UNOKKI 17-Key Kalimba Thumb Piano - Portable Mahogany Percussion Mbira Instrument - Beginner Tuning Set, Music Instruments for Kids Gifts - Cherry

It's time to grow out your thumb nails! This is an exceptional kalimba at any price — easily one of the nicest gifts I've ever given myself. The fact that it can be had for less than $30 makes it even better. The Unokki 17-Key Kalimba has beautiful tone and resonance. Its sound is somewhere between a music box and a heavenly harp — extremely pleasant, calming and soothing. My Unokki kalimba has absolutely no dead tines. (A "dead tine" is a key that sounds "thunky" and doesn't resonate. The actual problem with many people who complain about dead tines is poor picking technique. In one Amazon demo video, I saw a clueless player hammering on the keys. The hammer is for tuning, NOT playing.) Even the outer, higher notes ring out clearly and sweetly. However, the two outer, higher keys do not resonate as long as the lower notes. That's normal and to be expected; they're shorter keys. Also, many older adults don't hear higher pitches as well as lower tones. This lovely instrument is made out of quality tonewood that produces a warm sound and is pleasing to hold. The satin matte finish and rounded edges make it very comfortable. I play mine for long stretches of time, without any pain or discomfort. The soundbox is decorated with an attractive wood-burned design that gives it a touch of elegance. If you're not sure how to play the kalimba properly, watch some how-to videos on YouTube and/or buy a book on kalimba. Both can make a huge difference for a beginning player and lead to a much more satisfying experience. This 17-key kalimba comes bundled with a number of accessories, including: a tuning hammer, small instruction booklet with songs, pair of silicone thumb protectors (not the best way to play; use your thumb nails if possible), a note name and number soundbox sticker (use optional), magenta and turquoise tine stickers (use optional), black velveteen storage bag and tine-wiping cloth. The product box is such that it can be saved and used as a storage case. However, I recommend buying a proper kalimba case that is constructed nicely and has pockets and/or slots for everything. (You don't want the tuning hammer knocking around into your instrument.) Also, I've noticed that many buyers of this kalimba have stated that it's ready to play, straight out of the box. That has NOT been my experience with ANY adjustable, musical instrument. I suspect those reviewers might be beginners and/or slightly tone-deaf. After being bounced around during shipping travel, just about every musical instrument needs tuning and the kalimba is no exception. With mine, I even had to re-space some of the tines. The Unokki booklet recommends the free chromatic tuning apps gStrings for Android and insTuner for iOS. I used the free Pano Tuner app which worked very well and is available for both Android and iOS. However, I'm considering buying an all-instrument clip-on tuner. They're affordable and remind me of the extremely accurate and fast Snark brand tuners that I use on my guitars and ukuleles. Don't be freaked-out about tuning your kalimba. Read the instruction booklet, watch a few videos, use an app or tuning device and tap gently. It's not hard and makes all the difference in the world with the sound. Many musicians, articles, videos and websites recommend the Unokki 17-Key Kalimba over the extremely popular Gecko brand. While I have not tried the latter, I think the Unokki kalimba is exceptional. I'm extremely pleased with my Unokki kalimba's sound, performance and quality. I think it's comparable to many of the more expensive kalimbas I've seen and heard played by professional thumb pianists on YouTube. This gem is definitely a keeper. I'm so delighted with my Unokki kalimba, I don't want to put it down.

I got this two days ago, didn't even know what a kalimba was until like four days ago and I've already learned 3 full songs. It's incredibly easy to learn if you focus and practice (I play piano as well so I feel that if you play piano there is a significant advantage at getting the hang of this a bit quicker). I've attached a video of the sound, first just the scales and then how it sounds when some song is being played. The sound blew out my microphone on my phone a little bit so it sounds a bit scratchier in the video than it does in person. Also, it feels well made. I don't have anything to compare it to because this is the only one I've ever owned or known, but it feels sturdy, the engraving is pretty and it sounds nice. Also comes with some tools to tune it if needed and a little learning booklet (although, I found youtube tutorials more helpful- look up "kalimba tabs")

This was a Christmas gift for family and the kids sat down with it and started playing right away. In fact, they forgot about other presents and were enthralled with the sound and how much fun it was to play. The very second that the kids put it down, one of the adults picked it up and played around with it too. It was probably the most popular gift of the day. I was tickled that it was loved so much. It's impressive to look at too. Very pretty and well crafted. Everyone loved the tone of the instrument and before I left that day, I heard a few songs. It's easy and fun to learn. A great gift!

This is a Xmas present for someone that already plays multiple instruments (drums,guitar,bass,violin,piano,bongos) and thought this would be a new creative instrument he would love be to learn. It’s perfect! It came on time, the box is professional and can be used to store the instrument when not in use. The wood and carved design is beautiful and the keys are very shiny and have the key notes engraved on them.Beautifully made. All the keys work and sound beautiful. Came with everything it said it would. Very satisfied with my purchase. Excited for him to open his gift and start playing it.

This is a nice little instrument with a pleasing sound. I bought two of them for Christmas presents. One of them had a lovely sound, but the two highest keys on the ends of the second instrument lacked the resonance that the other instrument had. I am returning the second instrument and ordering another one.

I gave it as a gift and he lit up at it, out on the thumb covers, asked what the stickers that also came with it are for (I answered probably to remember/see the notes better maybe) and got to playing. Of course I got to playing it too. We tried figuring out how to play that Twisted Nerve song on it (keyword tried but it was fun nonetheless). It’s easy to hold and all of the notes were audible even though the higher ones are quieter than the others. Nice for all ages, it looks and sounds quite pleasant and comes with a case, thumb covers, stickers and a tuning hammer. Would recommend.

This instrument exceeded my expectations in two ways: 1. It was a beautiful work of art! Quality wood finish and smooth design. Beautiful! 2. Potential as a playable instrument--not that simple! It has more potential and complication that i expected. I ordered if for a fairly young child--it would have been frustrating for her. But for an older child or adult, this is amazing. Wish I could have used it, but I reluctantly returned it. At times, I'm sorry I returned it, it would have had great potential in the right hands. If you have an older child or adult with musical talent and ability to read music, get this.... you'll enjoy it I'm sure!

Beautiful and seems well made - also in tune ^.^

حلو صوته واضح بس الخشب أبيض مب سيده شي بصيط جداً الميلان

Good quality sound for basic beginner practitioner who want to experience Kalimba

It arrived in good time, good condition and was a good price for the lovely sound it makes.

This little music maker came extremely well packed and is very well made. The sound is not as loud as in the video, but I didn't expect it to be. For it's size, it is quite loud and VERY pleasing to the ear,- as all the ads say,- almost ethereal! I received it yester-noon, and played about with it on and off; this morning, I've just picked it up and already, I'm 'getting into it' quite well. I play guitar and VERY limited keyboard, which whilst not being anything like the Kalimba, does mean that I have a good ear for music and I'm sure I'll be romping away with my latest,- 'take anywhere' music maker! Though made in China,- (which quite honestly usually puts me off,) it ,and even the thick cardboard box that it comes in are top quality, and I can genuinely recommend this little gem! There are endless tutorials on line to help you get you going.

Sehr gut verarbeitetes Instrument, klingt auch richtig gut, macht einfach Spaß.