Magadi Kalimba M13 Star C Major

Price: €94.60
SKU KALCN-12 Category Kalimba & Mbira

Kalimba Magadi M13 Star — 13-Reed Membrane Kalimba in C Major

The Kalimba Magadi M13 Star is a membrane-mounted thumb piano with thirteen steel reeds mounted on an octagonal wooden frame and covered with goatskin. The instrument is tuned to C major pentatonic, a tuning system that contains no dissonant intervals and invites improvisation without harmonic constraint.

Construction and Materials

The frame is octagonal in shape and constructed from wood, providing structural rigidity and a resonant chamber. Thirteen steel reeds are fixed firmly to this frame, which is then covered tightly with goatskin membrane. This membrane-and-frame design creates a warm, sustained tone and contributes to the instrument's acoustic character.

The semi-open construction allows the player to create expressive wah-wah effects by tilting the instrument during play. As you move the kalimba forward and backward against a steady hand position, the opening and closing of the resonant chamber modulates the sound, producing a dynamic tonal variation that would be impossible on a fully enclosed design.

Sound and Tuning

The C major pentatonic tuning (F4–E5–D4–C5–B3–A4–G3–G4–A3–B4–C4–D5–E4) eliminates the half-step intervals that create dissonance in Western music, making it possible to play musically with minimal technical preparation. The goatskin membrane and wooden resonator produce a tone described as warm and long-lasting, sustaining notes clearly without rapid decay.

Playing Technique

You hold the kalimba with both hands, using your thumbs to pluck the steel reeds. The octagonal frame is sized to rest comfortably in your lap or be held against your body. The pentatonic tuning means that adjacent reeds, when struck in sequence, produce consonant intervals, making melodic and harmonic exploration intuitive even for players without formal training.

Durability and Stability

The instrument is noted for its structural stability and durability, designed to perform reliably in home, rehearsal and stage environments. The tight mounting of the reeds on the frame and the robust construction of the wooden octagonal body contribute to consistent tuning and reliable playability over time.

What's Included

The Kalimba Magadi M13 Star is supplied ready to play. No assembly or additional tuning is required.

The kalimba remains a widely played instrument across African traditions and contemporary world music contexts, valued for its accessibility to new players and its capacity for both meditative solo performance and ensemble participation.

Price: €94.60
SKU KALCN-12 Category Kalimba & Mbira

Magadi Kalimba M13 Star C Major — A 13-key thumb piano tuned in C major, featuring a goat-skin membrane and octagonal wooden frame that produces a warm, sustained tone. The semi-open design allows expressive wah-wah effects by tilting the instrument during play, while the pentatonic tuning invites intuitive improvisation without dissonant notes. Handcrafted by Magadi with steel tines mounted on a resonant frame, it suits solo meditation, storytelling accompaniment, film scoring, and ensemble play alike. A traditional lamellophone reimagined for contemporary players seeking both accessibility and sonic depth.

Audio Samples
Magadi M13 Star - C Major
Weight 0,55 kg
Origin China
Dimensions 17,0 × 17,0 × 5,0 cm
Materials Steel - Goatskin - Wood
Type Box kalimba
Tines 13 Tines
Tuning C major

Caution: Not suitable for children under 3 years. Please supervise older children. Beware of swallowing small parts, strangulation, material allergies, sharp edges and points! Use only for sound generation. No liability for improper use.

Care: Extreme temperature fluctuations, humidity and direct sunlight can affect the lifespan. Please store in balanced humidity to prevent material changes, mold and corrosion. Remove dirt with a damp cloth. Dry after cleaning and each use.

Disposal: Please contact your local waste disposal authority for information on environmentally sound disposal!

Kalimba Magadi M13 Star — 13-Reed Membrane Kalimba in C Major

The Kalimba Magadi M13 Star is a membrane-mounted thumb piano with thirteen steel reeds mounted on an octagonal wooden frame and covered with goatskin. The instrument is tuned to C major pentatonic, a tuning system that contains no dissonant intervals and invites improvisation without harmonic constraint.

Construction and Materials

The frame is octagonal in shape and constructed from wood, providing structural rigidity and a resonant chamber. Thirteen steel reeds are fixed firmly to this frame, which is then covered tightly with goatskin membrane. This membrane-and-frame design creates a warm, sustained tone and contributes to the instrument's acoustic character.

The semi-open construction allows the player to create expressive wah-wah effects by tilting the instrument during play. As you move the kalimba forward and backward against a steady hand position, the opening and closing of the resonant chamber modulates the sound, producing a dynamic tonal variation that would be impossible on a fully enclosed design.

Sound and Tuning

The C major pentatonic tuning (F4–E5–D4–C5–B3–A4–G3–G4–A3–B4–C4–D5–E4) eliminates the half-step intervals that create dissonance in Western music, making it possible to play musically with minimal technical preparation. The goatskin membrane and wooden resonator produce a tone described as warm and long-lasting, sustaining notes clearly without rapid decay.

Playing Technique

You hold the kalimba with both hands, using your thumbs to pluck the steel reeds. The octagonal frame is sized to rest comfortably in your lap or be held against your body. The pentatonic tuning means that adjacent reeds, when struck in sequence, produce consonant intervals, making melodic and harmonic exploration intuitive even for players without formal training.

Durability and Stability

The instrument is noted for its structural stability and durability, designed to perform reliably in home, rehearsal and stage environments. The tight mounting of the reeds on the frame and the robust construction of the wooden octagonal body contribute to consistent tuning and reliable playability over time.

What's Included

The Kalimba Magadi M13 Star is supplied ready to play. No assembly or additional tuning is required.

The kalimba remains a widely played instrument across African traditions and contemporary world music contexts, valued for its accessibility to new players and its capacity for both meditative solo performance and ensemble participation.

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