The Sanzélé, born of a sanza and a kamele ngoni
“An ultra-portable, ergonomic fusion of the *kamele ngoni* and an electric, double-sided *sanza*, the Sanzélé is a new, highly intuitive instrument that is easy to play.
Evoking the size and sound of a *sanza* (more commonly known today as a *kalimba*), while offering the rich rhythmic and melodic potential of the *kamele ngoni*—an ancestor of the African *kora* with fewer strings—this compact instrument features an ergonomic design reminiscent of a game console controller.
It is also eco-friendly: its small size allows for the repurposing of wood scraps left over from the construction of larger instruments, such as *ouds*, which would otherwise go to waste.
A simple instrument? Think again! It took four prototypes and three years of development to finally bring you this unique creation, designed specifically for ambient and intuitive music-making. Small, yet…” — Sylvain BD, November 10, 2026
A professional-grade electro-acoustic musical instrument. Patented with the INPI (2026-8502). Handcrafted and fine-tuned.
Purchase
Via Stripe only
Customize quantities, delivery, wood types, packaging (cardboard box or protective cover), engraving (with or without), and, of course, the musical scale! (payment by credit card only).
Features
– Body carved from a solid block
– Dimensions:
195 x 110 x 60 mm (including tines)
– Weight: approximately 350 grams
– Scales tested:
F minor pentatonic
G minor pentatonic
Hijaz D
C major
More to come!
– 18 tines, featuring 14 notes across 2 octaves and half
– Wood: Sapele (brown) / Maple (white) / other woods available upon request
– Finish: Gloss varnish
– Piezo pickup
– Output: 3.5mm mini-jack
Request a personalized engraving!
Using precision engraving equipment, you can request an engraving of your name, an image, or your logo. More information below.
A mini-jack (3.5mm) output for plugged-in playing
Plug in your looper or pedalboard, and the possibilities become endless!
Shown here with Nux MG30 pedalboard effects.
Its acoustic sounds
Recorded using a cardioid microphone
Tutorials coming soon!
How to tune it
A few simple pieces
Managing a looper…
Pricing / delivery / accessories / options
The Sanzele is priced at:
190 euros + shipping costs if applicable (13 euros within France / 25 euros internationally).
Includes a custom-fitted cardboard box, a cleaning cloth, and a tuning hammer.
Delivery:
If in stock: within 8 days in France / within 15 days internationally.
If out of stock: Please allow an additional 3 weeks for me to schedule its production.
Accessories:
Comes with a Sanzélé cardboard box or a padded carrying case, plus a tuning hammer and a cleaning cloth.
Options:
– Padded carrying case: 208 euros for the Sanzele with a padded travel case + shipping costs if applicable (see above).
– Engraving: logo, name, or photo (to be provided via email) – an additional 20 euros.
Purchase
Via Stripe only
Customize quantities, delivery, wood types, packaging (cardboard box or protective cover), engraving (with or without), and, of course, the musical scale! (payment by credit card only).
