Goshen 8-Note Box Student Karimba

Description

The African notes to play the African songs, plus mounted on a box with coverable sound holes to give the “wah” effect.

This kalimba started out life as an 8-Note Goshen Box kalimba tuned to “Do Re Mi” in D. BUT, I changed the tuning on this one to the tuning of the Student Karimba – also known as the “Original Mbira” and the “Kalimba Core” (according to ethnomusicologist Andrew Tracey, Hugh Tracey’s son) – that is, what is thought to be the original tuning of the original African mbira from about 1300 years ago. As such, it plays a whole bunch of traditional African music – or, like the piece in the video tab, African-sounding music.

Listen to this sound clip:

Box Student Karimba in C

The Goshen Box 8-Note Student Karimba has become one of my favorite instruments in recent weeks. Tuned to the key of C, this one works with my marimba band. There are dozens of reasons why C is a good key for your kalimba or karimba – it is often a good singing key (depending of course, on the song and the singer’s vocal range). What I like best about this one is the clear and piercing sound it has – it sings over the marimba band (a mic helps). The sound holes in the side make for a nice “Wah-Wah” — or as I usually use it, for a slower tonal modulation as I push my fingers slightly more in or less in – it is a lot like being at the engagement point of a clutch, except it makes the music sing more expressively rather than wear out your clutch.

But here is the clincher: the song that I am playing in the video on the “video tab” is based on a song that is in the 16-page booklet Student Karimba for Kids, with free MP3 music downloads that I will send you FOR FREE when you purchase any Student Karimba.

This is a great instrument for kids, with soft smooth wood and smooth and light metal tines. Lets say the instrument is great for kids 6 and up (at least up to 53, as I love mine). The “Student Karimba for Kids” book is good for about 8 and up, or younger if someone helps them read the words.

Learn more about the Student Karimba.