Kalimba Magic: Feedback

If you have a testimonial about the kalimba or kalimba music and what it has done for your life, please share it with me.

Through roundabout connections, I happened upon one of your YouTube clips which was just brilliant - seemingly complex and effortless at the same time. And so uplifting. Interesting how some instruments - like the Cello for example - inherently have a sort of somber quality - but the Kalimba just seems inherently uplifting. And since it lends itself so well to spontaneous improvisation it seems to fulfil that poetic line by Wm. Blake: "He who captures Joy as it flies Lives in Eternity's sunrise."

-Blake, 2008

Just received my new Catania 12 note gourd kalimba yesterday. What a great little instrument! Photo doesn't to it justice. Love the sound and the craftsmanship. And made in the USA too! A perfect companion to the HT box pentatonic I bought last year. Bought my first Hugh Tracey about 35 years ago! Way more fun than you can shake a stick at! Thanks for being around.

-Mark, 2008

Dear Mark, I so enjoyed the interviews with those who work for AMI instruments. That was really uplifting to read! Thanks for all you do! Have a great day,

-Renee, 2008

Hey Mark, I got my kalimba on Friday and have been playing it all weekend. I really love it. Thank you very much.

-Patrick, 2008

Thanks again for all your help. You have certainly helped me wonderfully on the kalimba journey. Grace and Peace to you.

-John, 2008

First of all let me thank you again, I'm completely enamoured of my african karimba! I believe Kalimba Magic is the only truly informative [kalimba site] on the web, so congratulations! You should think about creating a forum where people can leave little tips and stuff and just to talk shop. I think anyone who plays a thumb piano and has access to a computer visits your site. The forum thing would be a big hit!

-Sebastian, 2008

Thanks a lot Mark, the fantastic kalimba arrived today! I'll leave immediately a feedback. Hope to get more in the future

-Paolo, 2008

[editor’s note: Phil bought an old beat up Hugh Tracey kalimba on ebay – it was missing its bridge as well as a tine, and we sent a tine to Phil.]

New tine arrived the other day - many thx. Made myself a new bridge ( from bike spoke :) ) and finally managed to make time to get set up today... Ahh what a lovely sound compared to the dull tone of old wood (only) bridge. The fact that you took the time to send me a replacement tine, included a chord diagram and took the trouble to put in a little hand written note - 1 or 2 buzzing tines but sorted that by a little adjustment - made all the difference. What great service and attention to detail. Was talking to a friend about it and he said "who's this Mark Holdaway?". The best I could come up with at the time was "he's the Champion/Ambassador of the Kalimba". And that doesn't do you credit. Many thanks again, heh now to grow my thumbnails and actually learn to play!

-Phil, 2008

Wow!! Got the Alto and the Treble Kalimbas and the other stuff you sent... (that was fast!) Thank you so much! Mark... I'm usually not at a loss for words but these Hugh Tracy Kalimbas are incredible! Beautiful wood and craftsmanship and clear bright sound!. Are you sure they are not made by Martin Guitars? I'm really impressed!

You know that feeling you got when you picked up that "special guitar" way back when and you found yourself playing better than you ever knew you could? Well that happened to me last night when I got home and picked up these Kalimbas... I'm not kidding! I couldn't put them down!

Great job on the Kalimba book... I have a lofty target to reach for now! I spent a couple of hours last night jamming with you on your CDs.... almost (but not quite) as good as jamming with you live LOL! I really look forward to meeting you someday!

-Duncan, 2008

Let me start by thanking you for making these instruments available...said that.... WWOOOOWWWW.... I have not been able to put down the what a gorgeous instrument. I definitely share your vision of heaven having Angels playing Sansulas instead of Harps.

Thank you as well for the enclosed CD, beautiful music, really inspiring, my favorite is the second track, the one featuring Sansula and the Marimbula, which by the way sounds freaking awesome as well, I was actually thinking of getting an acoustic bass, but now I think it will go into the wish list for 2009...hahhaha.

Seriously, I've been really touched by your music, thank you.

-Angel, 2008

I live on the other side of the country - but my mother JoAnne just bought an Alto from you and I have to say that I am having some of the greatest fun I've ever had with this instrument. I also received your hand written card which was such a pleasant surprise. You've inspired me and brought immense joy to my life with your beautiful music. And for that, I can never truly thank you enough.

-GM, 2008

The karimba arrived Saturday. Man, that was fast! I love this instrument. It has a great sound and feel, and I love being able to plug it in! I have a little guitar effects processor I’m going to try with it. I’m sending my book out to you today. --

-B Michael Williams, PhD, author of “Learning Mbira A Beginning...”, 2008

I recently purchased an Alto Kalimba for my "Big Present" for Christmas from The Kalimba Magic website. I have to say that it was one of the best "gifts" ever. I am currently working my way through the Kalimba fundamentals book. I hope to be able to play a few tunes in the near future. The newsletter is excellent! Keep up the good work.

-James, 2008

Hi Mark. Thanks for the CD! I have started building a few Kalimbas with my kids and it would be interesting to hear how a real one sounds. We have a lot of fun with these. Last year I did a school project with my sons grade 4/5 class. I came in for 5 afternoons and made instruments with them. They had a choice of the following to make. Cookie Tin Banjo, Glockenspiel, Sona Tube Drum, Flutes out of various types of pipe or a Kalimba. I was surprised when 11 out of 24 kids signed up for the Kalimba.

-Art, 2008

Love the newsletter and the info. Thanks for a great product! Best!

-Tracy, 2008

I absolutely love my kalimba and use it in my sound therapy reiki sessions. Thank you. I would like to add another to my collection that is different than the eight string gourd I started with. Can you suggest another?

-- Cathleen, 2008

I received my Kalimba last week and began to include it with my other instruments I practice daily. I look forward to the new sound that I can bring to my family of percussion instruments. Thanks for your counsel and for driving the business for an instrument that is truly unique! Onward and upward!

-Steve, 2008

I received my Kalimba this afternoon....she is beautiful!!! Thank you so much for your quick delivery, and the CD...I've got to check out your Web-Site for more Tunes.

-Jona, 2008

You are beautifully gifted! I praise G-d for the gift of music and also for those who share such gifts with others. The world is better because you are here. Don't stop...ever!

- Steve, 2008

Anyway, I’m also playing kalimba pretty much every day. I don’t play great, but I’m having a great time. These babies are pure fun

- Steve, 2008

Mathew played his Kalimba for us over the phone the other night! It was a HIT! I KNEW it would be for uniquenss of gift ALONE! Thank you so much for introducing it to us! Will keep you posted!

-Gordon, 2008

Every time I walk by it I can't resist stopping, and plucking a note. I learned how to do a vibrato by using the back holes! It's fun, and has spiced up my song!

-- Matthew, 2008

Message: hi Mark, my new karimba (african tuning) arrived yesterday along with your book. Needless to say im estatic! I started playing the kalimba after seeing your website and some stuff on youtube and immediately went and got a 8 note pentatonic hokema (wich i love) and a sansula (which i also love). After nearly busting my sansula trying to copy your alternate tunings (the beautiful e major and morroccan 2) and collecting all kinds of cheap little homemade, self made, strangley self tuned kalimbas so i wouldn't risk having to retune h sansula again, i decided enough was enough, and since im a guitar player (and like all the gutar players you'll ever know, i tend to have all their flaws: showing off, playing narcissistically, not really listening to other musicians, cramming notes everywhere, experiencing everything as guitar-centric, etc)i knew from the begining that sooner or later i would need more than just 9 notes! So i decided to get a karimba.

Here in Spain it is actually very difficult to find hugh traceys (or hokemas for that matter). Much less people who know about the kalimba. Anyways your site was not only helpful in my playing which has become less narcissistic, more about listening and less about cramming notes in every single little hole the beat has to offer. I sound like a completely different person and my music breathes in a whole new way! B.B. king would be proud as so would you! I only hope this will eventually spill over into my guitar playing.

Don't get me wrong I adore the guitar been playing classical stuff on it for 10 + years, it's just that it has this tendency to create musical psychopaths out off the player, and the kalimba seems to remedy these narcissistic tendencies. (if guitar players are self involved imagine violinists! hehe).

All I really wanted to say was thanks you were not only helpful but professional and human at the same time. I never felt i was dealing with an instrument sales company, i felt i was talking to a friend. I guess your love of he instrument really shows! Keep up the good work and thanks.

-- Sebastian, 2008

I discovered the kalimba about six months ago and have become quit proficient. I am an "ex" musician... that is, I made a living playing Guitar in bands back in the 70s and 80s. I got away from playing commercially since then but I still have a lot of music in me. I first picked up a Kalimba in a travel souvineer store while on vacation and when I bought it I was under the impression it was a kind of glorified portable wind chime kind of thingy but it sounded pleasant so I bought it. When I started playing with it and I was quite astounded to discover that it could cover about 95% of all western music. The model I have is an 11 note model made by a company in West Virginia "Goshen Art Studio". It is beautifully made and plays well. The amazing thing about it is the interest it raises everywhere I go. We camp a lot all over and I was singing and playing my Kalimba in the camp ground meeting hall for someone who had asked me what it was. (I love it when people do that!) I soon had a good crowd and the manager of the campground came up and offered to let me stay for free as long as we liked if I would do what I just did "once a week" for guests. Alas... it was a good offer but I had to get back to work. He said that guitarist and keyboard players come in all the time but he had never seen anything like what you could do with that simple looking thing. His offer stands... anytime I want to go back. There seems to be a great amount of curiosity and delight anytime it's played. I've sold lots of them just by showing what you can do with one. (I just give them a copy of the little cataloge of where mine came from) We sang christmas carols this year with the Kalimba instead of the guitar. It's true! The kalimba is a sleeper instrument combining rhythm, chords and lead in such a small package... with a singer it's amazing what you can get out of it! I too am stoked on it, unlike anything else I have ever done. If I could sell these things for a living I would, because of the sheer joy that music brings people! I truly believe you are on a good path! I can retire in about a year and a half and when I do I shall become "Johnny Kalimba" LOL!

