Best folk & world keyboards according to redditors

Link for those that wanna buy one. No idea about the quality or whatever, amazon choice tho!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079JJZXJ4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_CiWsDb282BG2C

https://www.amazon.com/Kalimba-builts-high-performance-protective-instruction/dp/B079JJZXJ4/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1549854875&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=kalimba&dpPl=1&dpID=51wxDXIRZCL&ref=plSrch

Thank you for the kind words! I bought it on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B079JMMNXN/ref=sspa_mw_detail_0?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It seems to be very good quality and well made, and it comes with a very nice case.

Last time I had to do this, I threw in a cheap melodica. It's been tons of fun to mess around on it, and it doesn't sound too bad, either. Great choice if you like music.

It is a question of quality. A melodica can be created as a toy, or as an instrument. Kind of like the difference between $.99 harmonica toys and actual instrument harmonicas.

An instrument melodica is actually harder to find than you'd think.
Look for well known brands of actual instrument companies.

Like this!

Not this.

Did someone say polka? https://amzn.com/B071CL3G77/

Im OP's Brother and i had this proyect made for me, im goin to try and explain every detail of this. (gear list at the bottom)

the background of this proyect is a life full of cables and 4 trips to the car to get all my gear for my live sets (a real pain in the arss considering i needded to set up and set it down after i finished playing) not counting the roadtrips to gigs in other states.

i used to use 2 keyboard stands, 1 mic stand, 1 wood table to put on tom of one keystand and another spare table for my laptop then the gear on top of the wood now imagine all the cables 4 USBs (sometimes the cables not plugged at the correct USB slot, giving me problems 2 minutes before starting), 3 power cables and the audio master output.

2 times each night 2 or 3 times a week. for 2 years, i was starting to get really anoyed at the time someone asked me to play at a gig.

So I decided I nedded something to help me with this endlless carryng of things; after a lot of searching for flightcases and huge money prices i realized those cases would not fit my whole gear and started thinking and deciding what i needed, i got to a conclussion that it was a much bigger proyect for me to make DIY so a contacted a guy that specializes in carry cases, had multimple 1hour+ driving trip to his workshop and back until we got to a design that worked in real life.

i needed to have all my power plugs inside the case so y soldered a power conection (CPU like) with its own fuse to prevent electric blowups unto a 8 slot power multicontact, and had an Active USB HUB 3.0 so all my usb cables are pluged-in in one slot at my laptop (i choosed active hub because the data transfer limitation when the computer gives the electricity to the HUB.

everything is tight inside with hi quality velcro strips so y dont need to worry to desasemble my USB interface, laptop, etc..

Why I choose these gear and case?

As of Right now i have a 2 man band called The Twins MX, we play Live Looping Electro-House-Latin-Funk-ish.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheTwinsMX/?fref=ts
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5qLkw7ooTNqARyUTQ7SaY8
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC28yjL0MZoE1_JhIfVGj2JQ
Extra Vid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJuQW9kGfsM

we base our shows in Live Looping and building our set up with Bass, Saxophone, drum and percussion Multichanel loops.


the way i have the midi routing is as follows

APC 40 - Channel 1-4 is for looping and controling the Bass
APC40 - Channel 5-8 is for looping and controling the Saxophone
Ableton Push - Channel 1-6 is for the Percucionand beats
1 Kick Drum
2 Snare Drum
3 Hi-hat or similar
4 Drums with effects
5 Shakers
6 Percution

Ableton Push - Chanel 7-8 for live-looping Piano and Synths

Launchey 49 MK2 - for playing piano and synth with effects racks form ableton
(i use the built in functions for ableton of the launchkey to control de 8 knob effects racks)


For the Audio Routing:
I use the NI Komplete audio 6 (works like a charm with the audio Buffering time)

IN - Channel 1 - Bass (tha bassist has his own station with Laptop, Audio Interface, midi controlers, he just sends me his master audio)
IN - Channel 2 - Saxophone
OUT - Master L R - The entire mix (having problem with this as the audio engeenir can not mix multichannel in the PA, im working on sending 2 more Mono channels aour of Outpu 3 and 4 of the audio interface).
Monitor Out ( i use this output channel for my headphones and have a metronome with all the mix so i dont get lost in reverberations or time delays of the venue)



The gear im using:

MIDI Keyboard: Launchkey 49 Mk2
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1140281-REG/novation_launchkey_49_mk2_usb_midi.html

MIDI Controler 1: Ableton Push 1
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/910791-REG/ableton_86889_push_software_controller.html

MIDI Controler 2: Akai APC 40
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/598797-REG/Akai_APC40_APC40_Ableton_Performance_Controller.html

USB Audio Interface: NI Komplete Audio 6
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/768774-REG/Native_Instruments_21066_KOMPLETE_AUDIO_6.html


The Gear the Bassist use:

6 String Bass (to use as bass and as guitar-ish sounds with effects)

Midi Controler: Guitar Wing:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1029887-REG/livid_instruments_lvguitarwing01_guitar_wing.html

