Knowledge Base

This can happen when tiny changes in the wooden body, caused by humidity, temperature or drying, alter the contact between the tines and the pressure bar.

Often, simply moving the tine slightly from side to side solves it. If not, try placing a tiny strip of thick paper, 1–2 mm wide, at the contact point.

There are three contact points: the bridge near the vibrating part, the middle under the pressure bar, and the rear support. Try the middle first: it is relatively easy and has little effect on the sound. Paper at the front bridge makes the tone more muted. At the rear, lifting the tine is harder because it is held tightly and is difficult to reach.

For the middle contact, rest the kalimba on a table and use a screwdriver to press the tine down next to the bar while sliding the paper in with your other hand. The force needed can be substantial, roughly equivalent to a 5–25 kg load.

Try placing the paper near one edge of the tine rather than in its centre. A slight sideways tilt is often what causes the buzz; experiment to find which edge needs support.

If paper does not help, the tine can be removed with pliers and its rear end bent slightly to increase contact pressure, then reinserted. If it catches on the rear support while being inserted, place a thin guide in from the opposite direction to form a smooth ramp. A spare tine works well, or another thin metal strip, such as the blade of a screwdriver.