SHIPPING DECEMBER 2026

Bastl Instruments are very proud to announce the release of their new instrument: Bastl Kalimba, 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.

Just play it, you already know it

Treat it like an acoustic Instrument, it will answer like one:

Plucking the Kalimba’s tines with varying intensity is captured by internal microphones and touch-sensitive areas, which then excite both the physical modelling engine and the FM engine. In certain settings, you can even excite the engine by knocking or strumming on the unit’s casing or directly on the tines.

Intuitive features with a Bastl twist

Motion and expressiveness are central to this instrument. The internal accelerometer acts as an alternative exciter for the physical modelling engine, while also interacting with the FM engine by dynamically filtering the left and right channels as you move and rotate the device. The front panel features function-based touch points (for creating pads, pitch slides, and timbral modulation) and there are also 2 function-assignable ones on the back of the device.
Custom scales, octave shifting, an arpeggiator, presets, an internal layering looper, tempo/metronome, and built-in effects (such as reverb, delay, bit-crush, overdrive, filtering, and modulation) are all included.

3 years of development

Kalimba has been one of the most challenging development projects Bastl has endured so far. We have spent more than three years developing this instrument, exploring different casing shapes, tine lengths, materials, internal designs, features, and visual directions. We couldn’t be more grateful and proud of the entire Bastl team for what they have accomplished and how much heart they’ve put into this project. ❤️

Instrument’s hardware interface based on tines had to go through several iterations to endure uncompromising stress tests. Kalimba’s casing also went through several versions to guarantee the best possible ergonomic shape for a human hand of any size.

Close collaboration and hands-on testing with our friendly artists, such as Oliver Torr, Never Sol, and others, were essential in developing an instrument that is both practical and fun for everyone – from hobby musicians to professional artists and producers.

Take it Anywhere

Sensitivity of internal microphones is well tuned so you don't have to worry about feedback on a loud stage. With a rechargeable battery via USB-C and built-in speaker, the Bastl Kalimba is also a great companion for outdoor and commuting adventures.