Let me start by writing that I love Kalimbas!! I have already ordered many of them (most of them from Thomann!) So, when I found about this new electro-acoustic Kalimba from Thomann at a nice price, I've decided to order it, too!
After opening the nice made box, I've noticed
that everything seemed ok, but the cable was missing! Not a big problem (I thought) and I took it in my hands to start playing...I've stopped playing just after 5 seconds, cause there was a BIG problem! There was a weird buzzing sound, all over when playing! Cable is missing, Kalimba is buzzing, so, sadly, I have to return it (I thought again!)
Then, examing the Kalimba box all over I noticed something weird...the jack output was a bit loose! I've tried to screw it by hand and after that tried to play again...This time there was no buzzing! Sound was clear! Problem solved! Then I connected it to my amplifier, using an old cable (as the cable that sould come with Kalimba was missing!) to check the sound...it was clear & loud! Very well done!!
To sum up, let's see pros & cons:
Pros:
Well made Kalimba (nice wood!)
Resonance hole (for making some wah-wah effects!)
Internal pickup system (working good!)
Includes some extras: bag, tuning tool and cable (the last was missing in my case!)
Nice price!
Cons:
Needs better QC (Quality Control) so there will be no buzzing from loosen parts, nor missing cables!
Needs better instructions (for example: how to use the tuning tool?)
All in all, a nice Kalimba with a nice price, that just needs better Q.C. (that's why 4/5 stars in quality!)