Bastl Kalimba: This Wondrous Electronic Kalimba Is a Work of Art
4,1 / 5,0 | 
Is this the most unusual instrument to meet the light of day at Superbooth 26? Bastl Kalimba looks and plays like an acoustic instrument, but produces an endless stream of expressive soundscapes using physical modeling and FM synthesis.
Bastl Kalimba
What is it about the kalimba recently? Earlier this year, the KORG Phase8 was finally released after years of development. Developed by KORG Berlin’s Tatsuya Takahashi, the ‘acoustic synthesizer’ was called an ‘overpriced kalimba’ by some who presumably couldn’t see its magic. And now, Bastl Instruments presents an instrument that’s also heavily inspired by the humble kalimba – it even bears its name. And like the Phase8, Bastl Kalimba is the result of years of development.
But Bastl Kalimba is much more than simply an acoustic instrument with pickups. The vibrations of the 12 tines are captured by microphones and touch sensors and used to excite the internal 6-voice synthesis engine. This is based on both physical modeling and FM. You can adjust the sound parameters using six bipolar macro knobs across the top.
The idea was to create a synth that reacts just as intuitively and expressively as an acoustic instrument. The synth engine is so sensitive that it even responds to brushing or tapping on the surface at certain settings.
You can also shape the sound using the built-in accelerometer, which affects both the physical modeling and FM engines when you tilt the housing. In addition, Bastl Kalimba offers several touch-sensitive points on the front and back of the instrument, with which you can trigger things like pitch slides or modulation.
What’s more, Bastl Kalimba also includes an arpeggiator with five modes, as well as a looper. The latter can run free or sync to the tempo (external or internal) and offers an unusual reverse time stretch function. There’s also an effects section with reverb, delay, filter, modulation effects, a tape simulation, and distortion, as well as downsampler and bitcrusher effects.
The unique instrument is equipped with a built-in speaker and rechargeable battery. In addition to USB-C (for MIDI and charging), there’s a stereo output, a TRS MIDI input, an analog clock input, and another mini jack socket that can be used as a MIDI or clock output.
Price and Availability
You can now order Bastl Kalimba from Kickstarter. A few hours after its launch, the campaign has already far surpassed the goal, but at the time of writing, some Super Early Bird specials for €389 were still available. When they’re gone, the price will increase first to €420 (Early Bird) and finally to €489 (regular Kickstarter price). Bastl Instruments plans to ship the first units in December 2026. Later, the Kalimba will also be sold through dealers, but at a higher price of at least €550.
More Information
- Bastl Kalimba on Kickstarter
- Bastl Instruments website
- Bastl Instruments at Thomann*
- More from Bastl Instruments
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