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Bastl Kalimba synthesizer is really thumbsing [1]

['Rob Beschizza']

Date: 2026-05-18  

Turn off the DAW and put down the tablet. David Hilowitz (previously) got his thumbs on the Bastl Kalimba, a peculiar and extremely fun-looking handheld that's currently live on Kickstarter. From the company's pitch: "Treat it like an acoustic Instrument, it will answer like one." But it also has an accellerometer, an arpeggiator, multiple synth engines, and the rest of it.

Bastl Kalimba is a unique desktop instrument that combines microphones, touch sensors, and an accelerometer, with a user interface inspired by the traditional kalimba and its main interaction element: the tines. We believe that this combination of features and physical interface leads to intuitive creativity and easy musical expression.

And here's David: "Bastl's take on this instrument carries on many of its strengths …. they've clearly put a lot of thought into what makes this fun to use."

They're not cheap (€489, about $569), but that's still cheaper than a Kaoss Pad these days; a standard kalimba is maybe $30 at your local music shop.

Previously:

• A beautiful and affordable didgeridoo

• Beautiful musical instruments made from ice

• Peter 'Sleazy' Christopherson's DIY musical instruments

[END]
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[1] Url: https://boingboing.net/2026/05/18/bastl.html

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