The balaphon is the leading melody instrument in West Africa music. The keys are carved in a special hardwood, and calabash gourds are used as resonators.

About the maker: Christopher Doozie, the maker of these lovely instruments, descends from a family of makers and players of gyils (sacred xylophones of the Degaaba and Sisaala people of Ghana.) Mr. Doozie is associated with the Institute of African Studies and the Music and Performing Arts Departments of the University of Ghana, as well as to the Ghanaian National Symphony.

American audiences will be pleased to learn that Mr. Doozie crafted the xylophones used in the Broadway production of The Lion King.