African kalimbas and karimbas
Seeking the genuine African experience? All kalimbas, no matter what country they are from, owe a huge cultural debt to Africa. Hugh Tracey kalimbas are made in Africa, but the Hugh Tracey karimbas (yes, with an "r" in there) are the genuine African article. Hugh Tracey karimbas are tuned to a traditional Shona scale with non-western intervals, and the note layout of the lower row of tines is thought to be the "original tuning" of the first kalimbas invented over 1000 years ago. The upper row of tines was probably added 200-400 years ago. (Click on the photos below to get a close up of the tines.) Two octaves in A (in between major and minor), or these can be retuned to a western A major, A minor, G major, or G minor scale.
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The Hugh Tracey karimba is a truly ancient, authentic African instrument / $121, or with pickup for $135 / Listen1 / Listen2 / Listen3 / Watch 1 / Watch 2 |
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The Hugh Tracey TM karimba has a traditional African instrument shape. Sound is very similar to karimba. / $146, or with pickup for $166 / Watch (African tuning) |
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The Goshen 9-Note Student Karimba is great for kids 6 yrs through adult who want to make African music / $32 / Watch / Learn about the Student Karimba |
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The Hugh Tracey Box Pentatonic. The pentatonic scale was used extensively across Africa / $142, or with pickup for $154 / Listen / Watch |
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The Hugh Tracey Celeste Pentatonic is a great deal for $100, or with pickup $121 / Listen to acoustic or with pickup / Watch |
