
- These are hand crafted artesian kalimbas with sublime sound and never a dead tine. The maker tunes and checks them all.
- These kalimbas come in a variety of tunings, woods and there are several different artworks available that adorn each.
- Each Poopoopidoo kalimba is a unique work of art and they are handmade and no two are exactly alike.
Cons:
- There will generally be a longer shipping time, as these kalimbas are handmade in France
- They have quite a long sustain and notes played can run into the next
Neutral:
- Some people think they are expensive, but they are not that much more expensive that mass produced kalimbas. The price is higher because they are carefully crafted and finished in small batches. Considering they are both musical instruments and works of art, I think the price is fair, maybe even low.
Hluru 34 Key Kalimba B Tuned
Keys: 34
Tuning and Key Layout: B Tuned
Upper：E3 #F3 #G3 #A3 F4 G4 A4 B4 C5 D5 F5 G5 A5 B5 C6 D6 E6
Lower：B3 #C4 #D4 E4 #F4 #G4 #A4 B4 #C5 #D5 E5 G5 #G5 #A5 B5 #C6 #D6
Note Range: B3 to E6
Hluru 34 Key Kalimba Key Tuning Layout
Review of Hluru 34 Key Chromatic Kalimba
Pros:
- Stays in tune reliably
- Has a captivating sound, that is warm, full and resonant, with decent volume
- Wide tine spacing, good for larger hands
Cons:
- The way the notes are laid out is not intuitive at all. They have the 3rd register bass keys on top and most of the sharps and flats at the bottom, except B3 bass tine, that’s on the bottom too.
- While I like the sound, the tones on this kalimba are not as clean and distinct as others.
Neutral:
- B tuning. This kalimba is tuned in B which is non standard for kalimbas, but B tuned kalimbas are said to have a mellower lower pitch sound that is easy on the ears.
MAGADI 30 Key Chromatic Kalimba
Keys: 30
Tuning and Key Layout: 18 Keys on the bottom row with Diatonic notes E3 to A5. Top row with semitones F3# to G5#
Note Range: E3 to A5
Magadi 30 Key Kalimba Key Tuning Layout
Review of Magadi 30 Key Chromatic Kalimba
Pros:
- The notes have good sustain, not too long, not too short.
- The sound is magical and unique, its light and calming. As far as sound goes, its one of my favorite.
- I personally like the minimalist aesthetic of this kalimba.
Cons:
- Can be hard to find and expensive
- May take some time to ship
- Not ideal as a hand held kalimba due to size and weight. Best played on a table.
- This kalimba is tuned with a hammer, that is not included
Neutral:
- Compared to kalimbas with a similar amount of notes, this kalimba is wider and heavier. It is made from one block of cherrywood, which can be played securely on a table or small cushion due to its weight.
- The tines are spaced far apart, compared to others. This makes a glissando challenging, but it is easier to find notes and can be good for those with large hands.
Seeds Pisces 34 Key Chromatic Kalimba
Keys: 34
Tuning and Layout: Tuned to C
Note Range: F3 to F6
Tuning of Seeds 34 Key Kalimba
Review of Seeds 34 Key Kalimba
Pros:
- Has more bass notes than some other 34 to 36 key kalimbas
- When it is properly tuned and fresh from the factory the sound is divine.
Cons:
- The bass notes are placed on the top row, with is not an intuitive place for them to be
- This kalimba falls out of tune easily, and when it does, the keys get buzzy. This kalimba has a lot of tension on the bridge and if a tine slips its hard to get it tuned and get the original tension it originally had, which makes that tine louder and slightly twangy
- Missing too many sharp and flat notes to be chromatic. For example, if you look at the tuning diagram, the root is C4, But there is no C4# nor is there a D4#. This makes it challenging to play songs that use these notes.
Neutral:
- This kalimba is not loud, which is great for personal use, but maybe lacking if you are playing for others.
LingTing Chromatic 34 Key Kalimba
Keys: 34
Tuning: C tuned lower layer and a #C tuned upper layer
Note Range: C4 – F6
Key Tuning for LingTing 34 Tine Kalimba
Review of LingTing 34 Key Kalimba
Pros:
- This kalimba has a relatively high range, with less bass than other chromatic kalimbas. It starts in a relatively high register compared to others, at middle C4 and its range ends at a pretty high F6.
- I like that all the sharp keys are at the top, somewhat like a piano layout, which will make it more intuitive for those familiar with piano and music theory
- Pleasing bell like tone that I do not find tinny or metallic
Cons:
- A bit heavier compared to similar kalimbas
- The LingTing 34 key Kalimba can be challenging to tune. You use a wrench, not a hammer to tune it. Also, you must tighten each and every tine after you tune it.
