HMV Resurrects 1970s Icon: The Stylophone September 16, 2007
Read more Digital Audio , Gadgets , Gizmodo UK , MP3 , Music
Break out the flares, mullets and dodgy facial hair, the Stylophone is making a comeback. High St. retailer HMV has decided to warp back to the 1970s to bring back an old favourite, the battery-powered pocket organ. Be reassured that Rolf Harris will not be plugging this one.
The device disappeared from UK stores after production stopped in the 1980s, but be warned that these new ones have been updated somewhat for the digital teen. It sports MP3 functionality and a volume control these days but will still let you blast out those electro ditties with the stylus. Old skool fans though can find a healthy number of the original devices for sale on eBay, complete with Rolf’s mugshot.
HMV entertainment products buyer Fran Jones commented:
“We always find there's a massive response from our customers every time HMV sells a classic retro item from the Seventies or Eighties, so I suspect these Stylophones are going to sell pretty quickly.”
Available from next week for £15.-Martin Lynch
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Editor and Contributor | Martin Lynch
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Comments
Are these really new, or are they in fact rebuilt from surplus US Robotics Sportster modems left unwanted after the broadband boom?
Mind you, when the Sportster first came out, I did wonder if they were made from recycled Stylophones...
Despite your concerns, the new Stylophone Original, is indeed NEW. They have been upgraded from their original form back in the 1970s. They now feature extra additions such as pitch control, MP3 input, and a vibrato option!
They are a bit of a novelty, but their unique sound means they have also be used as a professional musical instrument, by the likes of David Bowie, Kraftwerk, and Pulp!