Tone Layout
The Hokema Kalimba B7 is a block kalimba with seven tines/tones in a pocket-size format. This model is very handy and can be played intuitively due to its C-pentatonic tuning. The notes of this thumb piano always match each other, so that you can pluck them in any order without playing "wrong notes".
The sound can be amplified by simply placing it on a suitable surface and resonating body, such as a tabletop or the skin of a drum.
Kalimba B7 and B9 - two compact sisters
The two Hokema Kalimbas B7 and B9 have the same compact body made of solid American cherry. They differ, however, in the sound reeds. While the B9 uses the narrow standard tines that Hokema uses on most of its instruments, the B7's tines are much wider. Especially for Kalimba beginners, children or people with very large fingers, the B7 is a good choice, because the wide reeds make it noticeably easier to play.
When should you choose the Hokema Kalimba B7?
- if you like the pitch and the scale C major pentatonic
- if you prefer an easier playability compared to the 9-tongued Kalimba B9
- if the kalimba is for a child
- if you have very large/wide fingers or are not very accurate motor-wise
Kalimba Tuning
If you want to retune your Kalimba or experiment with other harmonies, you can easily tune it with the help of a small hammer. You can find instructions on our blog or directly at Hokema.
Sustainability
Especially worth mentioning is the sustainable manufacturing of the instruments at Hokema:
- energy-neutral production
- packaging and shipping free of plastics
- no tropical woods
- surfaces of the woods are only treated with linseed oil
- all materials are selected and processed for durability
Maintaining the Kalimba
You can easily care for the wooden body of your Kalimba by treating it with linseed oil, olive oil or another care oil. It is also best to rub the reeds with a vegetable oil or metal care product from time to time so that they do not patina so quickly. The tines of the Kalimba are made of spring steel, which has excellent sound properties, elasticity and stability, but can react to moisture. We therefore recommend that you always keep the spring steel reeds dry and wipe them with a soft cloth after playing.
Get more background information in our Blog
Kalimba Tuning - Simple and Efficient!
Anyone who plays a Kalimba regularly will certainly have noticed that the instrument begins to sound "inharmonic" or "weird" over time. Then the moment has come when you ask yourself, "What's going on here and how can I bring it back to its original condition?"