- This kalimba does not accept alternative tuning well, when you try and tune it to a scale other than the factory tuned C and #C the tines can get buzzing and the whole bridge system, once its unscrewed for tuning to a different scale, never gets as tight as it was originally.
Neutral:
- This kalimba has a duplicate C6,F5,F4 and C5 notes on the top layer. This could be a plus or a minus, depending on play style. Duplicate keys crowd the top row without adding to the range, but they also allow more options for those notes. For example, there is an F5 on each side of the kalimba, so that note can be played with either thumb.
- This kalimba does NOT come with a tuning hammer specifically because it is not designed to be tuned with a hammer. You use a wrench to tune this kalimba.
Seeds 41 Key Chromatic Kalimba
Keys: 41
Tuning and Key layout: Tuned to C
Note Range: F3 to E6
Seeds 41 Key Kalimba Tuning
Review of Seeds 41 Key Chromatic Kalimba:
Pros:
- The Seeds is top echelon in terms of sustain. The tone really lasts.
- The note layout is comfortable, allowing you to play chords without crossing thumbs
- The layout of the keys is more intuitive than other chromatic kalimbas, especially for those who play piano. Most of the sharps and flats are on the first row, the diatonic notes are in the middle row, and the bottom row has bass notes.
- Tuned to C right out of the box, making it great for beginners and those crossing over from other instruments
Cons:
- The tines slip and it comes out of tune faster compared to other brands
- The volume is lacking, the sound projection is not on par with other kalimbas. But some people appreciate its quieter gentle melody for relaxing, sound therapy and even meditative play.
- Notes are less clear and some have a buzz when played, compared to other kalimbas
Neutral:
- It is made from Okoume wood, which is lightweight and easy on the hands and wrists during extended play. Okoume wood also has decent sound protection as a resonator for this kalimba.
But…
Okoume wood is a softer wood and that means the screws holding the tines will need tightning and the screw holes can become loose over time since the wood is softer. - The keys are tightly spaced, making it easy to hit the wrong note, but also makes it easier to play cross over chords.
LingTing 42 Key Chromatic Kalimba
Keys: 42
Tuning and Key layout: Tuned to C-tuned lower layer and a #C-tuned upper layer
Note Range: E3 to E6b
LingTing 42 Key Kalimba Tuning
Review of LingTing 42 Key Chromatic Kalimba:
Pros:
- Far and away, the sound of this kalimba is its biggest asset. The sound is rich and resonant, with ample sustain. The tines have a chime like sound, not plunky or buzzy. It is also reasonably loud, compared to others.
- This kalimba fulfills a need for a kalimba that can play songs that rely a lot on the lower register (below a C4). The addition of the lower E (E3) allows this. However, with this kalimba, you lose the higher E (E6) so you may have trouble with songs that rely a lot on the higher registers. (This is opposite of the Seeds 41 key kalimba which has no E3 and DOES have E6.)
- The keys are soft, smooth and easy to play. They don’t hurt your thumbnail and its super easy to coax the sound out of them.
- Once you get it in tune (which is challenging) it STAYS in tune for a long time.
Cons:
- The most significant drawback of the LingTing 42 key chromatic kalimba is the layout of the keys and notes. The layout is COMPLETELY reversed in comparison to the diatonic arrangement of 17 and 21 key kalimbas. If you play a 21 or 17 key kalimba you won’t find the keys where you expect them and will need to retrain your brain and muscle memory to find each notes new location.
- The tines are not engraved and the stickers with the notes are not aesthetically pleasing.
Neutral:
- This kalimba is wider and heavier than most other kalimbas out there. This can be negative because it can cause hand and wrist fatigue if you play for a long time. On the other hand, it allows the tine to be farther apart, and as a kalimba player, I really appreciate that, especially since with a 42 key kalimba I have to manage two rows of tines.
- This kalimba is challenging to tune. The structure that secures the tines is very secure, which means tuning is a challenge, but the kalimba is less apt to fall out of tune either.
Hluru 38 Key Chromatic Kalimba
Keys: 38
Tuning and Key layout: Tuned to C
Note Range: A3 to F6
Hluru 38 Key Kalimba Key Tuning
Hluru 38 Key Chromatic Kalimba Review:
Pros:
- One of the best features of this kalimba is it has a full and pleasant sound. This kalimba is made from American Black Walnut, which is at least 10 years old, and only the curly or fiddleback patterns are used. Using the curly or fiddleback wavy portion of the wood, vs the pattern with straight uniform lines, creates a more rich and full tone.
