In this video, synthesist David Hilowitz explores the sonic possibilities of the Bastl Kalimba, new instrument that combines microphones, touch sensors, and an accelerometer, with a user interface inspired by the traditional kalimba.
Pricing and Availability:
Production of the Bastl Kalimba is being funded via a Kickstarter project, and it’s available to backers starting at about $494 USD, with the initial units expected to ship in Dec 2026.
That gadget is brilliant. Beautiful sounds. I’m diggin it. Adding midi makes this thing super viable to me.
No comment on this yet?
I’m surprised.
Its a brilliant design. The overall flexibility makes the price feel pretty reasonable. Its a bit too small for me to play easily, but I think its almost the percussive partner to an MPE controller. The range of sound is quite respectable. Its easy to imagine it drawing some colorful music from a lot of players.
I made a comment a while ago but it’s still awaiting moderation.
TLDR, I like it!
This is like 100 times better than the Phase 8
isn’t this rubbish? you don’t actually press on the keys, they are just arranged like this, otherwise you would wear the board, OR if you do press on the keys it provides no resonant properties because they are simply surface triggers from touch?
meanwhile another synth producer has actual metal tongs with pickups for their kalimba?