-- Duncan, 2008

The book is great in helping to teach me about patterning on the Kalimba and Karimba. That part really works for me. Of course, my instruments are in their own specific keys so I tend to apply the pattern work within my own improvising on it. It's definitely opened another door around Kalimba's for me. Thanks for that.

-Ann Marie, 2008

I just came back from Japan last night. I brought my first Kalimba with me to Japan. The security check detected some metal in my bag and had to open up the package. The security person said that he hasn't seen it for 20 years. (=Appearently he had seen it 20 years ago.) I gave it to my sister in Japan. She loved it. Then my 5 year-old niece was so interested in it. She started to play music almost immediately. I was amazed. I received your Kalimbas today. The alto kalimba has amazing deep sounds! Thank you so much.

-Yuka, 2008

I would like to buy another Kalimba that we could possibly play together with the celeste junior pentatonic. We are both enjoying playing the Kalimba and I'm wondering which two would sound nice together? I'm so grateful for your website and your beautiful music. I would love to be on your mailing list in case you ever come and play in the San Francisco area. Recently I have been faced with some pretty challenging times and playing the kalimba is one of the only things that seems to help me breathe and feel more calm. It helps me to sing and pray. Thanks, many blessings to you,

-- Deb, 2008

I have a Hugh Tracey treble kalimba that I got from AMI in 1974, but I never really did much with it until I stumbled on some of your Youtube clips and then your website late last year. I tried your < a href="http://www.kalimbamagic.com/newsletters/newsletter2.08.html#treble" target="_blank">Bb tuning and love it - it makes so much more sense to me than the original G tuning.

- Bill, 2008

The Kalimbas have arrived. Cold but intact. The grandkids will be here tomorrow and we will see where the muse takes us. Thanks for everything and I’m sending you a karmic high five.

- Rich, 2008

Thank you for your kind attention to my order. Also, congratulations for living a true passion. Few people are as fortunate.

- Constantin, 2008

I got the kalimba the day after Christmas and Ian loves it. He figured out how to play "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" in about 15 minutes. We think it is very soothing to play. Ian says it doesn't matter what you play, it all sounds good! Thanks for everything--We'll probably get another kalimba down the road--

- Suzanne, 2008

I received the Kalimba just before the end of 2007 and since then I'm plucking away happily every day. Having your Fundamentals book is a great blessing. Thank you for the nice little card that came with the instrument.

- Hans, 2008

I love the karimba, I play it everywhere in the house. This is the first tonal percussion instrument I've ever owned that I can transport easily. I have recorders and harmonicas, but they're not percussion. And my other tonal percussion instruments are vibes, marimba, glockenspiels, timpani and chimes, so you know I'm not walking around playing them!

- Rob, 2007

Mark, Thank you so much for the touching note you left in the box for the Kalimba I bought my son for Christmas. Know that it was played with awe and joy. The smile on his face was amazing, reminiscent of when he was a child. I was on a call with my sister when he was playing it on Christmas morning and she stopped and asked what was that beautiful sound in the background and that it "was nothing like I've ever heard before". Already many were touched by it....

- Dana, 2007

I thought you might be interested in a whole different use for the kalimba. I bought one from you with a pickup. I play vibes and drums with a free-form jazz group. And one night when I was not scheduled to play my regular instruments, I took the kalimba and played two sets with it. It worked veery well, especially one set where I engaged in a duet with a violinist. Just spreading the good old kalimba magic.

- Bernie, 2007

Just a quick note to say Merry Christmas and to let you know I played "Silent Night" on my Kalimba in our Church's Christmas Sunday Meeting and it was a big hit.

- Ellis, 2007

My grandson loves the Kalimba! Thanks for wrapping and sending it. Happy New Year!

- Mark, 2007

Dear Mark, I just wanted you to know how much I like your Christmas CD. Thanks so much for sending it, and for getting the kalimba to me so fast. It's a wonderful instrument, and you sure know how to make it sing. Merry Christmas to you!

-Mary, 2007

I was listening to PRI's The World, and I heard your music! I went to their website and followed the link here. I think it is really great how you create such a natural resonance with the kalimba. Keep up the work. Your music is awesome!

-Doug, 2007

I am awestuck by your perfomances on YouTube. I am a lover of MUSIC in general, but I especially like folk instruments. I play lap/mountain dulcimer, fiddle, hammered dulcimer, irish whistle, and fingerstyle guitar. I do own a small cedar box 8-tine kalimba from Mountain Melody Thumbdrums. Honestly, after hearing you play...something sparked inside of me, and I haven't hardly put my lil'kalimba down...I need a Hugh Tracey Alto...can you get it to me in Missouri by Christmas? I thank the Lord Above for people like you...You make the Earth a better place to live. If I still lived in Az, I'd definitely be in you Kalimba Klub.

-Steven, 2007

The only valid response to your kalimba music was for me to cry with joy. [Paraphrased from a phone conversation - Mark]

Steven, 2007

The Christmas Kalimba CD is beautiful, and I would like ANOTHER copy of that (I already planned to give away the two you mailed, but would like one for myself as well). The pieces are sparkling and sound intricate--are they all single-tract (one player, one session) recordings?

David, 2007

Hi Kalimba Artiste Extraodinaire, I'm listening to your magnificent talent RIGHT NOW as I write this, and I HAVE TO TELL you that your playing and Kalimba are so utterly SIMPLE, CHARMING, NONCOMMERCIAL AND NON-ELECTRIC, innocent and beautiful, that it brought me to tears. I get crazy nostalgic & sentimental at the holidays, and your gift has made it easier on me, especially with my Mom dying last year. KEEP UP THE MAGNIFICENT WORK, God Bless and THANK YOU for making me so happy

B, 2007

Thanks for the very kind thoughts on back of your card. The kalimba has been a great friend for so many years. The instrument arrived today as an unexpected Sunday delivery from the postman, and it sounds great thanks to your selection I trust. It is a lovely instrument, not to remain in my hands for long as it is intended as a gift to my wife, who as a percussionist also shares the love of kalimba playing. Now finally I can rescue my older and cherished alto kalimba back from her, a gorgeous instrument that has seen me through many years of dance accompaniment.

Jon, 2007

Thank you. I received the instrument and books in the mail today. It's a beautiful instrument (much like the one my brother first owned 25 years ago. I know the recipient will gain a lot of joy from it!

Pam, 2007

Wow - fast!!! Thanks so much, Mark. This little dude is way cool!! (Thanks again for the thumb picks.)

Pat, 2007

Hi, Mark. Just wanted to let you know that my 8-note kalimba arrived today. It sounds even better in person! I look forward to exploring it with your 8-note kalimba book as my guide.

David, 2007

I received it 2 days after you sent it. It has a wonderful sound. And looks real good. Putting it thru the amp is intriguing. This is great. Thanks for the instrument, your advice, and service.

Jon, 2007

I just submitted the PayPal payment. And thanks as well for the nice discount and the quicker shipping. These will really make nice presents - the best presents are 'educational' or growth-promoting.

David, 2007

Got my great alto kalimba! I am thrilled! Thanks very much! Best to you, a newlywed!

Greg, 2007

I just wanted to say thanks for the prompt/excuse to finally get the kalimba i've been wanting. I have a sansula, which I love, but have really been wanting one that I could play tunes on too. It worked out really great with the pay pal thing as I had some money in the account that was apparently just waiting to buy my new kalimba. Amazing, just like magic. I'm looking forward to this new path on the journey. Thanks for doing what you do. ps Has anyone else reprted to you on how soothing the sansula is to a baby. I have a 9 month old grand daughter and have played to her from birth on. Now of course she wants to grab it and eat it, but in her first few months it was pretty amazing to witness the calming effects!

Debi, 2007

My biggest draw to it was to play 'lullaby' style music for my little boys as they go to sleep. My youngest (3 1/2 years) who typically takes an hour or so to fall asleep because of the 'wind down time' he needs fell asleep in around 10-15 minutes on the 1st night I played the Sansula.

Arti, 2007

I know there are many people like me who didn't know what it was like to have music inside of them until they played the kalimba.

Sharon, 2007

I bought one almost a year ago and it really is a bliss. Shipped to Finland just fine! And supporting him, getting all the nice newsletters and tutorials are highly inspirational. You definitely get what you pay for - A good instrument and support.

Jjuup, 2007

Looks like I wrote to you looking for my package just one day too soon- my kalimba arrived today!!!! Oh, it is so cool and I've bonded with it already and it's fun to try the exercises in the book. I wrote a rather breathless report about my new kalimba in my journal tonight that I thought you might like to see. I hope you don't mind that I photographed one partial page from inside the beginner book to explain about kalimba notation (about 2/3's of the people who read my journal are fellow musicians and I thought they would find that interesting). Here's the link: http://allisona.livejournal.com/362167.html#cutid1
Thanks again for your help and service and thanks for my cool kalimba!

