chromatic bala?

Other west African instruments, like balafon, ngoni etc.
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chromatic bala?

Postby Carl » Wed Mar 23, 2011 6:59 pm

There are a few people playing "chromatic" balas now (basically, two instruments tuned 1/2 step apart so that it can play with western instruments (like a piano))

Anyone know where I can get one? (or would that be two?) I already have 1 bala in "C" but I think I would like new instruments that is made to work together.

Any help out there?

C
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Re: chromatic bala?

Postby Paul » Thu Mar 24, 2011 5:20 pm

The guys at bara gnouma would make you one to order in what ever key you want...
http://www.baragnouma.com/balafons-diatoniques.php

Thats the first time I ever heard of it... It will cost you though..

Check out Keletugi Diabate Bala player with Habib Koite, not sure if its chromatic but I know he plays two at a time effortlessly.. :D

Tell em I sent ya..
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Re: chromatic bala?

Postby Carl » Fri Mar 25, 2011 11:44 am

Keletugi definitely plays a chromatic bala... he's the "biggest" player I know of that does.

His cd is pretty amazing (Sandiya)

I"ll check these guy's out... the site is in French, but I think they are saying 300 euro's per instrument. which seems just about right for what I'm looking for.

C
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Re: chromatic bala?

Postby bops » Thu Apr 21, 2011 1:54 pm

Wazzup Carl!

You'd probably want to be able to play your prospective second bala along with the first one to ensure proper tuning. Otherwise it may not be perfect. I know Wula just got a new shipment with a bunch of balas. I know Michael does a camp in upstate NY... maybe he'd be willing to bring some with? May be worth a shot.

Have you checked out Momo Wendel Soumah's CD Afro-Swing? Fatouabou Camara is on there, and a great Tambin player... Bailo Bah? Anyway, the balafola on there plays 2 bala tuned chromatically. Pretty nice.
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Re: chromatic bala?

Postby Carl » Thu Apr 21, 2011 2:09 pm

Momo... yes, great CD.

If I do this, I would most likely get the 2 balas at the same time, or worse case have my old bala retuned to match.

Too deep in business startup to think about spending money in the near future... :-(

1st gig with Namory Keita today!!!! :-)

C
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