{"product_id":"ami-hugh-tracey-kalimba-alto-15-notes-sur-boite-303690","title":"KALIMBA ALTO 15 NOTES BOX-RESONATOR","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e the color of the tines may differ from the image.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHistorical Context and Positioning in the Range\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe kalimba is the modern version of the \u003cstrong\u003embira\u003c\/strong\u003e, a traditional African instrument with a hypnotic timbre. This model is part of the direct legacy of \u003cstrong\u003eHugh Tracey\u003c\/strong\u003e, an ethnomusicologist who developed and popularized the kalimba to make this idiophone accessible, reliable, and standardized in tuning. Since \u003cstrong\u003e1954\u003c\/strong\u003e, these instruments have been made by \u003cstrong\u003eAMI (African Musical Instruments)\u003c\/strong\u003e, founded by Hugh Tracey and his son, with a handcrafted approach that prioritizes musicality and manufacturing consistency.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWithin the range, this \u003cstrong\u003eKalimba Alto 15 notes\u003c\/strong\u003e stands out with its \"box resonator\" format: a highly appreciated compromise between \u003cstrong\u003eprojection\u003c\/strong\u003e, playing comfort, and harmonic richness, while maintaining a natural grip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWho This Instrument Is For\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis kalimba is suitable for both \u003cstrong\u003ebeginners\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eintermediate\u003c\/strong\u003e musicians seeking an expressive, stable, and inspiring instrument. The G Major tuning facilitates getting started (intuitive melodic phrases, simple accompaniments), while offering enough nuance to work on interpretation, dynamics, and rhythmic placement.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn terms of styles, it fits perfectly within \u003cstrong\u003eacoustic\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003econtemplative\u003c\/strong\u003e genres (world music, ambient, folk), but also finds its place in the \u003cstrong\u003estudio\u003c\/strong\u003e for delicate textures, melodic doubling, or percussive punctuations. The \"wah-wah\" vibrato adds a distinctive sonic signature, ideal for intros, interludes, and minimalist themes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFeatures and Innovations\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003ebox-resonator\u003c\/strong\u003e format brings a real advantage: the body naturally amplifies the sound and enhances the sensation of a \"breathing note,\" particularly pleasant on soft attacks. The \u003cstrong\u003eholes placed at the back\u003c\/strong\u003e are not decorative: they serve to modulate the air volume inside the box, creating a finger-controllable \u003cstrong\u003evibrato\u003c\/strong\u003e, very expressive on sustained notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe tuning remains customizable: it is possible to modify the tuning by slightly moving the tines and using a tuner. To preserve the tension balance and tine response, it is recommended not to deviate more than \u003cstrong\u003ea semitone\u003c\/strong\u003e from the main tuning.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSound Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKiaat\u003c\/strong\u003e (hard African wood) contributes to a sound that is both \u003cstrong\u003ewarm\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003edefined\u003c\/strong\u003e. Typically, you get a clear attack, rich midrange, and pleasant sustain, with projection enhanced by the resonant body. The result is a kalimba that retains softness but with enough presence to play solo, record with a microphone, or blend with acoustic instruments.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e15 steel tines\u003c\/strong\u003e provide a crisp response under the thumbs and appreciable note stability. The steel also contributes to the clarity of the timbre, highlighting repetitive patterns, arpeggios, and simple melodies. Adding the rear vibrato allows coloring the note without effects, simply through gesture, resulting in an organic and lively sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFinally, the \u003cstrong\u003ehandcrafted\u003c\/strong\u003e manufacturing and tuning carried out by artisans in \u003cstrong\u003eSouth Africa\u003c\/strong\u003e anchor the instrument in a tradition of craftsmanship: an authentic playing feel designed primarily for musicality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:2rem\"\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"flex:1 1 300px;width:100%\"\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of blades\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e15\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCategory\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003ekalimba\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eType\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003ekalimba\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"flex:1 1 300px;width:100%\"\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003eTeak\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003eBrown\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:2rem\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"flex:1 1 300px\"\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width:100%\"\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModel\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003eHugh Tracey Kalimba Alto 15 Notes Box-Resonator\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003ekalimba (lamellophone idiophone), modern version of the mbira\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e15\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTuning\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003estandard in G Major\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width:100%\"\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBody\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003ebox made of Kiaat (hard African wood)\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTines\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003esteel\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width:100%\"\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVibrato effect\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003efinger modulation via holes placed at the back of the box\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdjustable tuning\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003eslight tine movement with a tuner\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTuning recommendation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003edo not modify by more than a semitone from the main tuning\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"flex:1 1 300px\"\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width:100%\"\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e21 x 15 x 4 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width:100%\"\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eManufacturing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003ehandmade\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCountry of manufacture\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003eSouth Africa\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003etine color may vary from the image\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Ami Hugh Tracey","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54358574989587,"sku":"303690","price":115.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0984\/0872\/6803\/files\/653a53a33172887a3ea18f7d8ee435723664aa5f_AMI_KBA015.jpg?v=1787590995","url":"https:\/\/woodbrass.shop\/products\/ami-hugh-tracey-kalimba-alto-15-notes-box-resonator-303690","provider":"Woodbrass.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}