Gecko’s range goes beyond thumb pianos, with portable cajons, a lyre harp and a compact hand drum alongside its board and box kalimbas. These eight examples show how the designs differ and which playing experience might suit you. Some are models from our former range, now linked to Amazon listings where you can compare the available options. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
1. Portable Cajon
The portable Gecko cajon puts contrasting taps and a string buzz into a shallow wooden body that is easier to carry than a seated box drum. Our former model used engineered zebrawood and came with a strap and carry bag. Support it on your lap or with the appropriate strap rather than sitting on it. It suits travelling players who value a compact setup and are happy to trade some low-end depth for portability.
2. Lyre Harp
The 15-string Gecko lyre offers a different playing experience from a kalimba: pluck its strings with your fingers to explore melodies and ringing combinations of notes. The sunburst model pictured has a maple body, while a cherry-red version was offered in mahogany. Check the tuning and string layout against the music you want to play, and compare the included tuning key, replacement strings and case when choosing your model.
3. Gecko Cajon Box Drum
A seated Gecko cajon gives you a larger resonating body for bass notes and a front playing panel for higher taps and snare-like strokes. The model shown uses birch construction and an adjustable string system, letting you vary its buzzing response according to the maker’s instructions. Choose this format for acoustic accompaniment and the familiar seated cajon position; compare dimensions and hand comfort rather than assuming every box drum feels the same.
4. Gecko Sunburst Kalimba (17 Note)
This 17-note Gecko combines a hollow box body with a bold sunburst finish. Seventeen tines give you more melodic range than the 10-note version, making it a practical format for many kalimba arrangements. Check the listed tuning and actual notes before choosing songs, and confirm whether the selected version includes a pickup. A larger note set gives you more options while still allowing you to begin with simple melodies.
5. Gecko Board Kalimba (15 Note)
The 15-note board kalimba has a solid wooden body rather than a hollow sound chamber. The camphorwood model pictured offers a compact shape and a different resonance from the box designs, with fewer tines than the 17- and 21-note options. Compare sound samples where available and check its tuning carefully: the pictured model was described as G-tuned, so it will not necessarily match instructions written for a C-tuned kalimba.
6. Gecko Sunburst Kalimba (10 Note)
The C10 keeps the sunburst box-body design with a smaller set of ten notes. That makes it easier to explore a limited note layout, though some songs will need adapting because their notes fall outside its range. It is an option for simple melodies and compact practice; choose by the tunes you want to play rather than assuming fewer notes are always better for a beginner.
7. Gecko SD6 Hand Drum
The low-profile SD6 hand drum offers three playing zones described as high bongo, low bongo and snare. Tap with your fingers or palms and move between the areas to build contrasting patterns without a large percussion setup. Its appeal is the range of textures in one compact body; listen for the separation between zones and check how comfortably it rests in your intended playing position.
8. Gecko Kalimba (21 Note)
A 21-note board kalimba extends the available range for melodies that will not fit a smaller instrument. It is useful when you already know the extra notes your arrangements need, but additional tines do not automatically make it chromatic or easier to play. Compare the tuning, spacing and response of the longest and shortest tines, and check which accessories are included with your selected version.
Great Sound. Smaller Price.
Our 17-note kalimba starter kit offers an affordable way to start playing, with a soft carry bag, tuning hammer, microfibre cloth, note stickers and a beginner booklet with simple tabs all included. There’s no need to buy those accessories separately.
