Hokema B17 Kalimba – 17 Key Thumb Piano, C-Major, Handmade in Germany

A full C-Major scale under your thumbs. Seventeen tines across more than two octaves, enough for real songs yet still easy to improvise on.

• 17 tines tuned to C-Major (440 Hz), from low C up to high E
• Solid American cherry wood, finished with natural oils and waxes
• The C tines are marked with a line, so you always know where you are
• Includes 18 chord-marking magnets and a booklet of songs and playing techniques
• Size: 6.9" x 7" x 1.6" | Weight: about 1.4 lb
• If it feels wide for your hands, rest it on a table, or see the B17 Mini
• Plays in tune with our Green C-Major Collection

Handmade in Germany by Hokema.

Watch: Chord Marking with Magnets

Hokema includes magnets with the B17 to help you mark chords while playing. Watch the video below to see how to use them, plus get a feel for the instrument's rich, full sound.

Hokema also includes a booklet with your purchase featuring song samples and playing techniques to get you started.

Scale & Tuning

C-Major scale, 440 Hz: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C, D, E

A C-Major scale has 7 notes. The B17 gives you two full octaves, plus C, D and E in a third octave, for 17 tines in all.

Tines from left to right: D, B, G, E, C, A, F, D, C, E, G, B, D, F, A, C, E. The lowest C is the long tine in the middle.

Note on notation: In the tablature, the second octave tines are marked with a dot (e.g. 1·, 2·, 3·) and the three highest tines in the third octave are marked with a colon (e.g. 1:, 2:, 3:).

How to Read the Tine Layout

Hokema marks the tines with two visual indicators to help you navigate the larger number of tines:

• A single horizontal line on three tines indicates the keynote C — the low, middle, and high C
• A double crossbar indicates the tone B (written as H in German notation)

These markings allow you to visually orient yourself quickly while playing.

Playing the C-Major Scale

Start with the middle, longest tine and pluck it with your right thumb, alternating with your left thumb, working your way outward to the shorter tines. You will hear the C-Major scale played over two and a third octaves.

In the tablature, notes for the left hand appear at the top and notes for the right hand at the bottom. This tablature format is used by Conny Sommer in his B17 tutorials.

Available Add-Ons (Not Included)

B17 Softbag

• Reinforced with fiberglass for durability
• Fully padded interior for protection
• Adjustable shoulder strap
• Protects your Kalimba perfectly while traveling
• Lightweight and durable