In addition to new releases by the big brands, there has also been a few smaller companies or individuals who have tried to make their synth dreams a reality. For many of them, the best way to accomplish this was via Kickstarter where those interested in these products can back them. Here’s a roundup of some of the most notable synth-related products that have found success on Kickstarter recently or are in the process of being funded.

Desktop Conversion Kit for Wavestate / Opsix / Modwave

Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/loglow/desktop-conversion-kit-for-wavestate-opsix-modwave

Tall Dog Electronics launched a Kickstarter for a user-installed kit that would allow people to turn their Korg keyboard synthesizer into a desktop synth. The aim is to include all the parts and tools needed for owners to perform the conversion themselves and reverse the process if needed. The whole process is estimated to take less than half an hour to install without any need for soldering. Users who are not confident in their DIY skills can also ship their unit to Tall Dog Electronics to install the conversion, but this obviously comes at a higher cost. 

According to the Kickstarter page, the enclosure reduces the footprint of the synth to roughly half its original size and depth since it removes the short keyboard and replaces the plastic case with a machined aluminum body. Since the Korg Wavestate, Opsix, and Modwave all share a similar form factor, the conversion kit offers full support for all three models out of the box.

The Desktop Conversion Kit Kickstarter launched in April of 2023 with a goal of $16,900. It was fully funded in about five hours after launch and ended with 205 bakers pledging $51,866. The estimated delivery for the project is September 2023.

201 Pocket Piano Synthesizer

Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/critterandguitari/201-musical-synthesizer

Critter & Guitari launched a Kickstarter for their 201 Pocket Piano Synthesizer in November of 2022, intending to deliver an instrument that is fun, portable, and packed with a medley of musical magic. Despite its pocket size, it features six sound engines and is built entirely with Open Source software. 

According to Critter & Guitari, the 201 is incredibly rugged as it’s built with anodized aluminum and finished rock maple keys. The instrument is also assembled and tested by hand at their shop in Brooklyn, NY.

The Kickstarter funding goal for the 201 was set at $25,000, but thanks to 355 bakers, it ended at $116,567. PCB production began in February of 2023, followed by shipping in June.

The Biggest Foot

Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wray/the-biggest-foot-balance-board-to-cv-eurorack-module

Interaction designer, programmer, musician, and installation artist Wray Bowling of Swamp Flux created a Kickstarter campaign for “The Biggest Foot.” This device converts wireless Bluetooth signals from the Nintendo Wii Balance Board into control voltages that can be used in a Eurorack synthesizer. 

Unlike a joystick that can only provide two channels of pressure, the Biggest Foot is able to deliver nine channels. These can then be used for panning, timbre, keyboard tracking, pedalboard tracking, theremin waveshapes, and more. According to Swamp Flux, there are an estimated 42 million balance boards in the world either collecting dust or headed for a trash heap, and the Biggest Foot offers a great way to put yours to good use. 

The Kickstarter campaign launched in May of 2023 and has a funding goal of $15,000. If successful, the product will be shipped to backers in September of 2023. 

Chord Machine AKT-0.1

Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/akuto/chord-machine-akt-01-by-akuto-studio

Swiss-based studio Akuto launched a Kickstarter campaign for Chord Machine AKT-0.1, describing it as an innovative instrument that offers endless possibilities for playing MIDI notes and tweaking effects. The Chord Machine was designed to accompany users from the start of their musical journey and beyond, thanks to an intuitive grid-like system that offers a revolutionary approach to note selection for chords and melodies. 

Akuto has been working on the Chord Machine for more than two years before the launch of the Kickstarter, but it still requires a few months to finish up a few last points. The Kickstarter goal for Chord Machine was set at 21,000 Swiss Francs, which is about $23,500 and ended successfully with more than $204,000 thanks to 475 backers. According to Akuto, engineering sample checking for the product will happen in June of 2023, followed by production conformity in November, and finally, shipping in January of 2024.