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
Explore our Earth (C-Major) Collection
All of our instrument groups: Monochord, Tinka Tongs, Kalimbas & Sansulas, Koshi and Zaphir Chimes and Zenko metal drums are available in this tuning
Explore our Air (A-minor) Collection
The products are already available and the videos going to be released Spring 2025
Explore our Water (d-minor) Collection
Learn more about the Instruments of this collection and watch our bautiful videos
Explore our Fire (G-Major) Collection
The products are already available and the videos going to be released Spring 2025
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.
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.
Works well. Delighted to have the ability to tune my Sansula myself.
We Play well together has been a resource for instruments for, at least, 5 years. The quality of the instruments, customer service, kindness and expertise of the staff has been a huge bonus and blessing in our interactions. I am grateful for their service, friendliness and flexibility. thank you so very much VLamura
These mallets are super fun to use and I love the sounds they create. I purchased a pair of each set of mallets and I love them all so much, I'm planning on keeping the pair I thought I would send back originally.
I have a set and love these so much. They are well made, and the sound is solid and carries well in small and large spaces. Highly recommend!
Wonderful instrument. It’s easy to travel with and well crafted. Customer service is wonderful as well. Very responsive. I am always impressed with the attention to customer service and care of the instruments. This instruments complement my crystal singing bowls and monalina nicely.
My G Monolina is perfect! Beautiful to play in a group, as well as on the body.
Absolutely in love, but should have ordered the bag! Ordering it now as it is was too fragile to travel with without the bag.
The instrument brigs such an amazing quality and super easy to play
I recently purchased a D Monolina. Meditative and meditative; a full immersion sound experience that simply wraps you in a beautiful feeling and sound. What an incredible instrument this is! I highly recommend purchasing one, or more, for meditation, relaxation, or sound baths.
This set elevates one’s instruments to the next level. Having all these components really sets one up for success and allows room for growth to grow into your sound practice.
The versatility that comes with having the leg extensions allows the player to be comfortable in a variety of ways while playing. The mallets add additional ways to play.
Tuning is a breeze with the template. When not being played or on the go with this monolina, the mats keep everything safe and the backpack makes it so you can take it to the studio or out into nature to play.
I can’t say enough great things about it, it’s a must have in the sound tool kit for sure.
The floor model sale price feels too good to be true for such a fabulous instrument. So easy to create varied, beautiful sounds. This is the 3rd instrument I've purchased from WPWT and they're always efficient, friendly and helpful.
My first experience with a Hokema Kalimba was at the gift shop of the Music Instrument Museum in Phoenix, AZ. I was blown away by the big, beautiful sound of those instruments, but I wasn’t ready to plunk down $200 for it.
Fast forward, I read about the Twin Kalimba and was encouraged by a review that suggested it was great for events. This particular person, evidently a musician like me, gave out ten of these during his shows and was thrilled by how the audience members enjoyed the experience.
So, given these two experiences, I had high hopes for the twin.
It is a sweet sounding instrument, but the sound is very quiet. The wood is solid so it doesn’t resonate like its higher priced solo cousins (that feature a resonator) or traditional kalimbas that have found holes.
So, I’m a little underwhelmed by the sound, but it’s still a great concept. Perhaps it will be fine and dandy when I share it with audiences. Let’s see!
Joule is an excellent teacher! Her lessons flow from topic to exercises with so much ease and class time is so enjoyable. Joule makes sure everyone's questions are answered before going to the next lesson. Before this training, I had no idea of all the many different ways to play the monochord. After this course, I now have so much more knowledge and I'm able to tap into my creativity with a deeper love and appreciation with this beautiful instrument.
I love the "water" collection and this chime is one of my favourite instruments (so far!). The D minor tuning is said to be the "saddest" key, but I find it soothing, ethereal, and utterly charming. The gentle tones of this chime bring gentle, meditative tones. Do yourself a favour if you can and get the matching Koshi chime. They sound absolutely amazing together!