Bastl Kalimba: A Finger Piano-Style Synthesizer Raises Over $700,000 on Kickstarter
The Kalimba, developed by Bastl Instruments, is a unique musical device that functions as a synthesizer but plays like a finger piano. It has garnered over $700,000 on Kickstarter and is attracting significant attention.
What is the Bastl Kalimba?
The Bastl Kalimba is a synthesizer developed by Czech music equipment manufacturer Bastl Instruments. While it resembles a traditional African thumb piano known as a kalimba, its core is a fully digital synthesizer. Striking the metallic tines hardly produces any acoustic sound; instead, an internal synth engine generates the audio. Currently, Bastl Instruments is running a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, which has already raised more than $700,000, drawing considerable attention.
Unique Playing Style and Sound Engine
The most distinctive feature of this instrument lies in its playing method. The tines are not merely triggers but also function as sensors responsive to touch and velocity. You can control the sound in various ways—plucking, touching, tapping, or even tilting the device using an accelerometer.
The sound engine employs a hybrid approach, combining physical modeling and FM synthesis. This allows for a wide range of sound creation, from timbres reminiscent of a traditional kalimba to sustained pad-like sounds. Additionally, an integrated microphone can mix in faint acoustic sounds, adding a natural, organic texture to the music.
Versatile Effects and Controls
What sets the Bastl Kalimba apart is that it is more than just a sound generator. It includes a variety of built-in effects, such as spatial effects like delay and reverb, as well as distortion, bit crusher, and tape emulation. It also features a multi-mode filter and a simple arpeggiator.
One particularly intriguing aspect is its looper functionality and touch panel. The looper allows for processes like time-stretching, reversing, and destructive re-recording with effects applied. The touchpad on the front panel supports gliding techniques and offers unique sound-modifying effects called “Soil” and “Wind.” These effects also make use of the accelerometer, enabling dynamic sound manipulation. Additionally, the device features two programmable touch points on its surface, which can be assigned to nearly any parameter, from pitch bends to reverb size.
Kickstarter Campaign and Future Outlook
Bastl Instruments is currently running a Kickstarter campaign to finance the initial production batch of the Kalimba. While crowdfunding projects inherently carry certain risks, the company’s established track record of producing innovative musical devices provides a level of confidence in their ability to deliver.
The company has described the Kalimba as “one of the most challenging products we’ve ever created,” noting that it took over three years to develop. This campaign may also serve as a way to gauge demand before moving into full-scale production. Media outlet The Verge has reportedly reached out to Bastl Instruments for further comments, and updates are eagerly anticipated.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Bastl Kalimba suitable for beginners?
- Its intuitive, finger-plucking operation makes it accessible for beginners. However, its deep sound design and programming capabilities can be better appreciated by those with some experience in music production.
- How much does the device cost?
- The article does not include specific pricing information. The cost of the Kalimba as a reward in the Kickstarter campaign can be found on the campaign's page.
- Will the product definitely be produced?
- Given Bastl Instruments' proven track record of successfully launching many products, the likelihood of production proceeding as planned is high. However, as with any crowdfunding venture, there’s always a risk of unforeseen delays.
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