Which Hokema Kalimba Is Right for You?

Hokema has been crafting high-quality, handmade kalimbas in Germany since 1985. Their models vary in size, weight, number of tines, resonance, and tuning — and choosing one that aligns with your goals makes a real difference in how much you enjoy playing. Here's a practical guide to the full lineup.

What Makes Hokema Kalimbas Special

• Handmade in Germany with high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail.
• Warm, relaxing sound — the wooden body and precise tuning create gentle, clear tones suited to intuitive play, meditation, and musical exploration.
• Sustainably produced with environmentally responsible materials.
• Multiple models and tunings — from compact pocket instruments to fuller-range options, there's something for every player.

Overview of Hokema Kalimba Models

The number in each model name indicates the total number of tines on the instrument.

Small Kalimbas: B5, B7, and B9

Compact, easy to learn, and ideal companions wherever you go.

B5 — Compact 5-Note Kalimba

A small, simple kalimba tuned in F-minor, also available in our Intuitive Soundscapes Collections in Yellow (A-minor), D-minor, C-major, and G-major. Perfect for children, it offers high-pitched frequencies that twinkle beautifully over the deeper sounds of other instruments.

B7 — Wide Tines, Deep Tone

The B7 has wider tines that feel easier under the thumb for beginners or those with larger fingers. Its pentatonic tuning in C-major produces vibrations that are felt particularly strongly in the hands — one reason it's especially favored by music therapists.

B9 — Ideal for Beginners & Intuitive Play

The B9 shares the same tuning as the Sansula and is set in A-minor, with additional tines tuned to B and F. Because all notes harmonize naturally, it's easy to pick up and begin playing right away — no prior musical experience required. Also available in our Intuitive Soundscapes Collections in D-minor, C-major, and G-major.

Mid-Range Melody Kalimbas: B11 and B15

• B11 (11 tines) — ideal for playing well-known melodies and improvisations. Tuned in G-major.
• B15 (15 tines) — a slightly broader range for a fuller melodic experience while remaining accessible. Tuned in G-major.

B17 — Expanded Range & Musical Flexibility

The B17 (17 tines) gives you the widest diatonic range of the standard lineup, letting you explore more complex patterns, songs, and tunings. Includes 18 chord magnets in three colors to expand your musical possibilities. Tuned in C-major.

The B17 Mini is designed with smaller hands in mind — tines are mounted more closely together, making glissandos and fluid playing easier for children, young adults, and anyone with smaller hands.

Twin Kalimba — To Share

The Twin Kalimba features two identical sets of A-minor tines on opposite sides, allowing it to be played solo or shared with a partner. Vibrations travel through the wooden body, making the sound not only audible but physically felt — ideal for couples, parents and children, and therapeutic or shared music experiences.

Kalimba Elektro: B7, B9, and B11

Equipped with a built-in piezo pickup and a 6.35mm (1/4") jack socket, the Elektro lets you plug directly into amps or recording equipment — no microphone needed. Perfect for music producers, studio sessions, and live performances.

Sansulas — Mounted in a Drum Head

In 2001, Peter Hokema invented the Sansula: an oval wooden frame covered with a drum skin, with a small kalimba suspended freely in the center — producing an impressive, resonant sound. All models share the same 9-tine kalimba block in A-minor by default. The Deluxe and Renaissance are also available in our Intuitive Soundscapes Collections in D-minor, C-major, and G-major.

• Sansula Renaissance — the most durable Sansula, with a moisture-resistant Remo drum head. A versatile choice for both children and adults.
• Sansula Deluxe — goatskin membrane with adjustable tension for greater versatility. Reinforced design suitable for nurseries and music schools.
• Sansula Basic — the original design with a delicate skin. Most suitable for adults.

How Tunings Impact Playability

Each Hokema kalimba comes tuned from the factory, and many can be retuned using a tuning hammer and tuner.

• Pentatonic and minor tunings (e.g., A-minor) create universally harmonious combinations that are easy to improvise on.
• Scales with more notes (B15, B17) let you play a wider repertoire of melodies and familiar songs.
• Tuning greatly influences the feel and emotional quality of the music you create.

For a guided introduction to scale options, watch our kalimba tunings tour video and tuning guide.

Choosing Based on Your Intent

New to kalimbas? Start with a B9 or B7 — intuitive, melodic, and ideal for meditation and exploration. For a bright, twinkly sound, choose the B5. For more sound effects and resonance, the Sansula Renaissance adds volume, reverberation, and the signature wah-wah effect.

Want broader musical ability? A B11, B15, or B17 gives you more notes and flexibility for songwriting or playing familiar tunes.

Focused on sound healing or group work? The Sansula's drum head amplifies tones into a spacious, meditative sound. Subtle movements against a surface create a flowing wah-wah effect that brings the sound to life.

Recording, amplification, or live performance? The Kalimba Elektro is the ideal choice for producers, studio work, looping, and live performance.

Choosing the right Hokema kalimba is about your relationship with sound — what you want to feel, create, and explore. Browse the full Hokema Kalimba lineup →