Party like it's...

[niftyprose]

This query feels about 10 years out of date, but this would be the group, definitely.

I have a potential gig doing very short film soundtracks, semi-improv.

I own and enjoy one of those U-Create beatbox/toy sampler things from 20 years back. It's definitely in the ballpark creatively, but a bit lo-fi for context.

Can anyone point me at a more recent toy groovebox with sampling capabilities, esp one that might favour experimental/aleatory music? Feel free to mention low-end grownup stuff like Teenage Engineering, although I'm pretty well up on those possibilities already. I'll set an arbitrary $100new/$50secondhand limit.

[echorec]

Your best bet would probably be some apps for iPad/iPhone. On the lower side, I've seen used Korg Volca samplers for $80. If you have to pay taxes/shipping, though, then you're back up to $100.

[Gone Fission]

Maybe a Yamaha SU sampler or Bastl MicroGranny shows up on the used market, but I would still be expecting over $100.

[le lambin]

How about the humble Akai U40 or U400? A dirty ass digital sampler meant for recording songs and slowing them down to practice with. It’s very limited but has charmingly rudimentary sample trimming and time stretching. I see them for 100 bucks but now and then they’ll go for cheap.

[coupleonapkins]

Cheapest option would be any clone'd/rebrand'd loop peddle (craigslist!) into a microphone (can transmit virtually any audible sound!) becuz the "groovebox" industry has taken over and now allodose are at least (!) 500 millibux (used!)

Musical saw + bow (maybe rosin if you're outta free & plentifool bear greese) is still a wiser choix 2 pair, but obviously not a keenly compact thingamybob (RE!LEASE!THINE!THINGAMYBOBBBBB!)