KAT Percussion

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Overview

KAT Percussion produces electronic percussion instruments, specializing in MIDI mallet controllers like the MalletKAT series and digital drum sets for beginner to intermediate users. The brand originated from KAT, Inc., known for pioneering MIDI percussion in the 1980s, and now focuses on accessible electronic drums under licensing agreements while the original company Alternate Mode continues mallet innovations.¹²⁵

History

KAT, Inc. was formed around 1985-1986 by Bill Katoski, who had previously designed the Synare MP, along with his wife Maria and professional percussionist Mario DeCiutiis; their first product, the malletKAT MIDI mallet controller, launched in 1986 and competed with Yamaha and Roland.¹³ The company developed additional products like DrumKAT, TrapKAT, and Didi, but faced challenges leading to a pivot.¹³ In 2013, KAT entered a licensing deal with KMC Music (Fender subsidiary) for beginner/intermediate electronic drums, transferred to DW Drums in 2015 and Hal Leonard in 2017.¹

Product Lines

Product Line	Positioning	Price Range
MalletKAT Express	Portable MIDI mallet controller	$1,500 - $2,000
MalletKAT Pro	Professional mallet percussion controller	$2,500 - $3,500
MalletKAT Grand	Full-size grand mallet controller	$4,000 - $5,000
MalletKAT GS	Grand sized mallet controller	$3,500 - $4,500
Digital Drum Sets	Beginner to intermediate e-drum kits	$500 - $1,500

Manufacturing

Manufacturing details for KAT Percussion products are not specified in available sources; production likely occurs through licensing partners such as Hal Leonard, with design rooted in original KAT, Inc. innovations.¹⁶

Notable Products

malletKAT - Pioneering 1986 MIDI mallet percussion controller with polyphonic synthesis and sequencer.
MalletKAT Pro - Professional-grade MIDI mallet controller for orchestral and live use.
TrapKAT - MIDI percussion controller that marked a significant but challenging product expansion.
DrumKAT - Early MIDI drum trigger interface in the KAT product lineup.

Reputation

KAT is recognized by enthusiasts for pioneering MIDI percussion controllers, particularly the malletKAT, which outperformed early competitors from Yamaha and Roland in the 1980s.¹ Professionals value its innovation in electronic mallet instruments, with Mario DeCiutiis's expertise enhancing credibility.³⁴ Criticisms include business instability, with the TrapKAT contributing to near-collapse and subsequent reliance on licensing for drum sets.¹³

Sources (6)