Written by Ambre Montespan - Updated on May 8, 2026
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Thatâs it! Youâve decided to take the plunge and buy a kalimba, that fabulous musical instrument from Africa. However, itâs not the kind of traditional instrument you can find everywhere. So where can you find a thumb piano thatâs truly high quality? Are there any specialised and reputable stores that sell them? Is buying a second-hand kalimba a good or bad idea?
Iâve purchased more than 10 kalimbas since discovering the relaxing sounds of this musical instrument. Iâve bought them second-hand, new, online, and in bricks-and-mortar stores. So I can confidently point you in the right direction.
To buy a kalimba, you can visit a specialised website for a much wider selection, look for cheaper second-hand thumb pianos in classified ads, or go to a physical store where you can try out the instrument.
So, once youâve read everything, youâll finally know:
- Where to buy a quality kalimba online
- How to find a second-hand thumb piano
- Whether mbiras are available in physical stores
This will enable you to choose the purchasing method that suits you best and advise your friends and acquaintances who may be asking themselves the same questions you are today.
Letâs explore all the options available to you when purchasing a kalimba.
Where can you find a new kalimba online?
The simplest and most effective method is to browse online stores that sell musical instruments. There are two types: sites specialising in the sale of kalimbas and generalist retailers that offer a much wider range of musical instruments.
What are the advantages of a site specialising in the sale of kalimbas?
Purchasing your kalimba from a specialised site is currently the best possible choice. There are many reasons for this. As their name suggests, specialised stores focus on one or a few particular musical instruments. As a result, they offer a very wide selection of kalimbas.
You can find them in almost all the materials commonly used for this type of instrument: mahogany, pine, beech, padauk, acacia, or even acrylic glass, a transparent plastic material that gives the instrument a beautiful look. But thatâs not all. There are also models with 17 or 21 tines, which are more suited to adults, and thumb pianos with 8, 9, or 10 keys that are suitable for children and/or can be carried in a trouser pocket. You can also treat yourself to diatonic, pentatonic, or chromatic models that will appeal to experienced musicians. Electronic kalimbas or those with an audio jack for recording your acoustic playing are also available. And finally, there is an impressive range of designs to help you find the kalimba that fits you best.
Whatâs more, the owners of these specialist stores are usually passionate enthusiasts who will provide you with better customer service if you have a specific problem with your kalimba. Youâll be talking to someone who has already played and held such an instrument in their hands, so they can give you the best possible advice.
The Instruments du Monde store specialises in kalimbas, among other things. It is a website run by a company located in France, in the Paris region, which offers more than 200 different types of thumb pianos. Youâre sure to find what youâre looking for. You can also find all the essential accessories for your kalimba, such as a tuning hammer, stickers, and thumb guards. Finally, blog articles and kalimba sheet music are regularly available free of charge to everyone. Discover the Instruments du Monde collection of kalimbas now. Youâll have access to a wide selection of thumb pianos sold by enthusiasts.
Do general music instrument websites sell thumb pianos?
Generalist websites that sell musical instruments also offer kalimbas, but their selection is far more limited. Donât expect to find instruments with lots of different designs or features.
Furthermore, the owners of these types of stores are not really experts on mbira. They sell all kinds of instruments, such as pianos, guitars, drum kits, and violins, along with kalimbas and a few other exotic instruments. Inevitably, they canât have the same level of knowledge as specialised stores. As a result, their after-sales support will remain purely commercial. Just keep that in mind.
How can you get a second-hand kalimba?
You may want to buy a kalimba by searching the second-hand market. In this case, you can find one either online or near your home.
Where can you find a second-hand mbira online?
Finding a second-hand mbira online is not really difficult. You can visit a multitude of classified ad sites, such as the popular Craigslist, to find thumb pianos. However, youâll want to pay close attention to the instrumentâs condition. Unscrupulous sellers may hide details like scratches or cracks on the sanza's frame, or even rust on the steel tines.
Whatâs more, and this is a surprising detail, the prices for second-hand kalimbas are often very high. For example, itâs not uncommon to find listings for a used instrument priced at NZ$60, NZ$100, or even NZ$160. That last price point can match a high-quality kalimba, but brand new. This can be explained by the fact that, until a few years ago, the finger piano was relatively unknown, considered rare, and therefore priced high. This is no longer the case, and you really need to compare prices with new instruments to make sure youâre actually getting a good deal.
Is it possible to buy a second-hand sanza near your home?
Yes, you can definitely find second-hand sanzas not far from your home, but I have to admit that this will be extremely rare. You might find some at flea markets or musical instrument fairs, but the rarity of kalimbas is likely to make your search much harder. This is definitely not an option that I can recommend.
Which physical stores sell mbiras?
Finally, you can also visit physical stores to buy your own mbira. Realistically, donât expect to find one in a supermarket alongside recorders. However, some stores that only sell musical instruments sometimes have a small selection of kalimbas. This is a good option if you want to try out an instrument before buying it.
However, the selection will be very limited. Most stores have fewer than five models for you to try out. You can always place an order from a catalogue, but at that point you might as well order from a website that offers more choice, better prices overall, and the option to return the item within 14 days of receipt.
Buy the finger piano that's right for you!
As youâve just realised, there are several different ways to buy your African thumb piano. Choose the one that suits you best based on your expectations and budget. Now that youâre aware of all the options available to you, along with their advantages and disadvantages, youâll be in a position to choose the right professional to buy your kalimba from.
One thing is certain: the musical instrument chosen by a player must be visually appealing. This ensures that the musician will enjoy playing it, return to it regularly without giving up, and quickly progress in their mastery. Thatâs why Instruments du Monde offers a selection of kalimbas with innovative designs that are sure to charm you. With such a finely crafted instrument, youâll have everything you need to become a true master of the kalimba.
Treat yourself to a designer kalimba now by clicking on the image below.
Do you know the famous artist April Yang? She is a talented thumb piano player with a huge following online. If youâd like to play the same melodies on one of the instruments she uses, weâve compiled all the kalimbas used by April Yang to help you find the exact model. Then all thatâs left is to pick yours and try to recreate her performances. Or, take a deeper dive into all the secrets of the kalimba by reading this article.
