Hugh Tracey HotShot-11 Kalimba PU test

Description

This is a great instrument for improvisation and cutting loose. With extra space between the tines, I find this one particularly fun to play.

The HT HotShot-11 (the kalimba formerly known as the Hugh Tracey Celeste Diatonic Junior) is a great kalimba for students who have grown out of the 8-Note, this kalimba provides enough notes for harmonic complexity and counterpoint, yet the 11-note layout permits speed and freedom.

Listen to these sound clips:

HotShot-11, Standard G

HotShot-11, Hitzazkiar Tuning

Running one and a half octaves from D+0 to G+1, the HT HotShot-11 is an intermediate step between the 8-note kalimbas and the Alto. With a few extra notes below the upper octave, this instrument will help the budding kalimba player understand about bass notes and accompaniment. Yet, with only 11 notes, this instrument has a bit more space between the tines, making for more relaxed playing.

If the Alto is too much for you, but you want to begin to venture into complexity, this is the kalimba for you.