Allison, 2007

We gave Keith his Karimba tonight. He was so thrilled and man, I could just see how he was going to enjoy having his own. He was putting together some of his own stuff within minutes and then he dove into the book you sent. Thank you! The book I never really even thought of getting. Thank you. It explains a lot! Anyway, he was asking about you and your website and I told him you'd probably not mind if he emailed you about anything or questions. Hope that was ok. I'm just thrilled at how he loves it ;0) Thanks!

Patti, 2007

Thanks again for the kalimba. The instrument is just great! I've been playing for some days now and the smile on my face keeps growing. Kalimba is a real source of joy!

Martin, 2007

I was talking to Irene a friend of mine at work the other day and she was feeling a bit stressed, she is a child health nurse and has undertaken further studies as a Psychologist. She does some great work with parents and is hoping to do more work with children who have autism. I reminded her of the joys of the Kalimba and lent her an alto over the weekend. She absolutely loved it and it lead her to a wonderful place of tranquillity and allowed her to refocus.

Evyn, 2007

[Li sent his old kalimba to the Kalimba Doctor for a little tuneup. -Mark] Just wanted to let you know the kalimba arrived back today. Gosh, that was fast! Thank you so much for taking the time to work on it for me. Now I have a reference point of how it should sound (and the sound that it is capable of making). With all the material you provide on your website, I should be able to keep it tuned. (If I have trouble, I know who to ask!) Thanks also for the note cards you sent as well. I look forward to perfecting my playing skills.

Li, 2007

I'm going with your advice that an alto kalimba is good for an adult beginner and hopefully the two alto books will show me the ropes! I find the kalimba notation especially fascinating. Thank you, too, for your excellent kalimba website. I've learned so much reading over there in the last two days! I really enjoyed the Tips of the Day, the soundclips and the history and cultural articles about the kalimba. I will certainly be back there to absorb even more, especially after my kalimba arrives.

J, 2007

I actually saw you for the 2nd time yesterday at Villa Maria. I am so impressed by the music you make. I can tell how you literally "feel" each and every note you play or each word you sing. How long have you been doing this? I know you said that you play several other instruments. I can only imagine how those must sound. I am so interested in the Kalimba though. I will be purchasing a Kalimba and instruction book in the very near future. Thank you so much for the time you take out of your busy schedule to come and share a little time with us at the Center. I definitely look forward to the next time you come to perform for us. Have a great day.

A big fan!!!! 2007

I just wanted to let you know that the kalimba arrived safely. It's a beautiful instrument and so easy to get interesting melodies even for a fairly untalented musician like me! Sadly, this particular instrument is a gift for my sister, so I'm going to have to give it up. I suspect I'll be saving up my pennies to buy my own kalimba soon.

Janice, 2007

Thanks for the tremendously beautiful kalimba. I have been playing it since I got it. I know it will bless me. I will practice it every day.

Ellen, 2007

If old Ephraim Zimbalist
Had been a Kalimbalist
instead of just playing the fiddle
He'd be held in the sway
of Mark Holdaway
And they'd split the duets down the middle.

(Ephraim Zimbalist was a world renouned violinist in the first half of the 20th century)

Bill, 2007

Thank you for the two beautifully played CDs. It is exactly what I wished it to be, thank you very much Mark Holdaway. I hope we may work together in the future.

Horacio, 2007

I saw and listened to "Nowhere Man" on YouTube... very nice too.... but the "First Look Onside" song.. it's very very special..!!!! like a very special meeting inside of me...!! I discovered Kalimba with your song...!! since then i've been looking all I can on the net...!! I would like to study the Kalimba...!

French Guy, 2007

Hi, You are a Sweetie! Thanks

Anita, 2007

Is just arrived here! This instrument is simply... Fantastic!!!

Marco, 2007

What great service! My Saturday order was waiting for me today. That's fast. And I have been listening to the CD as I attend to evening chores, and have enjoyed it immensely, so thank you for that also.

Bruce, 2007

I received the Kalimba yesterday. It is a very nice Kalimba with a sweet sound. I already love my Kalimba. Thank you so much for the CD and the booklets you included. I started to play last night. Still need to think that a scale can only be made by alternating both hands. The chords sound great. I'm amazed at how a simple instrument can make such a nice sound. So, thank you again. You were extremely helpful and kind to me in choosing this Kalimba.

Ana, 2007

Guess what--I heard you on the NPR program today (World...something--forget the name of the program). Was driving and I nearly took the wrong turn, I was so startled to suddenly hear your familiar kalimba playing coming over NPR! That's so cool!!

Susan, 2007

I got my order a day or so ago, thank you. They sound great. I haven't had a chance to check them out with my pedal board. I'll let you know. It's a sure bet these will be on my 3rd CD. Also I'll be incorporating them into my live solo bass set. Thanks again

Edo, 2007

The Karimba has arrived.... I think the responsible thing to do is to add a Warning to your site. Apparently a chemical compound contained within the sap of Kiaat wood has made it IMPOSSIBLE for me to put it down... hahahaha... I love it. It's really hard to play my a-little-too-authentic mbira now... The sound of the karimba is so pure and pleasing... I hope I'm not confessing an overly-Western ear.... Thanks again for everything... I love it!

Zachary, 2007

Many thanks for the 8-Note Kalimba book. I'm having fun and learning to embrace something that's gone absent from my life over the last many of years, namely music in many forms. I just did a (really bad) rendition of Jesu after reading the book for about an hour and plucking(?), thrumbing(?) (what's the verb here?) at the tines in experimentation. I can't wait to play with KTabS and de-construct one of my favourite kalimba accompaniments from the mid-80s. I look forward to learning both my diatonic and pentatonic kalimbas with your amazing (and generous) assistance. Perhaps when I've garnered some skill I'll send you a link to a recording of some of my playing. But right now I'm having fun. Again, many, many thanks. Warmest Regards,

Bryan Manske, 2007

Thanks, Mark, for your reply. I'll start working on "Jesu." It's one of my favorites and I'm working on it now on my Bowed Psaltery. Then I'll try "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." I know that one definitely goes outside the octave! I went to your Tip of the Day Archives last night and found the article on harmonizing. Worked a little bit on that and found a good harmonizing tine for each note. I also memorized the chords C,F & G on the 8 note and am working on the others in the key of C. I love stuff like this!!!! I'll be in touch when I'm ready for your lesson. God bless you!

Diane, 2007

Hope the beautiful sounds harmonize with my husband's life - it would be hard for them not to. Thank you so much for everything, it's been genuinely fun conducting this transaction with you. It seems so wonderfully clear that you deeply love kalimba music and hold the hope that even novices can enjoy the beautiful sounds that seem to be flowing from their own fingers. Good luck in your work -- may your life become as rich as your music.

Ginny, 2007

1993 in Brussels Belgium I saw my first kalimba at a concert of Johnny Klug. At the beginning of the concert I heard a magical sound then Johhny came walking out from backstage playing a dreamy tune. I went to a music store immediately afterwards and bought one. It was a sardine can with a wood top. Crude but beautiful. What a wonderful experience. Alone in a foreign country, not speaking the language and then I found them in a music store. It was my closest friend. I recently (last month) bought another one in France. It is a kiaat solid wood kalimba. I rubberband my pickup for my acoustic guitar on it and plug in to my Fender amp. Not the best but louder. I would like to get another pick-up for it so I can really sail. Any suggestions as to what would help? I love playing it in my studio whem my mind is vapor locked. It's like conscious dreaming, magical.

Larry 2007

Thanks for the great kalimba! It's already here! It is by far the best one I have ever played, and the wood, as you pointed out, is beautiful! Thanks for having such a great item. I have left you positive feedback.

Richard, 2007

Thank you for all your assistance -- it really helped me out figuring what to buy and all.

Don, 2007

By the way, Randy's Dad, for whom I ordered the 8 note just to experiment with, unexpectedly decided to keep the kalimba and book out on their coffee table so he can sit down and play from the book often. Who knew?!

Sharon, 2007

Hi Mark It was great to meet you, after all these years of being a fan, last weekend, when I told you my little story. AND--thank you for the fantastic CD! I so rarely buy music (I have the tiniest collection of anyone I know--so that means, your music makes up a fairly big percentage of my collection!). How nice it is to have a CD in the truck and another at home. I've been listening to your music almost non-stop (well, maybe not really) for a week.

Jean, 2007

I am really eager to receive the CD. In recent years I've had a growing interest in African music - especially west African and most especially Malian. So I have a small collection, but nothing like your CD. You may be interested in knowing that I became aware of it on PRI's The World. That little snatch hooked me. Then went to the website and heard more. Entranced.

Curt, 2007

Hi Mark, I heard you at IMYM (at creativity night). You have a wonderful talent with the kalimba.

Sue, 2007

[Editor's note: it is so pleasing when someone from Africa really appreciates the Hugh Tracey instruments!] The Karimba arrived last week, thanks so much for sending it to me and the fast shipping. The Karimba is awesome and in sound and shape/size is much more like the Kalimba I remember from the Zambia/Congo border area I grew up in than the Zimbabwean Mbira. It is much easier to play than the ones the Africans made which were very uncomfortable to play.
I picked it up and within a few minutes I was able to make up some 12/8 rhythms that sounded very sweet to me. I am really looking forward to learning to play properly. The quality of the book is excellent and I really apprecaite the amount of time, love and energy you have put into this.
I really hope I will be able to assist in some small way in getting the HT Kalimbas and your books and music to as many people as possible. Obviously this is a long time commitment and hopefully it will become part of my personal journey too.

