Customizing Kalimba: Paint Without Affecting Sound

The kalimba, also known as the thumb piano, is a unique instrument that produces enchanting melodies. While painting a kalimba is a great way to personalise it, there are some things to consider to ensure that the sound is not affected. One way to avoid this is to purchase a DIY kit and paint it with acrylic before assembling it. Additionally, some kalimbas come with decals for marking the tines, and the manufacturers recommend marking a specific number of tines. Painting the tines can also ease the learning process and make it easier to play songs from kalimba tablature. It is important to note that covering and uncovering the sound hole of a kalimba will change the resonant properties and produce a wah wah effect.

Use acrylic paint

Painting your kalimba is a great way to personalize your instrument. If you're looking to paint your kalimba without affecting its sound, it's recommended to use acrylic paint. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Prepare the Kalimba Surface:

Before you start painting, it's important to prepare the surface of your kalimba. Most kalimbas have a thin varnish on them. While you can paint over this layer, it is recommended to sand it off for better paint adhesion. However, this step may not be necessary unless the varnish is water-resistant.

Choose the Right Acrylic Paint:

When selecting acrylic paint for your kalimba, it's best to opt for artist-grade acrylics. These paints have a higher pigment load than the cheaper acrylics commonly found in craft stores. Artist-grade acrylics will provide better coverage and a more satisfying result.

Prime the Kalimba:

Priming the kalimba before painting is an important step. You can use an absorbent primer designed for watercolors, such as Golden Acrylics Absorbent Ground. Alternatively, you can use a traditional acrylic primer like gesso, which you can dilute with water to thin its consistency. Apply multiple coats of the diluted primer to ensure a smooth finish.

Paint Your Kalimba:

When you're ready to paint, work from light to dark colors. Start by applying the lighter colors first and then add the darker shades. This technique will make your colors pop and ensure they don't appear muddy. Be careful not to paint the metal parts of the kalimba, as this may affect the sound.

Finish with a Varnish:

Once you're done painting and the paint is completely dry, it's time to varnish your kalimba. You can find spray varnish in art supply stores or hardware stores. Again, be mindful not to get varnish on the metal parts of the kalimba that produce sound.

By following these steps and using acrylic paint, you can safely paint your kalimba without altering its sound. Enjoy your personalized instrument and continue creating beautiful melodies!

Avoid the sound holes

Painting your kalimba can be a fun way to personalise your instrument, but it's important to take into account the impact that paint can have on the sound. The kalimba's resonance chamber, or sound box, is designed to allow sound to project through the sound holes. Painting the instrument may affect the sound quality, particularly if paint blocks the sound holes or is absorbed into the wood of the soundbox.

To avoid affecting the sound of your kalimba, it is important to keep the sound holes clear when painting. The sound holes are located on the back of some kalimbas, such as the Hugh Tracey kalimbas, and on the sides of others, such as the Goshen box and Catania gourd kalimbas. Make sure to keep these areas free of paint to allow the sound to project clearly.

If your kalimba has not yet been assembled, you may want to consider painting the pieces before assembly. This will give you more control over the painting process and help you avoid getting paint inside the sound box. You can use a DIY kit and paint the pieces with acrylic paint before putting them together.

Additionally, consider the type of paint you will be using. Some paints may be more likely to absorb into the wood, affecting the sound. Oil-based paints, in particular, may fill the pores of the wood and impact the resonance of the instrument. If you are concerned about the paint affecting the sound, consider using a different type of paint or a thinner coat.

Finally, take care when painting near the sound holes to avoid getting paint inside the sound box. You may want to use a small brush or a precise spraying technique to ensure that the paint only covers the intended areas. By following these steps, you can paint your kalimba while minimising the impact on its sound.

Use a DIY kit

Using a DIY kit is a great way to paint a kalimba without affecting its sound. The kalimba, also known as a thumb piano, is a plucked instrument that produces gentle, resonant notes when the ends of its metal tines (keys) are plucked with the thumbs.

DIY kalimba kits are a fun and creative way to make your own unique instrument. These kits provide all the necessary components and detailed instructions for a smooth crafting experience. You can purchase these kits from online retailers like Amazon.