- This 38 key kalimba is chromatic, so it can play a wider range of music than 17 and 21 key diatonic kalimbas. However, it does not have as many bass notes as other chromatic kalimbas in the range of 38 to 42 keys, and it has no E3 nor E6
- Relative to the LingTing 42 key kalimba, this kalimba has a more intuitive layout of the notes. The bottom row is nearly identical to a 17 key kalimba, but with two bass notes placed in the center. The top row has the sharps and flats laid out in a way that makes sense.
Cons:
- Compared to other kalimbas in the range of 38 to 42 keys, it has fewer bass notes and a lot less range.
- Some people noticed their kalimba had a few buzzing keys and missing accessories.
- The tines are not etched, and stickers are used.
Neutral:
- This kalimba is not as wide as the LingTing, which may make it easier to hold, but the tines are closer together.
Sound Sample of Hluru 38 Key Kalimba
Chill Angels 41 Key Chromatic Kalimba
Keys: 41
Tuning and Key layout: Tuned to B
Note Range: C3 to E6
Chill Angels 41 Key Kalimba Notes Tuning
Review of Chill Angels 41 Key Chromatic Kalimba:
Pros:
- The range is remarkable. This kalimba has both E3 and E6, whereas Lingting and Seeds have only one or the other.In fact its lowest note is C3 and its highest is E6. You can play a very wide range of songs that rely on the upper or lower register with this kalimba
- The bamboo board provides crystal clear notes. This kalimba has a clean bright sound that falls somewhere between a bell and a chime sound.
- Customizable design on the board.
- No repeated keys unlike LingTing and Seeds.
Cons:
- The longer tines needed to create bass notes fall out of tune pretty easy.
- The Tines are not etched, it took me a while to figure out the arrangements and notes, which is why I created this note arrangement chart.
Neutral:
- Decent arrangement, but some keys are in an awkward spot eg. Bass notes and bass sharps/flats on the bottom row, with all other sharps and flats on the top row. But the arrangement allows for no redundant notes and is really the only setup that makes sense because its a kalimba, not a piano which is much wider, its not possible to arrange notes exactly like they are on a piano since it would make the kalimba too wide to reach all notes with the thumbs.
- Tuned to B major. Some folks like this, others would like a C Major tuning. I personally like the B tuning and find it more mellow and relaxing.(a C Major version of this Kalimba is currently being considered, so stay tuned)
Sound Sample of Chill Angels 41 Key Chromatic Kalimba
Amazon Link coming soon!
Poopoopido 37 Key Chromatic Kalimba
Keys: 37
Tuning and Key layout: Available in B or Bb in 440Hz or 432Hz
Note Range: for the B tuned kalimba: Chroma+ E3 to F6#, FullChroma E3 to F6
When you purchase this Kalimba it has two possible arrangements that are nearly identical. As you can see from the key arrangements below the only difference is , when you choose the B tuning, the Chroma + has an E6 and F6# on the ends of the top row.
The Full Chroma has an D6 and an E6 on the ends of the top row if it is B tuned. They are otherwise identical. The layout is chosen at random based on available stock.
Poopoopido Chroma + B Tuning notes layout tuning
Poopoopido Full Chroma B Tuning notes layout
Review of the Poopoopidoo 37 Key Chromatic Kalimba:
Pros:
- The sound of this kalimba is sublime. The upper register notes are crystal clear the mid register is robust and and the lower register bass notes have a deep resonance. This kalimba has great acoustic projection.
- The layout is easy to follow. The diatonic tones are on the bottom and the corresponding semitones (sharps/flats) directly above the note.
- These kalimbas are hand painted and handmade with a sapele wood resonator. There is an oil painting on top, coated with resin, and the underside remains natural wood. Each one is unique and gorgeous.
- Stays in tune for a long time.
- The tines are laser etched.
Cons:
- These are hand made in limited quantity and not always in stock.
- The sustain of this kalimba is quite long lasting and the notes may overlap, especially songs with a faster beat.
Neutral:
- These ship from France and are more expensive than other chromatic kalimbas, but I believe they are worth the price and wait time for shipping. You get what you pay for and these kalimbas are unmatched in terms of sound and beauty.
Poopoopidoo 37 key kalimba sound sample
30 to 42 Key Chromatic Kalimba FAQs
What are the main differences between a 41 key kalimba and a 34 key kalimba?
A 34 key will expand the range of music you can play but not to the extent that chromatic kalimbas in the range of 37 to 42 keys can.
A 34 key kalimba is not quite fully chromatic within the 21 key range because in each octave they cover there are a few missing sharp and flat notes and you will notice that once you pick up a piece of music to play and find the note you want is not there. Frustrating!
