The Konductor Bass Is Part Bass, Part Keyboard, All Innovation – Interview with the Builder

If you’ve spent time on bass Instagram lately, there’s a good chance you’ve seen The Konductor. A bold hybrid of bass guitar, keyboard, and MIDI drum pads, the instrument is the brainchild of Kyle Clay of Whole Tone Synesthetics. No Treble’s Kevin Johnson caught up with Clay to hear the story behind one of the most head-turning builds in recent memory.  We have highlighted a few moments from the interview below but you can also watch the whole chat at the bottom of this article (or on our youtube channel – Dont forget to Subscribe!)

1. The Sketchbook Spark

The origin of the Konductor began in an unlikely place: a sketchbook from Kyle’s days working retail before college. “I was sketching a bunch and I just kind of sketched this,” he recalls. “I threw a keyboard on the side of a guitar.” Inspired by his early guitar playing and a background in drums, Clay imagined a hybrid instrument long before he had the skills to build it.

2. From 3D Model to Real Instrument

After studying animation and 3D modeling in college, Clay rediscovered the old drawing and decided to bring it to life. “I was like, I’m going to 3D model that… And then once I 3D modeled it, I was like, I have to play that,” he says. What followed was a year of reaching out to luthiers, testing ideas, and learning how to build without formal training in electronics or circuit board design.

3. Why It’s a Bass (and Not a Guitar)

Despite its synth-heavy features, the Konductor is unmistakably a bass guitar at heart. But as Clay admits, it wasn’t originally meant to be. “Honestly, I’m not a bass player. It was never meant to be a bass. I’m more of a six-string guitar player,” he says. The decision came down to aesthetics and practicality. “It would have been really awkward to have a small guitar neck hanging off this big block of wood.” Bass players, however, have embraced the instrument for exactly what it is and what it can be.

4. Built with Artists in Mind

Clay emphasizes that the Konductor isn’t just a performance tool but a writing tool for modern musicians. “The idea was just to have a Swiss Army knife for bedroom producers,” he says. “It allows music to flow out in a bunch of different ways.” With MIDI integration for keys, pads, and even stage lighting, the instrument is a powerful tool for creative expression, especially for those working in DAWs like Ableton Live.

5. The Struggle to Get It Out There

Despite the Konductor’s viral moments online, Clay has faced real challenges getting it into players’ hands. “I blew all the money on materials and rent… and then it was crickets,” he says. A viral video by artist Gabriel helped reignite interest, but just as he was preparing to launch pricing, his Instagram account was banned, cutting off direct contact with dozens of potential buyers. “Not having a website is kind of sucking right now,” Clay admits.

Still, with five Konductor basses completed and more visibility than ever, Clay’s vision is becoming real. “Even if it goes nowhere, this was the biggest project I’ve taken on. I’m really proud of it,” he says.

Konductor basses are available to purchase HERE!

Check out the full interview below.