Sansula Deluxe Kalimba – Goatskin Drum Head and Adjustable Frame for Warm, Expressive Sound

• Fitted with a natural goatskin hide for a richer, warmer tone than synthetic membranes
• Sansula frame with adjustable tension screws
• A-minor tuning with additional tines pitched at B and F: a´, c´´, c´, a´, a, f´, e´, e´´, b´
• Suitable for children and adults — durable enough for nurseries and music schools
• Add a fitted fiberglass-reinforced bag to protect your Sansula on the road, with resonator top for the wah-wah effect on the go

The Sansula Deluxe is a further development of the original Sansula model. In response to customer feedback, Hokema fitted it with a robust membrane of genuine goatskin and an adjustable tension device — modifications that greatly expand the expressive range of the instrument.

While the Sansula Basic is too delicate for use by small children, the Sansula Deluxe can be used in nurseries and music schools without fear of damage. It should still be handled with the same care as any quality musical instrument.

The A-minor tuning with additional tines pitched at B and F allows beautiful melodies to emerge almost by themselves — simply pluck the tines with your thumbs. Since all the notes harmonize with each other, beginners enjoy immediate success. The natural goatskin membrane produces an even richer and warmer sound than synthetic alternatives.

Measurements: 7.8 x 6.1 x 2.6 inches
High quality wood: Cherrywood for the Kalimba block and beechwood for the frame

Download the Sansula Deluxe Manual (PDF)

Important: How to Use the Tension Screws

Only adjust the tension screws when truly necessary. Tuning the membrane is only required in exceptional cases — for example, if the instrument has not been played for a long period, or the membrane has been exposed to humidity. Always allow the skin to dry out in a warm, dry environment before adjusting.

• Membrane too slack: Tine No. 8 (E) will sound particularly loud.
• Membrane too tight: Tine No. 5 (A) will sound dull and metallic. In this case, loosen the screws.

Tuning the Membrane: Step by Step

Turn the Sansula over so the fine gap between the upper and lower parts of the frame is visible. Using the Allen wrench supplied, turn the screws clockwise in order 2, 5, 1, 6, 3, 4 (see diagram) until the gap at each point just begins to widen. Make sure the gap is equal at all points around the frame. Test the sound. If not satisfied, turn all screws in the same order in steps of 1/8 turn only. Test the sound after each round. When all tones are clear, the tuning is complete.

• Only tune the membrane as little as necessary.
• Adjust in 1/8 turn increments only.
  

Watch & Listen: Tuning Videos

We have compiled videos showing you different tuning options and how to tune your Sansula step by step. The Tuning Tool has an indented tip so you can securely place it at the end of the tine — it won’t slip when you tap it with a hammer to push the tines in or out.

Watch our tuning videos and hear the different tuning suggestions →

Create Your Own Tuning

Download the Tuning PDF — shows all possible tine positions and the resulting notes so you can design your own custom tuning.

Available Add-Ons (Not Included)

Sansula Bag

• Reinforced with fiberglass for durability
• Fully padded interior for protection
• Built-in resonator top for the wah-wah effect on the go
• Adjustable shoulder strap
• Protects your Sansula perfectly while traveling
• Lightweight and durable

Books

The Sansula Book covers 14 different tunings and can be used for both the Sansula and the B9 Kalimba.

Every tuning contains numerous musical possibilities. The scope ranges from dreamy and slow, to bluesy-cool, to powerful and virtuosic — covering genres from Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Celtic Pop, and Bluegrass.

The 18 pieces in this book demonstrate how to use the Kalimba both as an accompanying instrument and as the lead melody instrument. Each piece is available as a play-along version at slow tempo, plus a full band recording at original tempo. Every exercise is available as an MP3 file on the included MP3-CD and in the corresponding online library. QR codes throughout the book link to additional video and audio examples.