With a 41 or 42 Key kalimba the set of 21 diatonic notes on the bottom row have the full set of corresponding flats and sharps in the top row, making them fully chromatic within the range of octaves that kalimba covers.What is the range of a 42-key kalimba?
Generally, most fully chromatic kalimbas with 41 to 42 keys cover note range from E3 to E6. This is a generalization, however so there are some exceptions.
Seeds 41 key Kalimba range: F3 to E6
LingTing 42 key kalimba range: E3 to E6b
Hluru 38 key kalimba range: A3 to F6
Chill Angels 41 key kalimba range: B3 to E6
Poopoopidoo 37 key kalimba range: for the B tuned kalimba: Chroma+ E3 to F6#, FullChroma E3 to F6 ( the rance depends on what tuning you choose for the kalimba, in my example I choose a B tuning)
You will notice the range of chromatic kalimbas with 37 to 42 keys generally have more bass notes than chromatic kalimbas in the range of 33 to 36 keys, and diatonic kalimbas with 17 to 21 keys.Why do some chromatic kalimbas have repeat notes?
In this lineup you may notice that the seeds 21 key chromatic kalimba and the Hluru 38 key kalimba have duplicate or redundant notes.
I personally and NOT a fan of duplicate notes because in my experience it confuses things to have the exact same note in two different locations on my kalimba.
But, here is one reason a kalimba might have duplicate, repeated or redundant notes.
Repeated notes may allow a player to access that note more easily or without repositioning their hand.
For example, on the Hluru 38 key kalimba the F5 note is related once on the lower right side and once on the upper left side, so it could be played by either thumb easily.
On the LingTing 42 key kalimba there are repeated notes, but since the bottom row is tuned to C Major and the top row is tuned to C#, you will notice that the duplicate notes have a different number. This kalimba is not very intuitive to play and not a great kalimba for beginners.Are chromatic kalimbas suitable for beginners?
I think it depends. I would say anyone who is even moderately familiar with reading notes, playing from sheet music or who has some level of music theory knowledge can play a chromatic kalimba.
What if you have no musical background? I think you can learn. That was me 10 years ago, and I managed.
From my experience, I started with a 17 key kalimba, and it was good kalimba for beginners, however I quickly learned how limited my choice of songs were, particularly the popular songs I wanted to play. And even when I did find those songs I wanted written for the kalimba, they never really sounded as robust as I wanted.
Thats why I decided to learn a little more music theory and try a chromatic kalimba. The amount of songs available to play increased and so did the quality of the sound of songs I played increased because the notes of the original song were now available to me on the chromatic kalimba, where on my 17 key diatonic kalimba they were simply not there.
One caveat is if you are using the kalimba for sound therapy or sound healing, and just want to play it more or less at random and have the music sound good. In this case, the chromatic kalimba is not the right choice. With a chromatic kalimba, if you are playing notes at random is sounds like chaos, of in music terms, unharmonious.
For sound therapy and meditation kalimba play, I recommend a pentatonic scale kalimba. Why? With the pentatonic scales, all notes harmonize with each other so you can not play an inharmonious note, even if you play notes at random. Its hard to find kalimbas with pentatonic scales, but I recommend the Gecko 8 key kalimba for sound therapy and playing for meditation.
If you are interested in sound healing, many Handpans also have pentatonic tuning for the same reason, each note is in harmony with all other notes. I have an article on Handpans for meditation and sound therapy here.
This my chromatic kalimba buyers guide for 30 to 41 keys. I hope you find one that resonates with you.
Be on the lookout because I will soon publish the counterpart for chromatic kalimbas with 33 to 36 keys.
I leave you here, at the end, my fellow travelers.
May your journey be filled with light and love and beautiful music!
Until we meet again!
Katie Lyn
PS. If you love enchanting music as much as I do I think you will fall in love with the siren song of the handpan. Learn more about the captivating handpan here.
Also, another easy to learn, yet enchanting wind instrument is the ocarina. If you are interested in Ocarinas see my hot list here of the best ocarinas for beginners.
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Thank you so much for this review. This is the most complete review I’ve ever seen of chromatic kalimbas.
I bought a chromatic (Hrulu 34 key B) because I wanted something compact and portable to practice music theory away from the piano. Very few kalimbas had the tuning layout shown in their descriptions. I’m already thinking about my next kalimba and this article is a huge help.
Thank you! I love chromatic Kalimbas and am surprised they are not more popular. How do you like the B tuning of that Kalimba?
I already miss the sharps and flats in the bass notes. I retuned one of the bass keys to a sharp just so I could play one song. Otherwise I’m happy with it.
This is my first kalimba, so I can’t compare to C tuning, but I find it pretty easy to translate sheet music if I think in note numbers (1-7) instead of note names (B-A#).