• Prepare the wooden base: Cut a piece of wood to the desired dimensions using a handsaw. Sand the wooden base with sandpaper to smooth out any rough surfaces and prevent splinters.
• Prime and paint the pieces: Prime the wooden pieces and let them dry. You can then paint the pieces with acrylic paint in your desired design. Allow the paint to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
• Assemble the kalimba: Follow the kit instructions to assemble the kalimba. This typically involves gluing the wooden pieces together and attaching the metal tines and other hardware. Ensure that all glue is dry before proceeding.
• Fine-tune the notes: Use a tuning hammer and an electronic tuner or tuning app to adjust the pitch of each note. Move each tine in or out, pluck it, and adjust until it is in tune.
• Finish with varnish: If desired, apply a coat of varnish to the kalimba for a polished and glossy look. Allow the varnish to dry completely before playing your kalimba.

By following these steps and using a DIY kit, you can successfully paint a kalimba without compromising its sound. Enjoy your unique, personalised instrument!

Colour-code the tines

Colour-coding the tines on your kalimba is a great way to personalise your instrument and make it aesthetically pleasing. However, painting the tines can also serve a functional purpose, making it easier to learn songs and transfer notes from tablature to the kalimba. Here are some things to consider and steps to follow when colour-coding the tines of your kalimba:

Choose a Colour-Coding System

Before you start painting, decide on a colour-coding system that works for you. The most common systems are the Chinese system, which involves painting five tines, and the Kalimba Magic system, which involves painting six tines. The Kalimba Magic system, invented by Mark Holdaway, is designed to work optimally with kalimbas of different keys and their corresponding tablature and books. If you plan on using instructional materials, ensure you choose a colour-coding system that aligns with the resources you intend to use.

Prepare Your Kalimba

Before you begin painting, ensure your kalimba is clean and free of any dust or debris. You may want to disassemble your kalimba to make the painting process easier, but be careful and refer to instructions on how to properly take it apart and put it back together.

Select Your Paint

Choose a type of paint that is suitable for use on the kalimba's tines. Some people recommend using removable paint, such as a Sharpie marker, so that you can easily change the colour-coding if needed. Acrylic paint is also an option, especially if you are painting your kalimba before assembling it.

Paint the Tines

When painting the tines, be careful and precise to avoid getting paint on other parts of the kalimba. Follow the colour-coding system you have chosen, and ensure that the paint is completely dry before reassembling your kalimba or playing it.

Maintain and Care for Your Kalimba

After you have painted and reassembled your kalimba, be sure to handle it with care. Avoid dropping or bumping it, as this can affect its tuning. Regularly tune your kalimba and store it in a cool, dry place to maintain its sound quality.

By following these steps and choosing a colour-coding system that works for you, you can successfully paint the tines of your kalimba without negatively affecting its sound. Enjoy your personalised instrument and continue creating beautiful melodies!

Consider the tablature

Painting a kalimba can be a tricky task, especially if you want to play songs from tablature. The tablature is a map of the kalimba that shows you which tines to play and when. If you want to use tablature to play songs, it is important to consider the way the kalimba is painted. The tablature uses the painted tines as guideposts, so if your kalimba is not painted in a way that is consistent with the tablature, it will be difficult to read.

There are two main systems for painting the 17-Note Kalimba in C: the Chinese system and the Kalimba Magic system. The Chinese system paints five tines, including the central tine, while the Kalimba Magic system paints six tines. If you want to use Kalimba Magic instructional materials, you need to use the Kalimba Magic painting system. If you want to use Chinese instructional materials, you should use the Chinese painting system.

It is possible to get a kalimba with a "Double Tine Painting System", which has five tines painted in one colour and six tines painted in another. This allows you to use both the Chinese and Kalimba Magic systems. You can also get a kalimba with no paint and use a Sharpie marker to colour the tines, which can be removed with alcohol wipes if you change your mind.

The kalimba tablature has several white columns and several shaded or coloured columns, which represent the painted tines. The black line in the centre of the tablature represents the separation between the left and right sides of the kalimba. If your kalimba is painted the same way as the tablature, it will be easy to transfer the notes from the tablature to the kalimba. However, if your kalimba is painted differently, it can become confusing and difficult.

Tablature is flexible and can accommodate all types of kalimbas, regardless of the number of tines. However, it may be difficult to know what a song notated in tablature will sound like until you play it. The tablature uses standard note symbols (quarter notes, eighth notes, etc.) and timing is dictated by the "time signature". The more notes there are between the bars, the faster you need to play the notes.

Frequently asked questions