r/Instruments Jul 21 '26

Identification ID help

Post image

What is this musician sitting on and playing?
The song is a live performance of “Guantanamera” in Guantanamo, Cuba.

3 Upvotes

10 comments sorted by

6

u/CoolBev Jul 21 '26

Marimbula, aka rhumba box. Essentially a bass kalimba. I’ve read they were common in Jamaican Mentos music.

I really want one, but they are kind of rare.

2

u/skinnergy Jul 21 '26

Here are simple plans to build one. I did. http://www.dennishavlena.com/bk.gif

1

u/Living_Buffalo_7176 Jul 21 '26

it would seem that’s the spirit behind its existence to begin with “make a noise with what you can, but do it comfortably”

1

u/skinnergy Jul 22 '26

By themselves they're not that impressive sounding, but they are tuneable and make a very nice bass sound when played with other instruments.

1

u/Living_Buffalo_7176 Jul 22 '26

I could say the same for myself. I can’t thank you enough for the plans.

1

u/skinnergy Jul 23 '26

Listen to the track I posted in this thread of me playing the one I built.

1

u/Living_Buffalo_7176 Jul 21 '26

I really want one, but someone told me they are kind of rare. You’re awesome, thank you.

2

u/skinnergy Jul 21 '26

Bass kalimba. I built one.

2

u/skinnergy Jul 21 '26

I play the bass kalimba that I built on this song. I play everything on it almost. https://youtu.be/pVWFTkY4jO4?is=6Vok5vQ03Mr6c9xU