The instrument's 6 jatoba (aka Brazilian cherry) keys are mounted on a wooden frame. Underneath each of the keys are gourds fitted with mirlitons (in this case plastic), which emit the characteristic "buzz" when the keys are struck.
Dimensions: 22" l. × 13 1/2" w. × 9" h.
It features a pentatonic tuning and is modeled on the jegele of the Senufo people of Mali.
The following videos (www.youtube.com) feature the bala in play: "Kenedougou foly"; and "Tuiguissori"; "Neba Solo Son 2022: 12 Morceaux"
Note: Rubber tapped directly from trees traditionally is used to wrap mallets. Because of the unavailability of such natural rubber, i use strips of rubber from bicycle inner tubes. These mallets are located top on the bottom of the frame.
Regarding the plastic mirlitons covering the gourd resonators, the keys won't resonate properly if they are punctured or become detached from the gourd. If either should happen, you can replace the mirlitons by cutting pieces from a plastic grocery shopping bag (used because traditional spider cocoons are unavailable) and gluing them over the holes in the gours. Another thing that affects the sound of the instrument is mirlitons that are too taut or too loose; in either case, gently depress the mirlitons with a finger.
Product code: West top African-style gourd-resonated xylophone (bala)