Arnold, 2007

I love the sound of the Kalimba, I have heard it on earth wind and fire tracks...one even named the kalimba story!!! It makes me feel so uplifted to listen to the magical notes play in my universe, it is one of the most carefree and easily accessible sounds to me. I would love to hear some kalimba or attend a performance. After reading your vision I was filled with a excited sensation that you may be onto something that can truly help fill people with the type of good vibes we need take this life to the nth degree. I probably can't afford a kalimba right now, and can't pay for lessons and such or having you come to my college for a performance, but I wanted to at least tell you that I FEEL the kalimba has great power to touch the hearts of people in today's world.

David, 2007

Thanks, I'll be enjoying these a couple days a week, something that I never knew about this time last week. Mucho Gracias,

Karenlee, 2007

Thankyou for the responce, AMI are tops as far as quality is concerned. My frend visted the factory in South Africa and met one of the workers who had been there most of her life. Even though she was helping construct Kalimbas she had never heard one played in her life! My friend played it to her and it moved her so much that it put all her efforts into perspective, it's fantastic to know that even in the country of origin it can have that responce. I think because of accesability to those with no previous background this instrument can bring the music out of anyone.

Matthew, 2007

I have just received my kalimba, it is beautiful, I haven't had a chance to seriously explore it. I am 75, I have no ills and for that I am truley grateful. but if I did, I believe the kalimba would be the cure all.

Loly 2007

Many thanks, I got the karimba very quickly and was immediately obsessed with it, playing it several hours a day when i should be learning german.

Richard, 2007

I have played the CD (Two Thumbs Up) several times this afternoon. As a matter of fact, I am listening to it right now as I compose this email message. I love it! Words could never express the way that I feel about the Kalimba music. It is truly a blessing.

Celia, 2007

Thanks, Mark...I surely do appreciate that. It seems so wonderfully clear that you deeply love kalimba music and hold the hope that even novices can enjoy the beautiful sounds that seem to be flowing from their own fingers. Good luck in your work -- may your life become as rich as your music.

Ginny, 2007

The karimba arrived today along with the book and CDs. The book looks fantastic and I'm sure to enjoy this new little adventure. Now, maybe I can stop biting my nails!

Scott, 2007

I think of the design of my karimba as: a dozen or so metal oars steering a wooden boat... Playing my karimba, even casually, seems to bring me notes from Asia as well as Africa: fragments of antiquity and new chords I never sensed before.

A dozen steel oars steer a wooden boat-- My karimba goes where it wants to go Sometimes there is no name for the reef it reaches, or maybe it is an island like Madagascar, where Asia, Africa, and Arabia meet, where my karimba meets the seventh continent

Russle, 2007

In reply to Russle: I know what you mean - Asian sounds. Well, I am guessing yours is tuned in the African tuning, many of those intervals are "out of tune" with respect to Western notes, and this is the same situation for the metalic-sounding Indonesian Gamelon, an ensemble of tuned metal percussion.

I like to say that kalimba's roots are in Africa, but its future lies in a whole other world. Of course, we will travel to every shore to find the strands of melody that we weave together to form the banner under which we sail.

Mark Holdaway, 2007

I was walking through the park one day and I heard this beautiful angelic music. I was drawn to it and wanted to find the source. I saw several people in a circle and in the midst of the circle was an African man playing a wooden musical instrument. I fell in love with the Kalimba music on that very day. Afterwards I searched the website to find this music in a CD so that I can listen to it as often as my heart desires. I thank God for Kalimba Magic and I thank you for providing this beautiful spirit filled music to the general public.

Celia, 2007

Thanks for all of the beautiful information and music! I can't wait to have the treble kalimba and learning materials. I have been listening to all of your music and sample musics, i've also been reading all of the tips and the many feed backs. I am excited.

Lolly, 2007

I received the Kalimba today !!! I am so excited, it sounds perfect. I do not have a sample of my work yet to send you, but from September I am going to start my project at a place of my own. It is a small house with garden full of children who want to listen old fairy tales and travel through magic, every afternoon. I am 32 years old and I love children and fairy tales, not so much the new ones but the old which hide so much wisdome. I am not an actress or a singer or a musician, I just tell stories. So I need the kalimba because I think that it is perfect for story telling. I also use raining sticks, singing bowl, maraces etc. just to help my story be more alive. At this time I am interested in Russian fairy tales which have a lot of magic, so my new kalimba suits perfectly. Also the book is very helpful and thanks so much for the cd!!!!! As soon as I have a dvd I will send it to you !!! Thanks for your interest. I will be in touch.

Ioanna, 2007

With the kalimba, people of all ages and ethnicities can create their song out of themselves.

Russle, 2007

Hey man, just got the kalimba...amazing. great service, great product. i'm very confident i made the right choice with you. thanks again. kalimba on!

Patrick, 2007

Mark, The compact disc, you sold me, titled "Between the Dark and The Light" was excellent! Not only was it lovely, but it was peaceful as well. The compact disc was "pleasing" in both senses of the word. I hope to play as well as you do, someday! I also wanted to ask how can I acquire one of those cards that are placed under the reeds of an Alto Kalimba? I plan to purchase more of the Kalimba music, on Cd's, as well, in the future, but a little at a time, due to economic budget restraints.

Thanks,
Greg, 2007

Thanks for the wonderful customer service and the wonderful Kalimba! The instruction book is one of the best instruction books I have ever read. Outstanding Job!!! The CD is out of sight!!!

Jim, 2007

Yes, I got it! Its beautiful. The pick-up has a nice sound. Its like a Rhodes or a vibraphone, kind of. Thank you very much, I may want another one. Are they all pretty much the same in quality?

Evan, 2007

Thanks for the mention on the tips page! The 8 note kalimba sounds REALLY cool tuned to those different scales. My Roland Juno-G has a Kalimba patch, and I played Hijaz and Akebono on it to see how it would sound, and it sounded okay, but on the *real deal* kalimba - the acoustic instrument inself - it sounded SO GOOD!

You rock, Mark - you really do!

Kevin, 2007

Thanks for the quick turn around. MAN, that was fast!!! I've been doing my research and all roads led to your website. I'm looking forward to playing this beautiful instrument. I'm spreading the word.

Joe, 2007

A quick word to let you know that the book and Karimba arrived safely yesterday. I LOVE the tuning and sound!! I'm so happy. This morning I'm heading out to do a school concert for 400 children. Guess what's coming along? Nice to have the pickup option as well.

-Gary Diggins, Musician & Music Therapist, 2007

[Editor's note: THANK YOU, Gary, for the idea of the G minor karimba! I love it too.]

Wow - it feels beautiful and the continuing resonance through the Kiaat after the note has faded is ethereal. Thanks Mark, both Josh and I commented instantly on how lovely if feels when you hold it even without playing. I am so thrilled that I explored the Kalimba with you late last year because it has given me my music back. If nothing else I can see I will be ordering your other CD's to keep me inspired.

Evyn, 2007

Mark,
That was a stellar interview with Percy. What great information and innovations you have brought to light. Thank you.

Tom, 2007

Mark,
I love the Kalimbas I bought from you. Your books are fantastic and thank you for the CD, its wonderful, you're a phenomenal Kalimba player! Thanks!

Luke, 2007

The Kalimba has safely arrived, all in good order and yes, a very pretty looking instrument. Now to make some pretty sounds as well. Perhaps music if my thumbs can connect with my brain. Thanks, and all the best promoting a product that is such a wholesome, cheerful diversion for imperfect mortals such as myself.

Peter, 2007

Dear Mark,
I want to let you know how much I've enjoyed playing the karimba (with book/CD) which I purchased from you earlier this year. I was so relieved when I received the book & the notation was written "in pictures", a language I can understand!

Originally, I was looking for an mbira. Since I purchased the karimba, I've found where to buy an mbira and get lessons. The mbira cost is more than double the karimba and the lesson costs were ... way out there, WAY beyond my means.

Thank you so much for providing an instrument that is built sturdy and has a lovely sound. The book/CD makes learning accessible. I am very grateful you have made these materials affordable to those of us of modest means.

The Hugh Tracey karimba is going to be my instrument and I look forward to a long, happy relationship with it, you and your place of business!

Mary, 2007

Mark, you are always more than fair!

James, 2007

There is such a sense of peace around kalimba's isn't there - it really feeds the soul. I often sit in my backyard (we back onto parkland) with the glow from the park light at our back fence (open bar pool safety fence) and let the sound drift out to my neighbours around the park. It is a great way to finish the day.

Evyn, 2007

Thanks again for sending out my order. When I am a famous kalimba player, I'll plug your shop for free. I'll be starting from scratch - so it might be a while - but I promise!

Holly, 2007

Thanks so very much! The kalimba plays beautifully and the pickup has opened up a whole new world for me.

Most grateful,
Josh, 2007

I received the alto kalimba yesterday. Thanks for the prompt shipment. For some reason, I've become captivated by kalimba music during the past few weeks, so I decided to get the best one available. Your site is a treasure, as is the instrument. It looks, sounds, feels -- even smells great. I've played a variety of instruments in my youth -- none very proficiently -- but have only messed with virtual sounds and instruments on synthesizers and the computer in recent years. After a couple of sessions on the kalimba, I'm slowly getting used to the configuration, producing some glissando progressions and trying to pick out the tunes that I want to play. I haven't picked up a new instrument in ages, so it's a little frustrating to not just be able to play it automatically, but sometimes I surprise myself, and I know that I'll eventually improve. If nothing else, it's good therapy, and I can see what you mean about the left/right brain integration that's involved.

