A new musical instrument with export ambitions created in Latvia

Latvian company Saikne has created an innovative product that combines a traditional musical instrument with modern technologies. The new electro-acoustic instrument Kalimba FX is an updated version of the traditional kalimba, also known as the thumb piano, offering not only a rich range of sound, but also various interactive options. The industry has already expressed initial interest in the new instrument, and the company is looking to export it throughout Europe.  

Company Saikne has re-imagined the kalimba, an acoustic instrument from Africa, giving it a completely new sound and functionality. While from the outside it looks quite like its predecessor, it differs in the integrated electronics and new functions. The new instrument is equipped with a motion sensor allowing the musician to control sound effects by swaying or turning the instrument. Moreover, it offers various digital effects and the option of recording up to a minute of sound to create sound loops and original sound effects.  

Additionally, the new music instrument can also be connected to and interact with other sound devices, such as the guitar, synthesizer and microphone. The Kalimba FX is also easily portable and can be powered from a mains outlet or by batteries with up to 11 hours of playing time.  

Overall, it took four years for the Kalimba FX to go from an idea to an actual product; the creators – Krišs Bērzkalns, Aleksejs Zdanovičs and Kristians Āboliņš, all co-founders of the company – worked on the project mostly in their free time.   

The first real acknowledgement that the idea and product could be viable was the business idea competition “Ideju kauss 2022” where the company received an encouragement award. After the competition, Saikne was invited to join the business accelerator Buildit which provided crucial support for further improving and developing the product.  

They company’s ambitions extend beyond Latvia; according to the owners of the company, the first exports of the Kalimba FX are planned to go to Denmark, Germany and the Nordic countries, while long-term plans include entering other European markets and the United States.  

In recent years, electro-acoustic instruments have been becoming much more popular throughout the world. Musicians are increasingly looking for multi-functional instruments that allow them to experiment with sound and open new creative possibilities. Thus, the potential target audience and potential buyers of the Kalimba FX could range from performers of world music to sound designers and contemporary experimental musicians. 

Customers will be able to soon get their hands on this innovative instrument as the Kalimba FX will be available for pre-order as of February.