What is the Difference between a B15 and B17 Kalimba?
We posted an upright version of this video on our @weplaywelltogether Instagram account — and were astounded when it reached 118K views in 24 hours. When we asked what people loved about it, many said the combination of the lower tones and the visual of watching the tines "wiggle" created an incredibly soothing effect. So we made this 2-minute YouTube version too. Shot in the mountains near Taos, New Mexico, we hope it brings you a moment of joy or repose. And while listening is sweet, holding one of these kalimbas in your hands and playing it yourself truly gets the serotonin flowing.
Introducing the Hokema B15 Kalimba
At first glance, the B15 looks similar to its sibling the B17 — a beautiful block of American Cherry wood with metal tines fanned out to be played by the thumbs. But look closer: the B15 has two rows of tines, with the bottom row being thicker, producing soothing lower tones. When combined with the higher notes from the row above, pleasing chord combinations emerge naturally — even for intuitive players simply exploring the instrument.
How Does the B15 Compare to the B17?
Both the B15 and B17 are what we call "keyboard kalimbas" — their tines are organized into diatonic scales with triads placed adjacent to each other, making it easy to play chords and accompany songs. Both come with small colored chord magnets that can be placed above the tines to remind you which chords to play. These instruments are ideal for musicians who want to add something special to their sound or accompany singing — though they can also be played intuitively for pure enjoyment.
B15 Kalimba
15 tines in two rows — the bottom row is thicker, producing lower tones. The two-row layout makes it easy to strike two complementary notes simultaneously, creating rich, natural-sounding chords. Default tuning: G-Major.
B17 Kalimba
17 tines on a single plane, all thin — producing higher-range notes. The closer tine spacing makes glissandos (a smooth slide between notes) easy and fun. Triads are easy to see visually, making chord playing intuitive. Default tuning: C-Major.
Like all Hokema kalimbas, both the B15 and B17 can be retuned to alternate scales using the kalimba tuning tool.
I have only had my Monolina C for about 10 days, and already I have fallen in love with it. The craftsmanship is beautiful. I purchased the legs and travel bag as well, and yesterday traveled with it to visit a friend who is recovering from surgery. I tried out the placement of the monolina on her body, and she said it felt amazing and reduced her level of discomfort tremendously! I also really appreciate the excellent customer service from Gabriele, who helped me with some questions about purchasing, and then with some initial tuning questions. I was also able to attend one of the Monochord Monday Meet-Ups, which I found very inspiring. I highly recommend both this company and the high quality instruments!
I run this kalimba through effects pedals and get some amazing soundscapes with it. Very versatile and beautiful. Highly recommended. I appreciate that we play well together carries these wonderful instruments. Highly recommended.
A beautiful Kalimba. I run this through effects pedals and you can do some amazing musical soundscapes with it. I would certainly buy again. I appreciate weplaywelltogether carrying and shipping this item. Highly recommended.
A delicate and elegant musical instrument. I like that it is tuned to key of C. It is not for leaving outside on the patio, but rather kept with other musical instruments. I love the sound of it with my kalimba.