Thanks again,
Les, 2007

Hi Mark, just received your Kalimba, it's wonderful, just what I was looking for, this thing really, really sings. Can't wait to try it thru my Digitech effects foot pedal. And special THANKS for your free CD, I'm sure I'll love it. Just wanted to write you this because ebay just doesn't give you enough space in their feedback to leave the great praise that you deserve. It's been a rare pleasure indeed, doing business with you. Many happy wishes to you and yours and all you do. Also thanks for signing me up for you newsletter, I'll definitely be reading every word.

Thanks again,
Walt, 2007

Anyway I wanted to comment on how excellent your explanations are. I have found myself really excited about reading your articles. I have heard of many of these concepts before, but not all of them. That's really amazing since I have read about music all over the net. Your article is truly delightful and enlightening! You are straight to the point while giving all of the information I need.

Thanks!
Steven, 2007

Your Sansula gave me goosebumps upon hearing its haunting melody! Im so excited I cannot wait. :)

Thank You Very Much.
Emily, 2007

Thanks Mark I received it this afternoon. I have been playing it since I got it. Amazingly I am having no trouble playing it. I guess once you learn an instrument it never leaves you. Very fun instrument. I will be getting other Kalimbas from you in the future.

Mike, 2007

I already received the Karimba - that was really fast coming from Arizona to Florida. It's absolutely beautiful. Very well made. Beautiful in both appearance and tone. This is going to be a deep instrument - the layout and tuning are definitely different than any western instrument I have seen. It's going to be fun digging in. Your book looks great - there is a lot to tackle in there. You have given me the tools - now it's going to be up to me to get acquainted and learn - that will take a lifetime!

Tony, 2007

Your kalimbas are so perfect for music therapy with kids and/or adults. The music is easy to make, harmonious, gentle and sweet, like petting a kitty.

Beth, 2007

Looks like you have really tapped into something with the site. All of the links, tools available, contacts, and heart felt expressions of gratitude make for something that you really should be very proud of. I hope you occasionally realize that this effort and it's effects will continue on the net and in peoples lives long after you are dirt. Be sure to give yourself that! No one else can.

Grant, 2007

Your love for the instrument makes the Gods smile!

Bradley, 2007

Mark: Hi. Just wanted to thank you for your Newsletters. They are interesting and informative. But your personality and excitement over the Kalimba - shows through - and all helps keep my excitement going too - learning and growing.

Nikki, 2007

First off, I'm not a professional musician, but merely an enthusiastic amateur: I play piano, mostly fakebooks but also simple classical music; I play around with flutes and whistles; I sing bass in an ensemble; and I'm beginning violin. I love all the instruments I play, at whatever rudimentary or advanced level, but also the challenge of learning new instruments. I enjoy conveying basics of music theory to tyros.

The Kalimba represents an instrument upon which one can create satisfying noise at once, but if one wants to go deeper, musicality awaits discovery. Unlike violin or guitar, it stays in pitch, mostly, so one can play immediately with no preamble. It's more compact and portable than anything other than a flute, and although not damage-proof, it's sturdy, unlike a violin, I see the Kalimba as an outdoor instrument, unlike piano; I envision personally satisfying concerts by a rushing stream, on a beach or hill, or by a quiet campfire. Unlike the flute, it's so quiet one can play in public and still remain in private musical space; even rudimentary playing bothers almost no one. It may act as understated accompaniment to solo voice. Hugh Tracey makes quality instruments I may bestow upon friends, knowing I have given something of high musical value for a relatively small investment, unlike a Steinway piano or a Martin guitar. Through these sweet little boxes, I am allowed to be musically generous on many levels.

Jim, 2007

...I've read a lot about the Hugh Tracey kalimbas, and even found some people who bought the MidEast Music ones and advised anyone interested in buying a kalimba to not buy MidEast Music ones, but to buy a Hugh Tracey kalimba, so I took the plunge. The Sansula description on your site intrigued me as well, so I decided to pick up one of those. Boy, what a wise investment these turned out to be!

Kevin, 2007

I got that Kalimba with pick up from you for my husband for Christmas and he just LOVES it. Plays it all the time when we are in the desert house. It was the best gift I've gotten him in years!

Beth, 2007

I am playing "Two Thumbs Up" right now, and it is still magical for me. Thank you for catching that dream and not allowing anything to discourage you out of it. I pray often for your success and broader exposure of your music in the world. What you have to give is very important....don't ever lose sight of that.

Betty, 2007

I received my Kalimba and am having a blast with it. More fun than my NAF's. I also discovered that my older sister has an original 17-note Kalimba that she bought in the 1960's, from a toy store I think, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It has the identifying label (made in South Africa) on the back and everything. It is in pristine condition. I have convinced her to pick it up and start playing again. Amazing.

Thanks again for the magic of the Kalimba!

Carol, 2007

Mark, Your CD [Two Thumbs Up] was terrific! I've listened to it over and over again. Thank you. I loved the way you've blended all the instruments together. The Kalimba's presence was balanced beautifully.

Thank Again,
Steve Catania of Catania Folk Instruments, 2007

I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your kalimba playing and your music compositions. I am a pianist/hammer dulcimist in South Florida, and am eagerly awaiting my Hugh Tracey Alto Kalimba. Anyway, your work in promoting the distribution and possibilities with this wonderful instrument are greatly appreciated-obviously it's a labor of love.

Respectfully,
Erich, 2007

My heart is being filled with joy as I find your site, story and experiences with the Kalimba. Your words are so true and so needed in this times we live in nowadays in which people begin to open their eyes and become awake. You cannot (or maybe you can) imagine what a big influence you have on the whole Earth and peace with this small instrument in combination with your personal story. Kalimba's are so needed because they remind you of who you really are, and that is the only thing we can truly call magic. I would like to thank you for this.

The Kalimba reaches people straight to their heart, as I don't need to tell you. A friend of mine brought one and I immediately recognized the sound; it reminded me of a land of inner peace, brightness, light, joy, and it took me there. This land I speak of, as you know everyone can experience it (in the end, we all will) and playing or hearing, feeling the kalimba-vibes shows you easily that this land we speak about, is what we can call home...

Thank you for who you are, thank you for inspiring people.. later I will order my own Kalimba, but I preferred bringing you this message first. :)

Ayla, 2007

We are kindred spirits indeed, let us trust the fact that there are many people all around the world that yet experience life in this way, and even more will. Let us believe we can make this Earth a better, even more beautiful place to live in by doing meaningful "small" things like this. I enjoy sharing this view with You.

Thank you for signing me up. Of course you may quote from my message, I will be glad if you do so because maybe it will help break down another brick from the wall we build around our hearts these days, which is no need to, as we become aware of the real beauty that lies within our being.

Blessings to you, too.

Ayla, 2007

I AM having the best time with my Kalimba and I'm enjoying showing and telling others about it as well--it is such a beautiful instrument and one that can be played and enjoyed on many levels. Even when I make mistakes it sounds good!

Jessie, 2007

Thanks for asking about our kalimba progress. We are still on the practice exercises but have practiced together and have so much fun playing together. I did play "What Child is This" with some ease...it is just a wonderful place for me to go to relax and add balance to our ministry...thanks for your concern, encouragement and guidance. Much Love, Peace and Joy in 2007!

Jodie, 2007

Hi Mark,

Thanks for sending the Christmas book and the note. To answer your questions--Yes, I have K-tabs and I love it. First I got the reader but found that I needed to slow the tempo so I upgraded to make it easier to follow along. The only suggestion I had to them was to somehow have the music play to the notes further down the page. The notes come from the top of the page and I am unable to look ahead at the music that is coming along. Maybe you can pass on to them how difficult it is to follow along when one can't see ahead. I ordered the Christmas book because it is so easy to follow along with the written music rather than having to turn the computer on all the time.

I love playing the Kalimba and have become very protective of my thumb nails! I broke one several weeks ago and was pretty lost without it (the little plastic thingies don't make the same sound, do they!). I've been working with some of the rhythms and I just laugh and laugh at myself when I can't seem to master the rhythm. It's like patting my head and rubbing my tummy when I'm playing 2 notes with the left and 3 with the right. I just sit and say "why the heck can't I get this?!" I finally have it!! I love playing songs as well and I'm looking forward to the time when I feel that I can embellish with my own notes. Right now I don't have enough expertise to do that but I keep trying.

Everyone who has heard and seen the Kalimba is fascinated with it. A woman who is an accomplished pianist spied it in my living room and instantly took a liking to it. She was able to pick out tunes very quickly.

I hope to have my friend, Gail (who just bought a Kalimba from you), play duets with me soon. I'm sure that will be great fun. Hmmm, I know I can play duets with the Ktabs--I'll have to explore that at soon as life settles down after the Holidays.

Jessie Hoadley, 2007

I got the book today and it looks great! I definitely will be ordering one for the kids and am waiting for my husband to check out your siteand choose one for his birthday in May! Thanks again for your special attention! I'll let you know how the playing goes . . . they're such enchanting little things! I'll be in touch.

Margot, 2006

It has arrived. What a beautiful little instrument, thank you. I look forward to getting to know it.

I also got the e-alto and your new CD. WOW. Mark, the CD is fantastic. I just got through listening to it and it totally blew me away. Beautiful! Talk about getting schooled. What a wonderful collection of songs. I am so impressed and inspired. Congratulations - what a fine achievement.

I'm thinking I may need to do a pilgrimage to visit you and to see you play. Maybe one of the festivals you do or one of your shows. I have been operating in a vacuum too long. I'd love to meet you sometime; maybe even jam a bit.

Well, here's wishing you and yours a very wonder-filled holiday season. It certainly has been a pleasure getting to know you and doing business with you. I look forward to a bright future filled with hope, light and enchanting music.

