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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.

Discover the enchanting world of Hokema Kalimbas, meticulously crafted in a solar-powered, family-operated factory in Germany, and now available in the American market through WE PLAY WELL TOGETHER. This introduction into the interconnected community of kalimba enthusiasts underscores the instruments' accessibility and appeal to music makers of all levels.

The Kalimba, with origins in sub-Saharan Africa, offers a warm, soft sound that encourages relaxation and integrates well with other instruments. The Sansula, a unique development by Hokema, amplifies the kalimba's vibrations through a drum head, producing a prolonged, overtone-rich sound. For the more technologically inclined, the "Elektro" Kalimba features a built-in pickup for easy amplification, ideal for live performances and digital streaming.

Founded by Peter Hokema, who was captivated by traditional African plucked instruments, Hokema has evolved under the leadership of his son Hugo, maintaining its commitment to quality and sustainability. Their instruments are crafted from American cherry wood, avoiding tropical woods, and the factory runs on renewable energy.

Hokema's dedication to craftsmanship and innovation has made its kalimbas beloved by a diverse array of users, from professional musicians to wellness practitioners. As the exclusive North American distributor, WE PLAY WELL TOGETHER, led by Gabriele Schwibach, supports this tradition, offering a platform for these beautiful instruments to resonate within a global community.

 

At the 2019 NAMM Show, the captivating qualities of Hokema Kalimbas, especially the Sansula, were brought into the spotlight through an insightful interview with musician Brandon Blake by VisionQuest Sound. Emphasizing the instrument's simplicity and versatility,.

For those eager to dive deeper into Hokema's range of Kalimbas, from the compact models to the deluxe versions, a series of product line videos are available, providing a comprehensive overview of these beautifully crafted instruments.

And for those who love the Sansula but are looking for tuning options that better match their musical setup, there's no need to fret. Hokema offers a tuning tool designed for adjusting the tines to virtually any pitch. This adaptability opens up a world of possibilities, as evidenced by an eclectic collection of videos showcasing various creative retunings of the Sansula, proving its flexibility to fit any musician's needs.