Please note that all of our ash and resin UTOPIA kalimbas have the same sound.
UTOPIA series kalimba is made in france by hand, in our workshop. Each kalimba is a little piece of art and is unique!
This kalimba has the particularity of having two rows of 17 blades, the tones on the bottom row (equivalent to the white keys of the piano) and the semitones on the top row (equivalent to the black keys of the piano) which will allow you to play a wide variety of music without having you worrying about Key limitations or tuning changes like in 1 row basic kalimbas.
Free yourself and your musical possibilities!
Please note that each kalimba is unique , be it in the resinwork, wood color or wood veins
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This kalimba is made of ash wood, with a nice transparent gradient from crystal color to plum, and adorned with a cherry branch in hand-coloured flowers to reflect the engraved haiku by Issa which translates as follows:
"Cherry blossoms at night,
and the faces of people
Listening to heavenly music"
The sound of this kalimba is well balanced between roundness and cristalline timber. Its spirit is bright and clear, with good sustain. Soft, but quite powerful tone. A slightly darker and profound tone with handdrum accents from the top row of keys, our utopia sound signature!
The wood in the back is very soft against the skin, and allows you a good grip on the instrument.
Sounds exactly the same as our MISTY SEA kalimba !
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Each piece of wood being unique, with its small differences in density, we choose the tuning that sounds best after several tests for each kalimba. We advise you to keep this tuning in the future.
****************************** 3 TUNING SETUPS *******************************
1. FULL CHROMA
Each note has its sharp (#) above for an easy play. 4 and 1 keys are redundant ( repeated) on the top layer of keys
18 notes ,12 sharps + 4 redundant notes on upper layer
beginner friendly!
2. CHROMA +
Same as full chroma minus one sharp , + 1 note for a bigger range 19 notes ,11 sharps + 4 redundant notes on the upper layer
Beginner friendly
3. CHROMA + non redondant
notes from °4 to 5°°, no redundance. A big range of notes for much more playing possibilities!f
23 notes + 11 sharps no redundant keys.
This set up is the hardest one to make, so in each batch of kalimba there are only a few pieces available. Always tuned in C or B
Can be played by beginners but it will be easier for intermediate to advanced players or musicians.
Which tuning to choose?
All our instruments are tuned in major mode. Whether you choose a tuning in C, B, Bb, A, or others you can play the same music pieces. Make your choice according to your hearing preferences. Are you more sensitive to high or bass sounds?
If you prefer
a soprano instrument - opt for a C or B tuning
a mezzo instrument- opt for a Bb or A tuning
an Alto instrument - opt for a G, F# or F tuning
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Type FLAT
number of Keys: :34
basic material: Ash wood and resin
engraved keys : yes
Comes with:
-Tuning hammer
-Foldable tuning pliers
-Hard case
-cleaning cloth
-Double tremollo chain