You’ll Go Bananas for the Banan-a-Synth
The Banan-a-Synth features a polyphonic, 12-mode sound engine that turns fruit into a funky, expressive instrument.
So, you have already learned to play the piano, guitar, and violin? That’s a good start, but no one can really consider themselves to be a great musician until they have also mastered the banana. Alright, so it might not earn you a solo recital at Carnegie Hall, but the Banan-a-Synth by MicroKits looks like it would be a blast to play around with all the same. And it’s loaded with features, so it would also make for a very nice instrument for experimentation.
The device is built around a custom digital sound engine that supports 12 different instrument modes and eight built-in effects. Unlike many compact synths, it offers four-note polyphony, allowing users to play chords rather than just single notes. This alone elevates it from a toy-like gadget to a genuinely expressive musical tool. Sound generation techniques include additive synthesis, frequency modulation, Karplus-Strong string modeling, and sampling.
Banan-a-Synth also has the ability to turn everyday objects into playable keys. Using included alligator clips, users can connect conductive materials — like fruit, metal objects, or even their own bodies — to create a custom keyboard. When touched, these objects complete a circuit and trigger musical notes.
The instrument also features an analog conductivity sensor, which allows players to control effects dynamically. By pressing harder on the sensor, users can increase conductivity and intensify effects such as vibrato, pitch bending, or filtering. This adds an expressive dimension that goes beyond a simple on/off input.
The Banan-a-Synth avoids screens, apps, or computer connectivity. All controls are handled through touchpads and key combinations for a distraction-free experience. The design encourages experimentation and exploration rather than menu diving, making it especially appealing for students and educators.
Whether used as a teaching aid, a conversation-starting gadget, or a legitimate musical instrument, the Banan-a-Synth shows that innovation in music technology doesn’t always have to be serious. Sometimes, it can come in the shape of a banana — and still strike a chord. If you’d like to get one for yourself, the Kickstarter campaign is live with rewards currently starting at $60.