Sansula Deluxe is a further development of our Sansula base model. At the request of many customers, we have installed a stable natural goat skin membrane and tension device. These changes make the instrument even more versatile. Each Deluxe model we introduce is unique, with an even fuller and warmer sound and solidity. While the basic Sansula model is too delicate for smaller children, the Sansula Deluxe can now be used in nurseries and music schools without the fear of too much damage. Of course, the Sansula Deluxe also requires careful handling, as is usual and appropriate for musical instruments.
The Sansula is a version of the kalimba (also known as Sansa or Mbira) originating in South Africa. The kalimba is a metal-toned instrument played with the thumbs while picking the teeth. It is found in Africa in many forms and variations. As a result, the vibrations of the tines are amplified in various ways, e.g. over a resonator, a hollow vessel such as a calabash or simply a piece of solid wood. The vibration of the sansula is first stored in the wooden block and from there transmitted to the resonating membrane. The sound is much longer than using other means of amplification. Due to the tuning – the octaves are next to each other – it is easy to make the instrument sound wonderful, soft, full of overtones.