Thread: Kalimba - question

I haven't made a kit, but maybe this will help anyway.

I'd build the rest of it, then sit the inner edge of the bridge about 25mm from the inner edge of the backstop. Then fit the longest tine in the middle and the two shortest tines, one on each side. The pressure of the tines on the bridge should hold it in position. You can then check whether you can tune those tines with the bridge where it is. If not, adjust the position of the bridge until you can.

The photo you attached gives a reasonable approximation, except the tines seem a bit far forward over the backstop. You wouldn't be able to pull them forward much further. I would usually expect to see the tines extend a bit further over the back (which would then require the bridge to move a bit closer to the backstop).

I hope that helps a bit.

Thanks, that gives us at least some guidance.

The way it is designed the backstop (I understand that to be the top wooden bar) is right bang on to the metal strap base. That cannot get any closer unless I get creative with over lapping these somehow.

The bottom wooden bar with the metal rod I can put approximately same distance as on the picture. What I understand from you is, that we can place that temporarily and see if we can tune it and get a sound and then fix the position. We will try that.

Sent from my SM-G781B using Tapatalk

Yes, you should be able to place it temporarily and experiment.

You tune by tapping the tines backwards or forwards (you'll only need to do this very occasionally). In my opinion, the bridge on the example photo you posted is a bit too far forward. It would be difficult to push the tines further forward when tuning.

I've tried to show on a picture what I mean.

Kalimba2.jpg

Thanks for that again and for clarifying the terminology as well. I am not so experienced in that.

Anyway, we took your advise and made a mock-up.



With this we were able to tune the long and the short tines. I think we have now a plan.

Sent from my SM-G781B using Tapatalk

Thanks for the advice. We finally finished it and it was a great project with my boy. I love woodworking, and he loves making music. It's great to have something that combines both.

He loves it and can't wait to show his music teacher [emoji3] I guess we will then have the final verdict.



Sent from my SM-G781B using Tapatalk

That looks good. I am glad it went well. There's a lot of different instruments you can make that are not all that difficult, especially folk percussion instruments. I've always planned to build a cajon. Like many things, I just haven't got to it yet.