May 11, 2007
Light and Dark Kiaat Wood

The Kiaat wood from which the Hugh Tracey kalimbas are made has some interesting properties. It actually comes in many colors: regular brown, to deep dark brown, to blonde, and even red. I find the wood to be most beautiful. I really love shipping kalimbas because, when I open each box to make sure each kalimba is tuned just right, I get to see what each one looks like. Like sunsets, they are all different.

But the story doesn't end with appearances. I picked up these two Celeste Diatonic Junior kalimbas to take them to the music therapy workshop a few weeks ago, and one was way lighter than the other. I weighted them, and the light colored one is 6.8 ounces, while the darker one is 9.6 ounces. WOW! So, do they sound any different?

Yes, they do. I will give away a free CD of Between the Light and the Dark to the first person who emails me the correct (or close enough) answer to the difference in sound these two kalimbas make. The answer will appear next week.

By the way, if you have trouble holding heavy kalimbas, this 6.8 ounce kalimba is about as light as they come, and I do love the Celeste Diatonic Junior, I think it's a great kalimba.

;