Warmest wishes,
Devin, 2006

In Tucson, Arizona sitzt Mark Holdaway vor seinem Computer und tippt seine "Tips of the day" hinein: für seine Kalimba-Fangemeinde, Daumenklavier-Enthusiasten oder Zanza-Liebhaber (je nachdem, wie wer dieses Instrument als was bezeichnet...) Mark schreibt seine Tips of the day nach einem gestrengen Plan: montags schreibt er über "spirit/mind/body", dienstags gibt er "elementary tips", mittwochs wendet er sich an die Fortgeschrittenen mit "advanced tips", donnerstags heisst es "Featured Kalimba" und der Freitag gehört der physikalischen Seite der Kalimba. Das ganze ist ein Blog und man kann mit Mark durchaus auch über Kalimba-Fragen diskutieren.

Die physikalischen Tips sind ausgesprochen detailiert und haben ein wissenschaftlich hohes Niveau: z.B. untersucht er Frequenzen einzelner Töne seines Instruments (etwa ihre Envelope-Form ), Resonanzfrequenzen, Obertonfrequenzen, den wah-wah-Effekt oder den Einfluss von an den Stimmzungen befestigtem Konservendosenblech.

Er schreibt sehr humorvoll und formuliert äusserst witzig. Es macht Spass, seine vielen vielen kleinen Aufsätze zu diesem Thema zu lesen...auch wenn man nicht Kalimba spielt. Wer die Texte durch hat...wird sich aber garantiert eine kaufen oder basteln.

Ein Link führt sinnigerweise zu einem Kalimbashop. seine Kalimbas, die er dort verkauft, stammen aus Afrika und es werden die besten Kalimbas sein, die es überhaupt in der ganzen Welt zu kaufen gibt, ich bin sicher.

Folgenden netten Artikel fand ich dort: November 3, 2006 Playing Kalimba in the Santiago Airport

Neugierig auf die ganze Seite? Neugierig darauf, zu erfahren, was denn nun eine Kalimba eigentlich ist? Neugierig auf Kalimba-Musik? Es gibt ein sehr schönes Soundbeispiel, auf dem Mark spielt und gleichzeitig seine Geschichte von ENERGY erzählt (man muss auf seinen Namen klicken und kommt dann zu seiner persönlichen Seite).

Martin, 2006

My sisters are using your CD - Silent Night - as the sound track for Christmas because our music box that played that tune broke. Our parents always used it to wake us up Christmas morning. Your CD covers it perfectly!

Thanks Mark!
MJA, 2006

Thank you again! Practice with more structured tablature is good. I have a lot of fun and serenity with my kalimba.

Jay, 2006

Hi! Your Kalimba Christmas CD is a pure delight! I love the sounds you get out of kalimbas and your innovative arrangements!

Mary, 2006

My webmaster Susan posted my Middle Eastern sounding kalimba piece Morocco on the front page of the Kalimba Magic website because she liked it. In preparation for my new CD Between the Dark and the Light, I added a guitar track to the solo kalimba, and uploaded the new Morocco and asked Susan to check it out... -Mark

Hey! This is even more gorgeous than before!! I love this tuning. This music is so... haunting and beautiful at the same time--sends chills up my spine. I'm also really glad you let it go for the full length of the piece instead of fading out, and the guitar superbly enhances without overwhelming the delicate kalimba in the foreground. Truly lovely--BRAVO!!!

Susan, 2006

Hi Mark, Thank you! My friend Martha really loves her kalimba! She plays it every couple of days because the vibrations it makes in her hands makes her "feel good" (besides liking the sound). I know she will love the book!

Alix, 2006

The concert on Sunday evening was fantastic. You are unquestionably a world class performer on the Kalimba and both Fran and I were amazed at your ability to produce such remarkable music from that instrument. I agree, more individuals should have attended. Those that did not missed a very special performance. Thanks for a wonderful evening.

Ed, 2006

I did receive my Alto and I love it! My friend Lori tried it out and wanted one too! (That's this order) Thank you so much for being so prompt!

Jodie, 2006

Thanks Mark, I enjoyed your music on your site tremendously.

Eshu, 2006

Hi Mark, Thanks, I really love this instrument. I think it will be a good companion to me for years to come. Thanks again,

Neil, 2006

Blessings are all around us, it is our job to awaken to them Mark, 2006

Hi Mark,

Thank you for the update of what you're doing with the Kalimba out and about. Sounds exciting and fun.

I've copied your last statement and am sending it back to you because it is beautifully stated! I am going to put this as a quote in my journal. Thank you for who you are and what you do to make this community and the greater community a kinder, gentler place.

[In a hectic day, peace is only a moment away at any point, it just needs to be chosen. But when I pick up my kalimba, peace chooses me. Blessings, -Mark]

Fran, 2006

Thank you so much, the light went on.... Be well, Mark.

Greg, 2006

Oh my gosh mark, I am so excited, and you are such a nice a wonderful person, I can't wait to make music with this, completely awesome, I'm so EXCITED. Yeah I don't have huge thumb nails, I guess I better grow them out. I'm a cronic nail bitter @_@ hehehe. Anyways thank you so much for this product, I have plugged it in yet, so I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks again. Always.

Danielle, 2006

Thanks Mark!! It was on the door step when I got home from work on Friday. My 2 1/2 yr old son and I had fun running it through a Line 6 Pod XT Live and a fender amp for a few minutes before I played with it in its un-amped form later that night. The Tab is really easy to read. Actually, I was able to read that tab better than guitar tab. Thanks again. It sounds really good and I look forward to mangling up it's sound through all sorts or filters etc.

Don, 2006

Hey Mark,

Thanks again for the kalimba, I have especially fallen in love with the Alto Kalimba. As I told you I first heard the kalimba when I attended an ayahuasca ceremony in Ecuador, and my primary interest in the kalimba was to use as a 'shamanic' instrument. I found in my work I was really looking for a way to express myself whilst under the influence, as a sort of guide to my feelings and way to release pent up energy.

Well the last two Saturdays I used the kalimba in my personal ayahuasca ceremonies and I have to say I am astonished at the kalimba's spiritual resonance, both with myself and the external world. I have never found an instrument that is able to speak the world so truly and so beautifully, it has really helped me along my path.

I must say you are doing something great spreading the word. Not only the instrument, but the way in which you are sending your energy along with it is most wonderful. You're giving a gift to the world, so thank you. And the spirits thank you too, because they love the music these magical instruments can make. So simple, so expressive, so true.

Thanks again and keep up the good work,

Neil, 2006

Mark, The rhythm guitarist with the first group I was with recorded him and I (him on guitar/synthesizer, and myself on kalimba and flute) doing some things together back in the mid-to-late 1990's, while I was living in New Orleans; but unfortunately the recordings were destroyed during hurricane Katrina. His home was completely under water, and him and his wife had to be rescued via helicopter from the roof of their home. However, I am always coming up with original tunes/patterns out of my head, and I've never really thought about actually recording them. But if I get the opportunity to get them copyrighted/recorded, I'll surely contact you and send you a demo! One of the statements you made on your website that I truly can relate to...."walking around while playing the kalimba" surely describes me, as I am usually walking around, dancing/singing while playing my kalimba (smile)! Everyone seems to be extremely busy these days, but let's keep in touch!

Miguel, 2006

Hi Mark, just letting you know the kalimbas arrived safe and sound two days ago. Perhaps the first of their kind in Korea, and what magical instruments! They sound so much better in person. I've been a little busy to get really stuck into the books of yet, but I've already caused my thumbs some considerable trauma mucking around. I am looking forward to getting to know them better, it's quite an addictive sound, tinkles around your brain for a while after you put them down... I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks again for spreading the music.

Best wishes,
Neil, 2006

My Kalimba arrived today and it's wonderful. Thanks for the speedy delivery and the interesting notes. This is my second Kalimba and my first from you. I use the kalimba as my main instrument when playing music live and having this added pickup will make it all the more easier.

Best Regards,
Tim, 2006

I got the new Kalimba with the pickup....I love it...

Linda, 2006

Your website is terrific. Thanks for mailing the kalimba out right away though it's a holiday (Chanukah/Christmas) for my seven year old daughter, who asked for a kalimba this a.m. (Her wish is my command!)

Best wishes,
Eve, 2006

The earth and sea are at peace with each other and your music flows in the trades. Mahalo. Love, peace and energy.

Carolyn, 2006

Thank you so much for allowing me to have this beautiful kalimba, and for your patience in awaiting payment...

Blessings, my friend.
Rae, 2006

I cannot thank you enough for bringing those beautiful raindrops into my life... that is what I think they sound like. I am going to write a song about rain... maybe rain faeries. And the book with CD... This made all the difference. The book bridged the gap and got me connected with this magical instrument. It gave me all the ideas to branch out and discover many musical channels to swim down. I love it. When I hold it in my hands I get entranced by something about it. It makes me feel connected and grounded. Time can just pass by and I am in the "zone" of Kalimba Magic. When I get a little more cash I would love to purchase the smaller model and the one with African tuning. But for now I am more than happy enough. Thank you. I wish I could give you a hug. Love and light and the gift of faerie sight.

Rachael, 2006

Wow, thanks for this wonderful site. I messed with a Kalimba many years ago, then it fell by the wayside. Just recently while at a friend's aunt's house I noticed a Kalimba made from a gourd on her mantle. When I asked her about it she didn't even know what it was or where she got it. She was very surprised when I told her it was an instrument. She just smiled really big and said I could have it. I politely declined her offer and said she may want to pass it along to the family. NO, I want you to have it, she replied. Right then and there I felt the peace, love and joy that this special instrument had to offer.

