I’m working hard on this year’s holiday gift guides – they should premiere next week, with a huge jam-packed week of giveaways as well (hold on to your seats people, it’s going to be a great ride!). When I ran into this crazy retro little number, I almost saved it for the guides. But hell, it’s too cool, it deserves it’s own mention. So here we are.
What is this thing? Well, it’s called a Melodica, and in this instance a retro melody horn (with case!). In short it’s a keyboard that will only play it’s music when you’re also blowing into one end. It’s your air, like a pipe organ, that provides the pressure that creates the sound. Yes, I’m a music geek and yes I want one (it’s also available in black and white!). But if you’ve got a kid who knows a little bit about the piano – or who is dragging their feet about those dang piano lessons – this may just be the quirkiest gift I can think of. And if you don’t believe me, please note that this keyboard is being sold at Urban Outfitters – which is obviously the last bastion of cool. And if you don’t believe them, then check out these two cool cats playing Summertime. I want to know these kids (and let’s find that firey ukelele next, shall we?)
And here’s a pic of the black and white version too – note the extra bendy mouthpiece is available on both styles.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Love it. So cool! : )
I totally agree, thanks for the comment Sam – it’s always so nice to know people are reading!
Do you have one of these? I agree melodicas are awesome, but the reviews on the Urban Outfitters product page are pretty awful, and it ain’t cheap.
Amazon has much cheaper ones with good reviews:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=melodica&x=0&y=0
Wow, look at all those melodicas on Amazon – thanks for sharing the link!
The black and white Melodica from Urban Outfitters has great reviews – I read those and not the green version. oops. It’s odd because they appear to be the same maker. Still, I appreciate you taking the time to let us know!