Bastl Instruments Launches Kalimba: Multi-Sensor Synthesizer Merges Physical and Digital Sound

Czech synthesizer maker Bastl Instruments launched the Kalimba on Kickstarter May 7th, a hybrid desktop instrument pairing 12 touch-sensitive tines with FM and physical modeling engines, internal microphones, and an accelerometer. The device captures acoustic plucks and knocks while accelerometer data modulates synthesis and filters output in real time. Early-bird pricing starts at 389 EUR; retail is 500 EUR. Development took three years.