Tuesday, November 13, 2007
How Old Is My Hugh Tracey Kalimba?

Almost every kalimba, even those made this year, ship with a piece of paper stating "copyright 1966." We have to look at the kalimba itself for clues that can reveal how old that instrument may be.

Is it a Hugh Tracey? If so, there is - or was - a rectangular label on the back with the Hugh Tracey tradename and trademark.

How many tines are on the kalimba and what model is it? A Treble 17-tine kalimba could be as old as the late 1950's. The ALTO came along in the 1960's. The pentatonic and junior celeste diatonic (11 note models) came later, in the 1970's or 1980's. The 17-note African-tuned karimba dates back to the 1980's or the 1990's.

Look on the back: Do you see 5 bicycle spoke screw heads? If so, you are holding a vintage kalimba from the early 60's or older!

Some time around 2000, the kalimbas had an internal design change and became heavier. Get someone with a long middle finger (my index finger can't reach), have them stick their finger inside the kalimba's hole in the direction of the bridge - can they feel a block of wood attached to the bottom under the bridge? If so, it is a kalimba with the new design.

Tine color: They have always made red and blue tines. In the 70's the blue was rather pale, almost a baby blue. Newer kalimbas used a darker blue.

Some of the above is based on hearsay - most of it is approximately true!

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