West African-style xylophone (bala)

The bala often is erroneously called balafon, the likely result of a
misunderstanding by Europeans of the expression, ka bala fo, which means "to
play or sound the bala" in Mande languages such as Bamana, Jula and Maninka.
(ka, "to"; bala, "the instrument itself"; fo, "play or sound")

This premier offering has a lovely heptatonic Guinean tuning that is sure to
delight the ear. The gourds underneath each of the xylophone's 12 rosewood keys
are fitted with mirlitons, (most of) which emit the characteristic "buzz" when
the keys are struck with the mallets.
Dimensions: 27" l. x 16" w. x 9" h.

The following video (www.youtube.com) features the bala in play: "How to Play
the Balafon/African Drums"; "Preview Lesson: 'Mother and Water: Keys of Life';
"Born Musicians: Traditional Music From The Gambia"