Sunday Jam #26 : Kalimba Improvisation 

I didn't know Ted Woodford but now subscribed, thank you. It's weird to think that you're already on Monday morning. Hours after posting this video and I've still got part of the evening and a night's sleep ahead of me before my morning coffee!

There's a benefit that I hadn't considered. I'd like one but after watching lots of reviews and other videos, I still haven't made a decision. Thanks for the comment. Watch your inbox ;-)

And so are you Mr Snorkers! Thanks for popping by.

You are absolutely right that you could play what I played here using a keyboard and there would be more possibilities. There are several reasons why you might use a controller like this. First is that it does impose limitations. If you watch the video that I refer to, Venus Theory makes the case that limitations are not just good but are important to the creative process. Second is that you can select the key and mode (G mixolydian here) and not have to worry about exactly which sharps or flats are involved. You simply have your 7 pads and can easily see which is note 1, which is note 5 etc. Thirdly the layout of the tines on a real kalimba is really interesting. The lowest note is in the middle and then the notes alternate from left to right. This means that the triads for chord I, II and III are together, and IV and V will be when I've added pads 8 and 9. The notes that you would choose to play may well be different to the ones you'd play if you had a traditional keyboard in front of you. Finally I really enjoy the form factor and like playing this. The best instrument you own is the one that you use. Thanks for your comment.