Audio Interface: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB Audio Interface https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1251655-REG/focusrite_scarlett_2i2_2nd_gen_scarlett_2i2_usb_audio.html

Wind Instrument: Yamaha Pianica
https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-P37D-37-Note-Keyboard-Instrument/dp/B002R7U6VM

Floor Pedal Board: Line 6 PODxt Live-Multi Effects
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/357143-REG/Line_6_99_060_0605_PODxt_Live.html




I Will be posting more info if you like just Ask!

https://smile.amazon.com/Kalimba-Instruction-Portable-Kids-Adult-Beginners-Professional/dp/B07MQDXKTY/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=kalimba+17+key&qid=1565670882&s=gateway&sprefix=kalimba&sr=8-4

Kalimba 17 key thumb piano, I've seen some awesome videos with these.

They have different prices depending on the model and included accessories. Good luck!

Lots of things you can do with $25 on Amazon:

Behringer Ultra Vibrato UV300 pedal ($25)

Behringer Ultra Chorus UC200 pedal ($25)

Rock Band 25-key MIDI keytar ($24)

M-Audio SP-2 sustain pedal ($14)

Behringer Ultravoice XM8500 dynamic vocal mic ($20)

Auphonix 6" double mesh pop filter ($19)

Behringer Ultra-DI DI400P passive DI box ($20)

On-Stage single X keyboard stand ($22)

Andoer melodica ($20)

Andoer kalimba/mbira thumb piano ($12)

Big Thunder Tube ($30)

Small Thunder Tube ($8)

Angled Thunder Tube ($28)

Meinl Percussion 8" claves ($6)

Stylophone ($24)

Cables

Cable adapters

I have no experience with that model, but I would swear by the Hohner Performer 37. That said, Hohner generally makes solid instruments. The only reason I'd suggest being wary about the one you linked is that a large portion of the price might go towards the fancy color, the nice case, and the harmonica. You might end up with a kinda bad harmonica and a kinda bad melodica. I'd suggest if you want a melodica and harmonica, to get the Performer 37 and a Hohner Special 20. But that said, if you dig the color and like how it looks to you, go for it. Even if it's not the nicest melodica ever, I bet it'll still be a functional instrument. And the crazy colors will make it even more fun to play! :)

Hey I just went through this whole process so hopefully my experience helps you out.

-From What I understand the Alto in the Key of G is going to have the most resources out there as far as song books and tutorials. However it looks to me that the 17 Key Kalimba in the key of C has a decent amount as well.

-The Hugh Tracey Alto is the High end "Martin" or "Taylor' of the Kalimba.

-There are a lot of 17 Key Kalimbas on Amazon, most of them being in the Key of C. (some come un-tunned though and you have to do all that yourself)

I wanted to go for the Hugh Tracey Alto but opted to Start with the 17 Key "high" end gecko https://www.amazon.com/Kalimba-Performance-Protection-Professional-models/dp/B079JMMNXN/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1537143542&sr=8-4&keywords=gecko+kalimba
Mostly due to the fact that I will probably get one in G and C so I figured I could go with the cheaper one first to make sure I know what I want.

Hey thanks my kalimba comes in a few days in the mail hopefully this one is good

Also can you tell me what you think of this kalimba

https://www.amazon.com/Kalimba-Instrument-Protective-Cleaning-AKLOT/dp/B07M7STSWM/ref=mp_s_a_1_16?keywords=kalimba&qid=1558848749&refinements=p_72%3A2661618011&rnid=2661617011&s=gateway&sprefix=kalimba&sr=8-16

I would NOT recomend getting this. This is simply a USB controller, not a great instrument to learn and play on. I would recomend a casio CDP series or a Yamaha p series. Those are both great and affordable keybaords for beginners and they have full 88 weighted keys. In the mean time while you are saving up money for a keyboard, you could always get something like a melodica. Its only 30 bucks, and its definitely an instrument that’s gaining more traction in mainstream music. With it, you can learn fingerings, theory, and chords that all can be directly applied to piano. Give it a shot and if you like it, then buy a piano, but if you dont like it, then its just 30$. Many people may scoff at this suggestion, because usually think melodica is just a toy... Well... someone forgot to tell that to John Batiste, cuz he's been KILLING it on the Melodica every week night on The Late Show with Steven Colbert.

Not sure where you live, but I see it on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q3F1F3N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_DqGkDb8879SYB and Aliexpress (cheaper) https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/qQ5cMCg.

Zaidenberg 17-key C, wonderful sound, and smaller size.

Yeah here it is on https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PPF7R5B/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_dhIKDbR7FE99T

I’m using the 17 key if that helps with anything. Greatly appreciated !

I got mine from here. Not sure of the brand either.