I told her thank you and promised to make a song for her and put it on a CD. Well the Spirit came through my thumbs and I had it to her the next day... I let another friend of mine borrow it and he wrote and recorded a beautiful piece with it. What a special instrument. He's growing gourds so we can experiment. I'm inspired by R.P.Collier. Now that I've found this site my inspiration has become even more elevated. Thank you and may Peace and Joy continue to flourish forever.

Bill, 2006

For a little over 18 months now I have been studying shamanism, in particular the use of plant medicine in indigenous Amazonian societies. In December of last year I traveled to Ecuador to drink Ayahuasca with a Quechwa shaman. Ayahuasca is a potent hallucinogen (I prefer to call it a medicine) that facilitates an incrdibly rich, multitextured, and healing journey into the natural and spiritual world.

Usually a shaman will learn special songs (called icaros) directly from the plant, but in Ecuador the shamans do not sing these songs... Instead, in Ecuador, I met a Hawaiian man who played the thumb-piano, and he masterfully used this instrument to guide us through the world of nature and the spirits. Never in my life had I heard such a profound distillation of music through nature - so precise was the perception of this instrument, so delicate, so visceral, that is took me on an incredible and healing journey of expanded consciousness. It was as if raindrops of sound were falling from heaven itself, magical music interwoven with the very fabric of reality. It was one of the most - if not the most - amazing musical experience I had had... so I told myself if ever I had the chance I would learn to play... and kept it in the back of my mind until now, even as I was listening to a Peruviann shaman singing his magical healing ayahuasca-songs, which had a far different texture of sound. I can well understand why the African tribes would use this instrument to contact their ancestors, and why you have developed a great love for it - it truly is a heart and mind-opening instrument, imbued with deeply resonant and delicate power..

Neil, 2006

The kalimba arrived yesterday and I played it for about an hour. What a beauty! The straight grain is great and color is awesome, but the sound is the thing, so chiming and rich. I plugged it into my amp and wow. I look forward to doing some amazing things with this instrument. I have a rumba box arriving soon and with my Mac will put together some sort of something.

Thanks and I am looking forward to some great fun with this beauty,
Bert, 2006

This will be music I will listen to many times over the years. I'm so glad Charles Head put me on to your music.

Mae Dean Smith, Jackson, MS, 2006

Thanks so much for the karimba book. You've done it again--a very well laid out book, easy to use, creative use of karimba and some African tunes!

Best to you,
N. Scott Robinson, 2006

I just found your website and I am thrilled to find such a following for the karimbas. I've recently returned from a year long internship in Botswana, where I first heard this instrument. I've been longing to hear it again from the time I returned. I can't wait to pick one up and listen to this music again. I'm living in Phoenix, is the website the best way to purchase an instrument or are they available in a store (with instruction book)? Congrats on your wonderful work and thanks for sharing it.

Molly, 2006

Was smitten by the kalimba bug back in the early 70s when I saw and heard one being played by a crosslegged yogaesque fellow in the classic 7up commercial. It would be a few years later when I ran across a Hugh Tracey Kalimba in a specialty store, I had to have it.

Perry, 2006

My husband bought me the Hugh Tracey Treble Kalimba for our second wedding anniversary. We first heard the Kalimba at a World Music Institute concert in NYC and were fascinated by the instrument. We had no idea what it was. I never thought any more about it, but my husband did so he made enquiries at our local music store and was hoping to give it to me for my birthday, but it was so hard to find. Finally he went back to the store after 6 months to find they had one on the shelf all this time--the owner didn't know! Now that I have one I found your website looking for information on how to play it. You have a lot of good information on your website, and I say "thank you." I have purchased a Kalimba Fundamentals book & CD, a song book (now I'll need singing lessons!), and your CD. I am looking forward to getting involved with this instrument. Thank you for making it possible.

Jo-Anne, 2006

New Pentatonic Kalimba book, K-tabs, a new CD from you and a slew of other interesting CDs -- no doubt about it, Kalimba Magic is flourishing and you can't have too much of a good thing. Love your new Karimba book and the HT TM Alto electric from my last order. Already I want another karimba and your prophecy about an electric karimba at the end of the karimba book has got me excited. Will the electric karimba be mounted on an HT TM board? If you find the time please give me an approximation of the electric karimba debut so I can focus my budget on it.

Rick, 2006

I just wanted to let you know I received the E-Alto right away and I have been playing with it since Wednesday when it arrived. I got to spend a good amount of time with the Kalimba this weekend and I am really impressed with the quality of the instrument. My 8 note Mountain Melody Kalimbas seem almost like toys in comparison, although they have held their tune for a very long time and sound good when played together with the Hugh Tracey. For some reason I thought all the extra notes on the Hugh Tracey would make it more difficult to play - boy was I wrong! As you explained in your book most combinations of notes sound good on this instrument. The added range from 8 notes to 15 notes really opens up a lot of possibilities. I am just beginning to go through the exercises in your book - it will take some time to get through all of it, but that's a good thing. The pickup is working great. I have been experimenting with different effects and found a vibes preset on my processor today that I thought worked really great with the Kalimba - eq, chorus, tremolo, and reverb - nice! Thank you very much for the kalimba, the book, your website and the weekly tips. I am looking forward to developing on this instrument. Please keep it up!

Thank you,
Tony Milone, 2006

Thank you for the prompt service, great instruction books and wonderful instruments. Also, thanks for the nice note and free Alaska Thumb Picks included in my last order (these thumb nails are almost "trained" now). Thank you, Mark, and God bless your mission. It's about time a proper introduction to both the Kalimba and the Karimba has been made in North America. Great job!

Rick, 2006

Just to let you know that I have received the kalimba and its a little gem.

Cheers,
Mal, 2006

The first time my husband and I heard kalimba music was last Christmas at Brookgreen Gardens in S.C. There was a candlelit walk, and we heard this BEAUTIFUL MUSIC in the distance, and couldn't wait to see what it was. We stood and watched it being played for a long time and were enthralled with the sheer beauty of it.

Vicky, 2006

This stuff sure can infect your spirit in a most positive way. EVEN MY 3YR OLD DAUGHTER LOVES THEM...

Greg, 2006

I just wanted to thank you for your great book. I picked up an 8 key kalimba from a novelty shop about 6 months ago. It came with a little cardboard song card and I fell in love with the sounds. I started researching the kalimba and found your site. I recently purchased your book for the 8 note and love it! I let you play it on the cd for me then I play it. I can't believe how easy it is. Again thank you! Which kalimba do you recommend for me to move up to next?

Elizabeth, 2006

Bless you, Mark!!! It arrived yesterday, and we are having a blast with it! I think my plan to give them as Christmas presents this year will go over well. You know, I've never touched one before and now it's hard to put it down. The fact that I can make beautiful sounds without really knowing anything about the notes yet, is so fantastically pleasurable. Thank you, so much.

Jane, 2006

It's been a pleasure doing business with you, my thanks to you for making it a pleasant journey. I look forward with much delight to playing your wonderful Kalimbas!

All my best to you,
Ann-Marie, 2006

Education rushing at me in a great melodious cloud. The Kalimba itself is so beautiful, smells nice and has such a gentle sound. I took it to show my therapist and she was enthralled.

S. in AZ, 2006

Very much looking forward to picking up my Hugh Tracey TM Alto Kalimba. DO I SOUND LIKE A LITTLE KID ON CHRISTMAS EVE? Good, that is how I feel, I have been putting off this purchase for lack of knowledge. Your site cured me! Thanx again.

CJ, 2006

I became so involved with my Alto Hugh Tracy Kalimba, I almost forgot to thank you for the wonderful service. This will be a short note because I so want to get back to amateur playing. It is getting late and I will have to put it down for the night-----OR NOT! The sounds are wonderful, your book and CD, (stopping at track 4 until I improve my timing.) is just what I needed! No, music-reading experience yet I am making progress I never would have thought possible. Gotta get a least one more hour of playing before I call it a night!

CJ, 2006

Thank you so very much for this wonderful addition to my life! The Hugh Tracey Alto Kalimba has been a great source of joy. Your book on the fundamentals has made it so much more exciting.

I appreciate your words of encouragement about playing freely; Your book and CD are a great place to start - also an excellent place to continue learning! (I would not be as advanced without them) YES, finally an instrument I can play and others recognize the tune! Each time I go back to the original lessons I find myself improving my timing etc. Your book and CD are a wonderful resource, thank you for the time and effort you have put into producing them.

Thanx for providing me a way to play, not just listen to music!

My employees also thank you!

CJ, 2006

I learned more on your site about this instrument in 20 minutes, than I have been able to find in 2 years!

Kim, 2006

The kalimbas are most excellent!

Jim, 2005

Hi Mark,

The Kalimba came last week. I love it ! it sounds absolutely fantastic. A month ago i bought one at a store in Chicago for $24.00. I'm VERY glad i discovered you guys on the web and purchased the Hugh Tracy Kalimba... there's no comparison. The $24.00 one might make a nice paperweight now! Anyways, i downloaded the music you sent me and am practicing with the singing birds this Spring. It seems its almost impossible to play something bad on the thing, it's so well tuned and magical sounding. Planning on purchasing the alto book soon.

Steve

Your books are very well put together and your tablature is very good. I think a lot of people will be able to benefit from this work and you are the first to really address technique on the Hugh Tracey Western tuned kalimbas.
N. Scott Robinson, 2006

Note:N. Scott Robinson is a professional percussionist and kalimba & karimba player.

