We Play Well Together's Creative & Community Director Joule L'Adara traveled to Germany to work directly with our instrument builder the feeltone, helping to create a series of videos for our Elemental Soundscapes instrument collections. Here is our latest video...
Since 2021 we've hosted an interactive virtual playshop called KALIMBA CAMPFIRE now taking place live simultaneously on the Clubhouse Social Audio App and Zoom where guests can be seen with their camera on, but participants have the luxury of participating with...
We launched our KALIMBA CAMPFIRE back in 2021 on the Social Audio App "Clubhouse" - which allows people to connect through voice alone. We found it the perfect platform to create a sense of comfort to gather our community as...
Just in time for Autumn, watch this short video full of Fall Vibes in which we compare and contrast 3 similar instruments we refer to as the "Keyboard Kalimbas": the B15, B17, and B17-Mini kalimbas by Hokema. B17 Kalimba: 17...
World-renowned jazz violinist Gwen Laster adds a captivating touch to her live performances by incorporating the Sansula, an intuitive instrument from Hokema Kalimbas, sold by We Play Well Together.
In a highlight video from her performance at the Beacon Bonfire Arts Festival, Gwen and her ensemble create mesmerizing interludes using the Sansula, adding a sense of space and expanded time to their set.
The Sansula, a variation of the kalimba, is easy to play and introduces extra creativity to any musical act.
Gwen's innovative use of this instrument, along with her poignant violin playing, showcases why she has performed with some of the world's most influential artists. Explore the various Sansulas and their accessories to enhance your own musical repertoire.
This past summer, We Play Well Together's Creative Community Director Joule L'Adara traveled to Germany to work directly with our instrument builder the feeltone Company, helping to create a series of videos for our new Elemental Soundscapes instrument collections.
Read on to learn more about her adventure.
The video features instruments like the Monolina D Monochord and Tinka Tong Aqua from feeltone, various Kalimbas by Hokema Kalimbas, and Zenko Element Aqua by Metal Sounds, among others, including a Quartz Crystal Singing Bowl to illustrate the synergy between these instruments.
A second, sound-only video provides a 4-minute demonstration on layering these instruments for solo sound artistry, highlighting the Monolina D and suggesting vocal additions.
The final 8-minute video offers an in-depth look at the Elemental Soundscapes concept, detailing the collections' intended audience, usage, and tuning specifics, encouraging viewers to explore the Water Collection further.
In the "Creating Joy with Conscious Soundscapes" feature on the We Play Well Together blog, we dive into how thoughtfully crafted sound environments can be a source of joy and wellness in our lives.
A carefully chosen soundscape can have on transformative experience in our personal spaces and create relaxation and creativity.
Instruments like the Koshi Chimes and Monolina Monochords are spotlighted for their ability to create these immersive, soothing auditory experiences.
The article is packed with expert insights and actionable advice, guiding us on how to weave our own soundscapes filled with mindfulness and positive vibes. It really brings home the idea that sound has a profound ability to enrich our daily experiences, echoing the site's dedication to fostering a sense of harmony and well-being through music.
The tones of this chime are beautiful. I have it hanging where I can walk by and play it often.
The items arrived in a timely fashion. Thanks for a smooth transaction!
the craftsmanship, (and craftswomanship) is incredible, and her sound. so resonant and otherworldly. I'm so happy with my new Monolina in G. I can't wait to play her for my community. Thank you Gabriele for your outstanding customer service.
This has such a lovely sound! I can’t wait to start learning how to play!
A few years ago I became casually interested in the Kalimba because of its simplicity of design and playability. Without experience or a good point of reference I needed to taste a lot of flavors to sort out the choices. For a while, my discards kept the local Goodwill store supplied with inventory.
The feeding frenzy stopped when I discovered Hokema. Build and material quality is professional grade. The tines are not stiff, so you can play at any intensity without stressing a thumb nails. Resonance from the solid wood base and the resulting sustain are simply stunning. Even the high notes sing, unlike the flat 'tapping an aluminum pan' sound from my discards.
I first purchased the B-17, and later the smaller B-17 Mini. Comments above apply to both. There is no problem holding, playing, or carrying around either instrument. The Mini's smaller footprint might be more comfortable for small hands. I just like the smaller package. Because the B-17's wood block is wider, it has more space between the tines. Both instruments appear to use the same tine assembly materials, but the Mini has a shorter cross bar. The Mini's tine spacing is grouped, but they can be adjusted to make the spacing more uniform like the B-17. In that mode, even with the smaller block the tine spacing is noticeably wider than some other Kalimbas I've tried. My thumbs are average width for a 5'8" person and my nails are normally rounded (not pointed), and I have no trouble playing individual notes.
Tablature is available around the net for 17-key Kalimbas (RiffSpot has a nice ebook), so you can play tunes without reading music on both the B-17 and B-17 Mini.
