BALSAM
BALSAM is an 8-voice modal synthesizer which allows players to pitch bend and manipulate voices using an array of sliders. A reimagining of the classic polysynth, BALSAM encourages players to explore novel forms of harmonic, timbral, and rhythmic expression.
FEATURE LIST
SPECIFICATIONS
WHAT'S IN THE BOX
AVAILABILITY
BALSAM is a labor of love. I manufacture and order the parts in small numbers, and work with a few local friends to assemble them by hand.
The best way to know when BALSAM units are available to purchase is to join the GLX mailing list. Mailing list subscribers will get advance notice when instruments become available for sale through the website or ship to our European distributor.
There is no official queue for buying BALSAM. You just have to keep an eye on the mailing list.
Thank you for your patience as we find the fit between our capacity and the demand for instruments!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
$2,249 shipped in the USA.
EU/UK pricing will be set by the distributor.
The best way to know when BALSAM is available to purchase is to join the GLX mailing list.
EU/UK — Select retailers will receive units as we build them. We are working with a distributor in the EU and UK.
Outside of this area: I don't have distribution partnerships outside of the region for the time being. Maybe someday.
For the time being, we are not doing retail partnerships. EU/UK retailers can order through the distributor Alex4.
None currently. Maybe someday.
Thanks for your interest. We are a small company and we don't have capacity for paid or promotional partnerships.
Good question. I call BALSAM "modal" because its conceptual roots are in folk and traditional music. The design allows and encourages users to tinker with "gapped" scales. (Think of the frets on a lap dulcimer.) So in this sense "modal" defines the musical paradigm of the instrument and not the synthesis engine. BALSAM does not do "modal synthesis" which is a physical modelling technique.
TESTIMONIALS
"Not only does this synth provide a plethora of inspiring sounds and textures, it encourages me to explore music in new ways. BALSAM both simplifies and widens (yes it’s stereo) my sonic horizons- simple enough for anyone to stumble upon something magical and unique enough for fellow synth freaks to feel that old familiar rush. I love the core intention and idea behind it and been using it in sessions ever since I got my hands on it. 10/10"
- Magic Al
"Mid-2022, Matthew generously let me borrow a proto version of this synth he built out in Durham. Its wonderfulness will keep you up all night and inspire composition like a tuned piano in a good room does."
- Drake Ritter
"I'm so happy to have this synth in my studio. It's been a constant source of inspiration from the moment I took it out of the box."
- Mink Steekelenburg / Winterdagen
