Monochords, Kalimbas, Koshi & Zaphir Chime & Gong Drumsâ Handmade Sound Healing Instruments
How to use a Monolina & Monolini Body Therapy Monochords for Sound Massage
This photo series shows you examples of how to place the "body monochords" - including the Monolini and the Monolina - onto the physical body for a sound massage session.
Because the feeltone Monochords have a convex shape, the instrument is like a boat that floats atop any size or shape body. Placing the monochord on the torso will allow the body to feel the vibrations most intensively. With the body in a supine position, the monochord can be placed horizontally or vertically across the body. We recommend a continuous playing style of strumming with a very light touch. As the sound is felt through the resonance of the wood, playing too robustly can be very invigorating! A gentle way of playing is recommended for most therapeutic applications, to entrain the breath and heart to a rate of calm and ease.Â
The instruments can also be placed on the lower body, where the sensations are felt up and down the legs and into the pelvis and hips.Â
With the body in a prone position, the monochord can be placed on the back and played. For some clients this intensifies the vibrations that are felt up and down the spine. Others may find the sensations to be more subtle when played upon the back body. This position can induce a deep state of relaxation.Â
Certain clients may find it more comfortable to lie upon their side, stretching out the back while the instrument is played whilst leaning up against the body. This can create a feeling of comfort if it's not easeful for them to lie on their stomach.Â
An incredible experience for many is when they feel the monochord played for the first time on the bottoms of the feet! These vibrations can be so powerful that it's best to offer a single strum played on the feet and then let the sound ring out for a bit (as continuous strumming on the feet may be too stimulating.)Â
The monochord can also be played on the bottoms of the feet with the client in the prone position by propping the monochord up against the feet on an angle. This positioning allows the sound to travel up the body.Â
Finally, it's possible to play the monochord therapeutically for oneself! As it's not easy to be both active and passive at the same time, we recommend strumming the instrument on the in-breath, and then taking a moment to relax completely on the out-breath as the sound continues to vibrate. Only when the sound has decayed completely should one actively strum again, and then once again release to relax and receive. This can be a wonderful meditation experience where the instrument becomes like a duet partner.Â
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The Monolina and Monolini monochords are built to the same length but are of a different widths. The Monolini has 21 strings playing a root note, an octave and a fifth, and the Monolina has 34 strings in the same arrangement plus a set of 5 bridges that allow one to create melodic accents.
If you're looking for a versatile monochord that you'd like to play therapeutically as well as musically, the Monolina is the right instrument for you .Â
Don't know how to start? We put together a handy How to chose a monochord guide for you
If you're mainly using your monochord as a drone to be played on the body for sound massage and are looking for a smaller more portable monochord the Monolini is right for you. (note the Monolinis are the same tuning as the Monolinas - just a smaller size instrument.)Â
For both sizes of these monochords the A and C tunings are a bit higher and lilting with more audible overtones, whereas the G, F, and D tunings are lower tones with stronger physical vibrations experienced on the body. In this series, the D monochord is the lowest tuned instrument with the the most bass and and an earthy quality.Â
Our office is in California near San Francisco and we're working with different therapists, musicians, and music stores where you can experience our instruments all over the country.Â
Don't hesitate to contact us if you have a question.
We have a thriving Monochord community with monthly free Zoom meetups, a content library, and intensive trainings one can attend if you're wanting a deeper dive on how to create overtones with these beautiful instruments.Â
Looking forward to connect with you and help you find your perfect feeltone Monochord Companion...Â
Your We Play Well Together Team!Â
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Exceeded all my expectations, which were already high. This Monolina is so meticulously crafted and well made. I wish I could purchase one for every tuning. A lovely instrument that is clearly built to endure generations.
My binural tongue drum is so so beautiful. Iâm very happy with it and the sound is amazing, healing, engaging transformative! I always have the best experience with everyone at Weplaywelltogther! Iâm always supported and well guided by Joule and Gabriele.
Iâve just received my Sanaulan and Iâm thrilled!
Thank you
The unit came packed well. I reviewed the enclosed information. Having to tune it everyday for two weeks seemed a bit daunting for a newbie like me (no musical training) but proceeded. Ps I put the monolini on the stand but one side didnât tighten. I tried to tune it but it took me 45 min to tune 3 strings. I tried again the next day but also was having a difficult time. I couldnât find anything online to assist but when I was talking with my friend who is a musician she said to come over and she would help. The unit packed well in the travel well. The first thing she did was attach a âpick upâ to it. And within a few minutes she had all 21 strings done. So my advice is do not buy the Monochord without a pick up. It plugs into the tuner supplied and clips in to the Monochord. For a $10 item it really should be included. Now it is so much easier and enjoyable. Without the pick up the tuner picks up all sorts of background noise even if you have a quiet space. Itâs been a couple weeks now and I have bonded deeply with herâŠMona is her name. I bought a baby blanket as itâs recommended to keep it covered.
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 canât 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 đ