My wife is a classically trained pianist, but she has never gotten into the kalimba -- until last night! She was playing the music in your book, and we were having so much fun that we had to force ourselves to put the kalimbas down to go to bed!

Paraphrased from phone conversation with Jimmie, a long-time kalimba enthusiast

Please find the enclosed check to cover the cost of the kalimba and book and shipping. Thank you so much for making this possible. I look forward and am ever hopeful of doing bigger transactions with you in the future. I really think our patients are going to fall in love with the kalimba.

Evelyn, 2006

You have opened our eyes to a new and wonderful world.

Steven, 2005

Let me tell you, the very first day I rec'd the Kalimba, riding home with my husband from work, I played along with every song, from jazz to rap to gospel that came on the radio. This is a magical and mystical instrument! I can't say I have ever mastered any instrument as I play just about every one out there, but this Kalimba makes it so easy to sound as if I've mastered it! So now you have one with a pick-up. What's a girl to do? I guess I just have to buy one!

Thanks, Maryanne, 2006

What an amazing instrument! The tone is soul healing to say the least. The instruction book has been very easy to follow...we fight over who's turn it is to use it.

We also love your CD...we do a fair amount of driving due to our very rural location.. the kids and I are very easily overwhelmed by the noises and congestion of the world and are always looking for truly "quieting and calming" music, esp. when driving. It is hard to find music that fits in that category without putting one to sleep. Your CD is our new favorite. I frequently hear requests from the back seat....Play Mark's CD... It is truly beautiful.

Ronda, 2006

Thank you for putting me on your email list. I always learn something from you. I have to tell you again how cool it is to go from being the only one I know with a Hugh Tracey kalimba to having such a wealth of resources available to me. Over Easter weekend I let my 10-year old niece try out my Treble kalimba, which she liked. After tinkering with it a bit, she said 'Do you have any written music I could play?' I smiled to myself as I pulled out my Treble Fundamentals book. As she easily followed along with 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star' I just sat and appreciated this new world where the kalimba is a real instrument and not a toy. Thanks again for making this possible.

Sharon, 2006

It [the kalimba] is awesome; the crowd enjoyed being introduced to it. I played an African inspired 3:2 polyrhythmic improv I wrote and performed at my Senior Recital (1981) at the Crane School of Music for them. I look forward to doing business with you in the future ...

Paul, 2006

I love k[a]limbas and I just bought a treble kalimba which had your card in it. I'm so excited and will be ordering your books.

Kevin, 2006

Love the products and would like to be on your mailing list regarding new items such as the Karimba book. I am extremely interested in developing my karimba playing and loved the sound bites and videos.

Alex, 2006

Well, I'm sorry to bother you again, but as it turns out I'm going to also have to buy the Alto Kalimba with the electric pick-up.

Karlson, 2005

I just wanted to thank you for sending the Karimba, it arrived yesterday. It's absolutely beautiful, and sounds just gorgeous. I'm a very happy customer!

Mark 2006

I just got back into town and haven't been able to put my Alto Kalimba down. The book is very easy to follow. Also, thanks for the CD. It's also a bit of a learning tool. Well, I'm off to the wilderness for 7 months for work. I'm looking forward to trying to master my two new instruments while living in the mountains. Good luck, and like I said I'll steer anyone I know looking for a Kalimba your way.

Karlson, 2006

Hi Mark, I received everything the other day and am already using and loving the new book. Thanks for the pages for the Karimba, I'll be ordering that soon.

Pat, 2006

Thank you for the transcription [I wrote out Jesu on Treble for John], I tried and it and it works well. It will sound even better when I receive your Kalimba this week. I bought one on EBay before Christmas and it turned out to be a bummer. The old saying is true, "you get what you pay for." Thanks again for taking the time to send me the piece.

John, 2006

Note that John was ALMOST my very first web customer - he placed an order with me, but got cold feet when he saw the Pakistani "large rosewood kalimba" for sale on eBay for $25. Later on, he bought my book (theTreble Fundamentals Book works for the Pakistani kalimba), but he couldn't make it sound like the CD that comes with the book. Later still, he bought a Hugh Tracey Treble Kalimba, and was a happy camper.

I bought the Christmas book and found it very easy to produce a recognizable Christmas tune almost immediately! We had great fun with it at our Christmas gathering last night (held a little early because Geddis is going to Texas to spend the holidays with his family). Several of the guests picked it up and giave it a try. It has inspired me to practice more so that I can read the music and find the notes on the kalimba without losing my place!

We really enjoyed the Christmas CD, also.

Barb,2005

I just wanted to encourage you Mark - I am a South African, with a Kalimba. I use it extensively in my work as a nature guide, trying to build connections between people and all of creation. I also make flutes from bamboo, and have already started dreaming about a duet with a pentatonic bamboo flute and that pentatonic Kalimba. Thanks for sowing some special creative seeds my way. I pray that God will bless this gift He's given you to draw people to Him - keep playing and praying. I'd love to meet you some day. If you ever come out to South Africa to visit Christain and AMI, feel free to come and visit me.

John, 2005

Quite frankly, you're doing a great job and I just encourage you to continue with putting out the product, it will pay off well for you in the long run.

Pat, 2006

I'm impressed by your multi-instrumentalism. I hadn't realized you played all the parts. I really like your recorder and bass, and all the tunes are tight. And I like your sound-hole work on the kalimba, and the kalimba leads are tasty. So, how do you do live performance?

Scotty, 2006

I've been trying to find the right people to make this music happen live for years, and I'm finally getting some of the right people together, so something good will be happening soon!

Note that Scotty Hayward is Kalimbaman! I have performed under the name Kalimba Man, and we agreed not to sue each other if I used a space in between "Kalimba" and "Man" and he didn't. (Or was it the other way around?) --Mark

I quit playing for a couple of weeks and missed it. When I picked it up, the music was so soothing and spurred me on to wish to learn more. Thanks always for your kindness and inspiration.

Elena 2006

Was just thinking about you as the kalimba arrived safe and sound today. Have already played it and it has a lovely sound also done some recording with it too. Will send you an MP3 when it's finished!! I also really appreciated your thoughtful note, enclosed with the kalimba. Overall, I'm delighted with it. Thanks alot.

Jeff 2006

Jeff was one of my first international sales, and we were both on pins and needles, as the kalimba spent longer in the mail than either of us had thought! -- Mark

"Kicked in the Snow" is lovely! And thanks very much for putting up kalimba tabs online; I think you're the only one to have done so!

Laura Barrett, 2006

Laura Barrett is an up-and-coming kalimba-player/song-writerin Toronto, look for her music in the future.--Mark

I got the package. Thank you so much! I listened to your CD's at work today. I must say, you are fabulous!

Linda, 2005

Linda was my first mail-order kalimba business, before I had a store on the internet.--Mark

I fell in love with your music. I really want to listen your music again. Could you let me know the schedule of your concert in Tucson?

Akitsu, 2005

I have been working through the kalimba lessons with the book and accompanying CD. The CD makes a big difference when you don't have a kalimba teacher nearby. The lessons are so much fun. Your book of lessons is wonderful and a great way to learn to play the kalimba. I hope you will continue to write new books. You could have a set of books--easy--moderate--advanced!

Sam, 2005

I'm SO glad that the books are useful for you! Yes, Sam, I've got over a dozen books planned, and a new one comes out every two or three months. --Mark

I'm so glad to hear that you are writing more books. At the moment I'm on lesson 8 in the [Alto] Fundamentals book but will let you know when I finish with the book. I've already put the Christmas book on my Christmas Wish List.

Sam, 2005

I did not get a chance to say thank you for an amazing piece of performance art tonight. Your performance was pretty much everything: funny, true, and awe inspiring. I think you will see organic, if not exponential, growth in sales of kalimbas as your message is heard. you might be the world's best kalimbalist, but you are surely the world's best kalimba salesman. I hope you will do that performance at least a hundred times in Tucson. It is that good.

Leon, 2005

I have had a chance to look at your book and I am totally blown away. Your system of tablature is incredibly ingenious. Andrew Tracey [Hugh Tracey's son] has the book at the moment and his first comment about the tablature was 'He's written it from bottom reading upwards, which is how it should be.' His karimba tablature works in the same way. This will really make a huge difference to people who are trying to make up their mind about buying a kalimba. I have know for years that a kalimba tutor is essential to our marketing strategy, but have not had the time or energy to do it myself. Thank you so much for yours.

Christian Carver, Director, African Musical Instruments, 2005

Having played the kalimba for a few years, and having searched the internet on a regular basis looking for music, instruments, or anything more than a description and history, your site was a joy to find. It is one of a kind and I look forward to visiting on a regular basis to see where the adventure goes.

While my self contained court of pragmatic and cynical counselors haggle over whether there is any hope of competing against the latest walkman/discman/ipod to come along, hope looks out the window and sees young people playing kalimbas at the bus stop and in the park.

Hey, Grant, Check out this Kalimba Magic ad from a Tucson Folk Festival a few years back, featuring young kalimba player Jordan McGary (a PDF file). - Mark

Your site does an excellent job of conveying the amazing ability of this small, simple, primitive, instrument to touch something basic in the human soul. And that's just listening to it. Once you are familiar and comfortable with it, playing can truly be an experience in self discovery.

Once you catch yourself just listening to your thumbs play the music in your head in the same instant as you imagine it, you understand what it is all about. At that point, it might as well be a grand piano.

It's sure nice to know that being totally captivated by such a simple instrument is not a character flaw after all. I am so relieved!

Grant, 2005

You know, this is a great description of what happens when you play kalimba.--Mark