oh melodious melodica

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.