Monochords, Kalimbas, Koshi & Zaphir Chime & Gong Drums– Handmade Sound Healing Instruments
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 the team to dive into their origin story, learn about their unique customer base, and discover 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 little to no options for music stores along the I-70 mountain corridor, the addition was well received and the Kind Mountain Music store was born. Today, Kind Mountain Music features a large variety of new, used, vintage, and antique musical instruments as well as an ample selection of music supplies.
2. What makes your store unique compared to larger retailers?
Most importantly, when you visit Kind Mountain Music you will find an inviting intimate atmosphere. Our staff will give you space to check out the store and products but will be ready to assist you with your questions and needs. We are familiar with every instrument in our store. We don't have 'floor' models. What you see is what you get so you get to check out exactly what you are going home with.
3. Why did you decide to carry We Play Well Together instruments, specifically Hokema Kalimbas, in your store?
A few years back I met Joule, one of the women who work with We Play Well Together, when she stopped by our shop. We spoke for awhile about music and the instruments the company had to offer. She put me in touch with Gabriel who offered to put 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 all of the Kalimbas from Hokema
4. What has been the customer reaction to our instruments? Any favorite stories or experiences?
When a customer gets a Hokema Kalimba in their hands they instantly recognize the superior quality and craftsmanship which comes out in playability and tone. Central City, located about 10 miles from us, has a busy opera season in the summer. I always get visits from people who are working the opera, often the performers. I had two of the lead performers, I believe the Baritone and Tenor singers stop by one day. One of the singers bought the B15, G major, Kalimba, which was the first time I sold one of the larger Kalimbas. He was so thrilled with his purchase!
5. Do you or your customers have a favorite Hokema Kalimba? If so, what do you love about it?
I would have to say that the Sansula models are always a hit. They are built with a drum head on a resonator body. If you set them down flat on the countertop, play the notes while simultaneously lifting and resealing the resonator onto the counter top, you get a 'Wah' effect. It sounds amazing!
6. Who are your typical customers?
I'm not sure we have a 'typical' customer. Being a music store, we do get a lot of musicians, but we also cary local art and are located in a high foot traffic area, downtown in a small mountain town on the I-70 corridor into the Rockies. This helps bring in the sound healers, teachers, and just music-curious passer byers!
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:
We're located at 1538 Miner Street, Idaho Springs, Colorado
https://kindmountain.com/idaho-springs-music-store/
You can also find us on social media at
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kindmountaincollective/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KindMountainCollective/
Blog posts
This instrument sounds beautiful, is well-made, and is the perfect addition to my sound healing toolbox. Thank you!
I love this instrument! I love how it sounds and how easy it is to play!
Shipped fast. I am so glad I was able to find this little tool here after looking everywhere.
Enjoying my Monolini G thoroughly. I have a D Monolina and the addition of the Monolini added another dimension to my playing experience. The D has a rich, grounding tonality and the G compliments that richness with bringing what feels like (to me) a richer expression, adding another range of subtlety and overtones. Beautiful!
Sounded utterly enchanting right out of the box!
D
Zaphir Chime D-minor we ordered the wrong color 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.
Hokema kalimbas are as nice sounding as any I have ever heard. WPWT provides fast shipping and quick responses to inquires.
Enjoyable to use and very good quality for more percussive techniques.
These chimes are exquisite, and We Play Well Together is a great company to purchase from.
Highly recommended!
I have a Monolina for my Sound Healing practice, but wanted a monilini for myself. I am so happy with my purchase. It is perfect!
I bought a Sansula deluxe at We play well together. The service was exceptionnal and I received it within 4 days. The Sansula's sound is simply magic. So rich and vibrant. It creates an ambiance of it's own.
Really happy and satisfied about this purchase.
I just took the week-long monochord training with Joule and fell in love with my Monolina. Joule is a fun, engaging and knowledgeable teacher who brings deep reverence to her instruments and the art of playing them. We got to experiment with and experience all the different ways of expressing through our monochords and came away with a proven, complete and beautiful 45-minute session we can now offer. I highly recommend this class.
Quick delivery, wonderful company and lovely instrument!
It is always a pleasure to speak to Gabriella and her customer service is top notch
this set is legit sounds like little angels 😇
I am new to the Monolina world but have been around stringed instruments all my life. I'm so excited about its possibilities as a solo instrument for use in Reiki, as well as in an ensemble setting. It helps me to meditate as well.
R
Used Monolina XL Low C We have a full set of crystal bowls, and the low C monochord adds a wonderful depth to their sounding. I also find myself humming/singing over the low C drone in a quite natural way. Very happy with my new instrument.
I've wanted to purchase a Sansula ever since I first heard one, two years ago. I finally purchased one and upon receiving it was disappointed in it's sound. Customer service was extremely helpful and promptly replaced it. Couldn't have been a better experience. I highly recommend the instrument and the company is top notch.