Construction of the Kalimba
The soundboard
The soundboard of ancient kalimbas was built from different local hardwoods, for example African Kiat, called Mukwa or Mubvamaropa in Shona. The keys were made from hard reeds, roots and bamboo. Instrument makers used natural materials such as cowskin and tree bark to bind the keys to the wooden soundboard.
The metal keys
When humans started forging metals, nyunga nyunga keys started to be made from metals such as brass, copper, bronze and mild steel. Nowadays, kalimba keys are mostly made from mild and high carbon steel. Instrument makers use wires or bolts to bind the bridge to the soundboard. Hardwoods that are commonly used for the soundboard are Mahogany, Oak, Kiat, Maple, Padoek and Iron wood.
Dingiswayo Juma working on the wooden soundboard. Dingiswayo Juma hot forging a metal key.
