UNOKKI Mahogany Kalimba (Cherry, Glossy Finish) with Travel Case – Thumb Piano with 17 Keys – Personal Musical Instrument for Kids & Adults, Beginners to Professionals – Includes Tuning Hammer & More

This instrument makes a fantastic gift. The cherry wood is stunning, and the notes ring out clear and sweet when you play it. The sound reminds me of my childhood. The accessories are great, too, and the hard case is nice and sturdy with plenty of room for everything.

Going to take a little bit of time for me to learn, but getting the hang of it. I'm having fun with the instrument.

I like that it came with a learners book. I’ve already learned a few songs. The Kalimba itself seems good quality

The kalimba is a modernized version of a traditional instrument that originated in Zimbabwe called the mbira. The adaptations of the kalimba make it more suited for western music. Two main differences are that the kalimba is smaller than the mbira and has one row of tines while the mbira has two (more on that later).That said, I love it! This set is great for beginners who may not be familiar with the instrument but have some basic understanding of music. Included with this are a 17 key kalimba, a velvet dust bag, zippered case, information and song booklet, key stickers, fingertips, polishing cloth, and tuning hammer. Everything fits neatly inside the case but I'm keeping my box for storing everything when not in use.The instrument is well made and is defaulted to C major with the longest (centered) tine tuned to C4, or middle C. The wood is a gorgeous even cherry finish, though not as glossy as shown in the images. As mentioned above, the kalimba has only one row of keys and they're all natural notes (ie. Not flat or sharp). This why I mentioned that it's helpful to have some understanding of music. There's no way to play sharps or flats on the kalimba. . . Without modification. Your options there are either to change the key of the song you want to play OR use the tuning hammer to change the note. Just bear in mind that you'll lose that original note until you change it back.Overall, I think this is a beautiful instrument, nicely done. It's great fun to play and makes a wonderful display piece as well.

I am not musical but learned some very basic songs on a xylophone when very, very young. I was able to play those songs on this Kalimba immediately without reading any instructions. Sound is pleasant - not too loud or too soft. Comes with a tuning hammer (haven't used yet as haven't found the need) and a booklet with very clear instructions on how to tune. The booklet also contains 6 songs with graphics on how to play (You Are My Sunshine, Happy Birthday, Ode to Joy, Snow Dreams, Remember Me, Let It Snow). Haven't quite mastered how to read the graphics yet.Each metal key has both the letter and number etched on it. But if they should be difficult to read or become worn over time, a sticker is included that can be applied to the Kalimba with the letters and numbers in bold print on a yellow background.Two blue rubber thumb covers are included. I tried them on they fit with no problem but will not use them unless I practice the Kalimba for extended periods of time. They are to protect your thumbs but I think they might also serve to protect the Kalimba keys from your thumbs' natural oils. For now, I am comfortable using my thumbs uncovered to play the little tunes I know on the Kalimba.You receive a large black and a small pink cloth for cleaning the Kalimba surfaces. The storage/carrying case is of a superb quality - hard plastic but not cheaply constructed. Not heavy and perfectly stores the Kalimba and all its accessories. The left inside has a mess (see-through) pouch to hold the accessories, which come in a resealable plastic bag. I kept the bag so that the accessories were not stored loosely but all in the bag. The right inside has a black stretch band slightly below center to hold the Kalimba in place. The metal tuning hammer sits beside it to the left in a notch made for it.The Kalimba itself is easy to hold and play and is beautifully constructed. I chose the cherry finish and it is stunning! I love this little instrument and, given its portability, will use it more than a portable keyboard!