Marek Bolf

Instrument maker

©Katarina Bolfova

Unlocking the musician within

Marek learned knife-making and woodwork from his father
His first kalimba was crafted from a dried gourd
He used his first instrument earnings to purchase a toaster

Marek Bolf's kalimba journey began with just the clothes on his back and an empty wallet, as he ventured out from home. Living in humble conditions without heating, surviving on nothing more than bread, he clung to a fervent desire to bring music back to the people. That is why Marek, alongside his wife, makes musical instruments for non-musicians. Indeed, the kalimba is designed in such a way that everyone can play it. Their collaborative efforts ensure that each kalimba is a unique instrument, meticulously crafted to suit the individual preferences of customers: from selecting the wood, customising the instrument's usage, to ensuring precise tuning. Marek still treasures his first seven-note gourd kalimba, which he spent four hours tuning. Since then, several thousand kalimbas have passed through his hands, bringing joy to satisfied customers worldwide.

Interview

What drove you to explore music?: My musical journey began in childhood, drumming on anything to create simple instruments. Throughout high school and my studies, I continued to play, exploring tone and sound. Finally, I wrote my Master's thesis about the practical application of intuitive musical instruments in child development.
What gives your products their distinctiveness?: A comprehensive approach to production and slow work. Every single step from selecting high quality wood, cutting the tree, wood drying, sanding, to finishing, tuning and painting the instrument is done by hand. I seek perfection through careful observation of trees and wood, gradually striving for depth.
What enables intuitive playing of the kalimba?: Kalimba feels comfortable to hold. Playing it is similar to typing a message on a mobile phone – a familiar experience for all nowadays. We have improved this African instrument by adding clear and diverse tones, making it accessible to everyone, whether you are a musician, non-musician, or therapist.
What aspect of your work brings you the most fulfilment?: I always look forward to the moment when the tree is split open, revealing its inner beauty for the first time. My greatest joy, however, comes from shaping and oiling the wood after years of working with raw materials. It is like breathing life into it. And of course, I like it when everything plays out well in the end.

Marek Bolf is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2011