Hugh Tracy Kalimbas
The History of Hugh Tracy Kalimbas
Hugh Tracey Kalimbas have a fascinating history that dates back to the mid-20th century. They were created by Hugh Tracey, a renowned ethnomusicologist and instrument maker who dedicated his life to studying and preserving traditional African music.
In the 1920s, Hugh Tracey traveled extensively throughout Africa, recording and documenting the music of different ethnic groups. During his journeys, he developed a deep appreciation for the kalimba, a traditional African thumb piano. Inspired by the beauty and versatility of this instrument, Tracey set out to create kalimbas that could be enjoyed by musicians and enthusiasts worldwide.
Tracey's passion for preserving African musical traditions led him to establish the African Musical Instruments (AMI) company in South Africa. He began manufacturing kalimbas based on his research and experiences, incorporating his knowledge of acoustics and instrument making.
Over the years, Hugh Tracey refined his kalimba designs, striving for excellence in sound quality and craftsmanship. He experimented with different materials, tunings, and layouts, constantly seeking to enhance the musical capabilities of the instrument.
Popular Offerings
The Hugh Tracy Kalimba - Treble 17 note is a remarkable instrument that has a rich history. This kalimba model offers a beautiful and distinct musical experience, in the upper pitch range.
Featuring 17 notes, and a resonant chamber, the Treble kalimba provides beautiful tones that can be played by plucking the metal tines with your thumbs. Each tine is precisely tuned to produce a harmonious sound, allowing musicians to create captivating melodies and harmonies. The Treble 17 note model is known for its bright sound, making it an excellent choice for solo performances or as part of an ensemble.
Hugh Tracy Kalimba - Alto 15 note
The Hugh Tracy Kalimba - Alto 15 note is another remarkable kalimba model designed by Hugh Tracey. With its unique features, this instrument has gained popularity among musicians and enthusiasts alike.
The Alto 15 note model offers 15 tines, allowing for a slightly smaller range compared to the Treble model. However, what it lacks in notes, it compensates with a warm and mellow sound. The Alto kalimba is often preferred for its soothing and introspective tones, making it a versatile instrument for various musical genres and settings.
The Alto model features slightly wider tines, which allow for a lower pitch range. This lower range allows for the instrument to function well in ensembles, or as an accompaniment instrument. It is featured in some classical percussion works, most notably Song and Dance by composer Gene Koshinski.
Hugh Tracy Kalimba - Treble Celeste 17 note
The Hugh Tracy Kalimba - Treble Celeste 17 note is an exquisite kalimba model that offers a unique tonal quality and aesthetic appeal. It is a variation of the Treble 17 note model, but with a distinct feature that sets it apart.
The Treble Celeste model incorporates a flat bottom which allows it to resonate directly to another object, instrument, or resonant chamber. This not only enhances the instrument's tonal options, but also adds a subtle yet beautiful variation to its sound. The Treble Celeste 17 note kalimba is often sought after by musicians looking for an instrument that not only sounds enchanting but has different performance options.
Conclusion
The Hugh Tracy Kalimbas have a rich history and continue to be cherished by musicians and enthusiasts around the world. Whether you choose the Treble 17 note model for its bright tones, the Alto 15 note model for its warm sound, or the Treble Celeste 17 note model for its unique aesthetic, each kalimba offers a distinct musical experience that is sure to captivate both players and listeners alike.
Are you looking for a Hugh Tracy Kalimba? Contact us today to have a percussion specialist find out which option is best for you.