Sure I'd let you know. It's on my cart but I don't have a reply from the seller yet.
By the way speaking of oddly shaped kalimba's have you tried the Tom kalimba? I think you've posted a photo on your article kalimba buying guide about waterfall shaped holes.

https://www.amazon.com/TOM-High-performance-protective-Instruction-Professionals/dp/B07Q3PJPY1

I've been seeing a few reviews on this. Few difference I have noticed though is the "landscape" shape, metal bridge, and bag-lile handle. 😆

https://www.amazon.com/Kalimba-builts-high-performance-protective-instruction/dp/B079JJZXJ4/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=kalimba&qid=1565191929&s=gateway&sr=8-3

After watching this video I immediately looked into buying a kalimba (this one), but I'm finding a lot of reviews saying it's crazy hard to tune. Has that been your experience?

The mime suit helps, too.

https://www.amazon.com/Mens-Costume-Makeup-Adult-Small/dp/B075LTTCGC/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=mime&psc=1&qid=1570844535&sr=8-7

https://www.amazon.com/Accordion-Mugig-Ensemble-Instrument-Childhood/dp/B071CL3G77/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=accordion&qid=1570844563&sr=8-1

There you go, Halloween outfit!

Yeah, I was thinking of something along those lines :)

I have a 37-key Hohner and I love it. Looks like it's about $25 more, but I like having more range and I'm really happy with the sound quality.

Welcome Ringo!

This is probably the coolest cheap(ish) thing in my wish list.

Of course, my view may be skewed by my love of playing music.

Welcome to the sub! I'm sure you'll really enjoy yourself here! Everybody is so nice.

As for the contest, I like to sew, doodle, and find other crafty things to try when I feel creative. I even took a lost wax casting class and made some pendants and rings! I have been doing these things since I was a kid and it helps to unwind me. I made a silly monster for my dad for Christmas and this lovey bear for my grandma just because I had been wanting to make her something.

I do like to do other creative things like sing, play music, and make up fun stories.

If I were to be chosen, I would love to have a copy of My Neighbor Totoro to inspire creativity in drawing and story creation

or a Klingon translation ring to inspire secret messages between friends

or a Kalimba to inspire musical fun!

(If I could choose a favorite, it would be Totoro.)

Thank you very much for the contest and I hope you have fun browsing the forum and making new friends!

Youtube. I just started learning the melodica myself and youtube has lots of vidoes for learning the melodica, or pretty much anything else you might be interested in.

This is the melodica I purchased. I like it.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003R9PCVI/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00

Sorry, I messed up here it is
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003R9PCVI/ref=aw_wl_ov_dp_1_1?colid=17QM76DV3YCAU&coliid=I2Z9FMHBDO73VZ

100ish dollars

it's a melodica and not a keyboard btw haha

i did it for the portability

i've had piano lessons before but don't really know how to play wind instruments

https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-P37D-37-Note-Keyboard-Instrument/dp/B002R7U6VM/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=yamaha+p37d&qid=1556589085&s=gateway&sr=8-2

I love the melodica idea! Definitely this. I play lots and lots of instruments, and this is one of my favorites to just noodle around on - it's so easy to dismiss it as a toy, but it's really capable of a lot of expression, and even virtuosity if you work at it.

edit: This is the one I play: http://amzn.com/B000Y7LVES

This thumb piano is kinda awesome.

They are actually fairly affordable There is a music shop that carries them in decatur. When I took care of my gramma and lived with her I would take my day off and walk to the music store, and play the instruments. Contrary to what was expeected, alot of people made decisions to buy an instrument that I was tinkering with, not becauseI was all that amazing, they just seemed to like the sound of it being tinkered with like a normal person would lol.

Aw!

Here's what I know:

The Hugh Tracey model is, I think, the best and most popular choice. I've never had one myself, but the tines are supposed to be soft and easy to pluck. It's got 15 tines, so that should allow for a pretty decent range of at least like 2 octaves. It also has an internal pickup, so I guess you could plug it into an interface and record it!

Here's the model I've had two of so far: the $40 Amazon model. Most people complain about how much harder the tines are to play than the Hugh Tracey's, but I think it plays just fine; the tines are kind of heavy so the tones on all tines are very full, except around the higher notes, where it gets kind of plink-y. The kalimba vibrato thing (when you stick your thumb in the hole and it makes this 'wah' sound) is still accessible in this model, but mostly just for the midrange notes – or at least that's what I've found. The tines are pretty hard to tune for this model, though. You have to use a coin or some kind of blunt metal object to nudge the tines back and forth, and it can get kind of frustrating.

Overall, I think the better choice would be the Hugh Tracey, but if you don't want to spend as much, the cheaper alternative is still a pretty solid kalimba.

Thumb Piano, Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009V9XBC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gcTLybKKN6S8N

I personally own an airboard37 but if you don't want to shell out the 100$ for the fancy paint job and carying case(which I am so glad I did) you can get a performer 37 for 60$. I can vouch that the airboard has awesome action and the special mouthpiece it comes with is really convenient vs the normal tube style the performer 37 uses. I have my airboard 37 for festivals and camp jams and it's one of my favorite instruments. I'm going to subscribe to your youtube on the off chance you actually end up buying one.