Kind Mountain Collective, Idaho Springs, CO
Discover Kind Mountain Collective: An Idaho Springs Gem Sharing the Magic of Hokema Kalimbas
At We Play Well Together, we're always grateful to partner with music stores that radiate authenticity, warmth, and a deep connection to their local communities. One such treasure is Kind Mountain Collective, nestled in the heart of Idaho Springs, Colorado. With its roots in acoustic charm and mountain-town creativity, this unique space has become a beloved destination for musicians, artists, and sound explorers alike.
We connected with their team to learn about their origin story, their one-of-a-kind customer base, and what makes Hokema Kalimbas such a natural fit in their curated collection.
1. Can you tell us a little about your store?
In the spring of 2015, Kind Mountain Collective began carrying a limited selection of used acoustic instruments and music supplies — making it stand out as an Idaho Springs gift shop with a touch of sound. With few to no music store options along the I-70 mountain corridor, the addition was warmly received, and Kind Mountain Music was born. Today, the store features a wide variety of new, used, vintage, and antique musical instruments alongside a solid selection of music supplies.
2. What makes your store unique compared to larger retailers?
Most importantly, when you visit Kind Mountain Music, you'll find an inviting, intimate atmosphere. Our staff gives you space to explore the store at your own pace, while staying ready to answer questions and help you find what you need. We're personally familiar with every instrument we carry — and we don't have floor models. What you see is what you get, so you can try out the exact instrument you'll be taking home.
3. Why did you decide to carry Hokema Kalimbas in your store?
A few years back, I met Joule — one of the team members at We Play Well Together — when she stopped by our shop. We talked for a while about music and the instruments the company offered. She connected me with Gabriele, who offered to place some instruments in our store on a trial basis. The Kalimbas were very well received, and we were quickly reordering. Now we consistently sell and reorder the full Hokema Kalimba lineup.
4. What has been the customer reaction? Any favorite stories?
When a customer gets a Hokema Kalimba in their hands, they instantly recognize the superior quality and craftsmanship — it comes through in both playability and tone. Central City, located about 10 miles from us, has a busy opera season in the summer, and I often get visits from performers passing through. One day, two lead singers — I believe the baritone and tenor — stopped in. One of them bought the B15 in G major, which was actually the first time I sold one of the larger Kalimbas. He was absolutely thrilled with his purchase!
5. Do you or your customers have a favorite Hokema instrument?
The Sansula models are always a hit. They're built with a drum head on a resonator body, and there's a fun trick: if you set one flat on a countertop and play the notes while alternately lifting and resealing the resonator against the surface, you get a natural "wah" effect. It sounds incredible — customers love discovering that!
6. Who are your typical customers?
Honestly, we don't really have a "typical" customer. Being a music store, we attract a lot of musicians — but we also carry local art and are located in a high-foot-traffic area in a small mountain town right on the I-70 corridor into the Rockies. That brings in sound healers, teachers, and plenty of music-curious passersby who wander in and leave with something special.
7. What advice would you give to someone new to sound healing or intuitive sound exploration?
Let it flow!
Where to find Kind Mountain Collective:
1538 Miner Street, Idaho Springs, Colorado
Instagram: @kindmountaincollective
Facebook: Kind Mountain Collective
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