Harpika

Q: Why is the harpika said to be a cross between a harp and a kalimba?

While the overall appearance of the harpika is largely reminiscent of a harp due to its many stretched strings, the connection to the kalimba isn’t always obvious at first glance.In fact, the link becomes clear when you look at the note layout. A 17-string harpika has exactly the same notes as a 17-tine kalimba, which means any song you can play on a kalimba can also be played on a harpika. It’s a great way to explore a fresh sound world while keeping familiar musical landmarks.It’s for all these reasons that Masoud Shemirani chose the name Harpika, simply blending the words harp and kalimba.

What is a harpika?

The harpika is a plucked-string instrument from the Middle East. It is actually a combination of two other musical instruments, namely the kalimba and the harp. The harpika consists of a number of strings that the musician plucks and sets vibrating with both thumbs to produce sound. Each string corresponds to a single note, much like a piano.

The harpika may be built with—or without—a sound box to amplify the volume, while others rely on the natural resonance of the frame. The metal strings run parallel to each other, connecting on one end to the soundboard at the bottom of the instrument and on the other end to pegs or tuning mechanisms at the top. These parts let you increase or decrease string tension to change the pitch each string produces.

What are the origins of the harpika?

The harpika is a very recent instrument, invented in 2022 by an Iranian instrument maker.

On 14 March 2022, the company "Kalimba of Iran," which makes and sells kalimbas, posted a video on its Instagram account to introduce an innovative instrument: the harpika. It was reportedly imagined by Masoud Shemirani and developed by Kalimba of Iran. Alongside the kalimba, the arjan harp—an Iranian harp—also inspired the harpika’s design. Since then, this new instrument has been steadily gaining popularity thanks to the beautiful tones it produces.

Why is the harpika said to be a cross between a harp and a kalimba?

While the overall appearance of the harpika is largely reminiscent of a harp due to its many stretched strings, the connection to the kalimba isn’t always obvious at first glance.

In fact, the link becomes clear when you look at the note layout. A 17-string harpika has exactly the same notes as a 17-tine kalimba, which means any song you can play on a kalimba can also be played on a harpika. It’s a great way to explore a fresh sound world while keeping familiar musical landmarks.

It’s for all these reasons that Masoud Shemirani chose the name Harpika, simply blending the words harp and kalimba.

How do you tune this stringed musical instrument?

The harpika is tuned like any other stringed instrument, and it’s fairly straightforward. First, you will need a tuner. This small electronic device listens to the sounds produced by the instrument and displays the note being played. Once your tuner is in listening mode, find a quiet place where no background noise will disturb you. Then select a single string on the harpika. The note that string is supposed to play is indicated on the upper part of the soundboard.

Play the note and check the tuner’s display. If the note matches the one indicated on the soundboard, you’re good to move on to the next string. If the note displayed doesn’t match the expected note, use the tuning key provided with the harpika to tighten or loosen the peg on which the string is attached.

Tightening raises the pitch, while loosening lowers it. Take care not to tighten too much, as this can break a string. Once you’ve made the adjustment, test the string again until you reach the desired note. Finally, repeat this process for all the strings on the instrument.

Is it possible to play kalimba sheet music with the harpika?

Yes, the 17-string harpika has exactly the same notes in the same positions as a 17-tine kalimba. The only difference is that the harpika has strings, and the kalimba has metal tines.

That’s why we recommend buying our book of 50 kalimba sheet music arrangements with your harpika.

Harpika instrument

17-String Harpika

Harpika Stand

Harpika Tuner

Harpika Strings

Chromatic harpika

Wooden Harpika

Acrylic Harpika

Harpika Case

Harpika Tuning Key

Harpika Plectrum

Harpika Booklet