2 - QUICKSTEP KALIMBA 2.0 The Quickstep Kalimba Workshop features an electric version of an African instrument called Kalimba. This electric variant is handy to plug in any amp and to use at live performances. The tuning is adapted to the 12 tone common in Western music, but can be adapted to the traditional tunings as well if desired. Initially the Quickstep only had the 12 rods, in the up dated 2.0 version these rods have enlarged tailes that also can be plucked near the bridge and cause sounds remniscent of church bells. The Quickstep Kalimba is based on the electric kalimbas built by Konono No.1 from Democratic Republic of the Congo and the kalimbas of the band Neptune from Boston. The participants pay for their own materials. Each workshop is limited to 16 persons. Duration of the workshop is approximately four hours. Sonic Youth’s Lee Ranaldo owns a copy of the Quickstep 2.0.
Above an enhanced 4 pickup version customized by Richard Eigner. The version on the main pic left can easily be upgraded this the one on the picture above. On Richards version both sides of the kalimba are amplified. 7