November 2012 Notable Toys — Musical Toys

Little rock stars will take center stage playing Schoenhut's “next generation” guitar. Schoenhut's innovative design incorporating a molded composite body with dual curves greatly enhances sound and durability. The birch soundboard which offers excellent tone and resonance, hardwood neck (for rigidity), and molded composite fretboard ensure proper height and spacing of the frets. Six steel strings permit a wide range of rich sounds. Available in several vibrant designs. Includes: Pick and Extra String. Launch date: January 2012.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval

Orchestra is the Advanced Level Xyloba with 96 parts. Xyloba is a creative marble run for building and composing at the same time. Xyloba develops motor function and spatial imagination, and facilitates a creative approach to music.

The Basic Level Xyloba with 25 parts. Xyloba is a creative marble run for building and composing at the same time. Xyloba develops motor function and spatial imagination, and facilitates a creative approach to music.

Children will be fascinated with this durable and colorful wooden Giant Xylophone. Develops rhythm and motor skills. Added fun with the roly-poly feature. Includes 2 drumsticks. Tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards. Launch date: February 2013.

This colorful and attractive wooden pull-along musical train will engage your kids in hours and hours of wholesome play. It consists of 3 wagons equipped with a Xylophone, 2 Drumsticks, 2 Bells and a Cymbal. Develops rhythm and motor skills. Tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards. Launch date: February 2013.

The kazoo measures 4.75” in overall length and comes individually boxed in a pegable four-color window gift box. The kazoos are sold as a 24-piece, four-color point-of-purchase display. The kazoo is handmade in a small Western New York factory which has made kazoos since 1916 and uses similar tools from that time. The packaging, also produced in the Western New York area, proudly features the U.S. Flag on the box and display.

With Xyloba mezzo kids can create a great variety of melodic marble runs, using the 8 interchangeable sound modules to produce complex melodies. Made in Switzerland.

The Sounds Like Fun ABC Clappers are 3 brightly painted, hand crafted wood castanets with handles in graduated sizes and sounds. One side is labeled 1, 2,3, and the other side is labeled A, B, C. For color, number, shape and letter recognition, beginning pattern making, and hearing high and low sound changes. Includes a parent/teacher friendly activity guide for ideas on using the clappers to encourage child development. Launch date: 2005.

The interactive Lalaloopsy Silly Hair Star Doll set comes with 6 removable hairstyles that play 6 different songs when placed on Harmony's head. Simply mount her on the dancing stage, press her chest, and watch as she sings, grooves and spins her hair around. Includes 1 doll, 1 stage, 6 hairpieces, 1 rattling pet cat and 1 poster.

Using Bluetooth®, this seven piece drum kit connects wirelessly to an iPod Touch, iPhone, or iPad. The free Dream Cheeky Sound System app lets users jam along with their favorite music, in one of many styles. Users can even record and play back their drum sessions, or learn how to drum along with pre-programmed songs. On top of all that, there are more free games in the Dream Cheeky Arcade. While the possibilities are infinite, the iDrum is compact enough to take it with them anywhere. But don’t be fooled by its size; it can withstand a right good smashing. Launch date: August 2012.

Using Bluetooth®, this 3-octave piano with full-sized keys connects wirelessly to an iPod Touch, iPhone, or iPad. The free Dream Cheeky Sound System app lets users play along with their favorite music and select one of many instruments to make the iPlay Piano sound just like they want. Users can even record and play back their tunes, or learn how to play along with pre-programmed songs. On top of all that, there are more free games in the Dream Cheeky Arcade. With the added benefits of helping users strengthen their fingers on its durable surface, and being extremely portable, the iPlay Piano ensures users will always have piano lessons at their fingertips. Launch date: August 2012.

These six adorable styles of playful musical Baby Banks coordinate with Bearington’s lovable animal series and make playful noises when kids drop coins in the slots. They make saving money fun for the little one. Launch date: August 2012.

Watch and listen to the beautiful stream of beads as they gently cascade down the clear plastic 8.5-Inch tube. Playtime with this easy to grip toy helps improve gross motor skills and is safe for ages 6 months and up. BPA free. Launch date: August 2012.

The quality and solid construction of a Zither Heaven ukulele puts this instrument in a class of its own. While reasonably priced to appeal to beginners and children, experienced musicians of all ages enjoy playing the Zither Heaven ukulele. The precise action and proper placement of the bridge enables chords to be played at the bottom of the neck as well as the top of the neck without losing its tune. The red ukulele features a 15-inch vibrating string length. The neck is made of solid hard maple with nylon frets and nylon strings. Zither pins are used for the tuning keys. Launch date: February 2012.

The quality and solid construction of a Zither Heaven soprano ukulele puts this instrument in a class of its own. While reasonably priced to appeal to beginners and children, experienced musicians of all ages have fun playing the Zither Heaven soprano ukulele. The precise action and proper placement of the bridge enables chords to be played at the bottom of the neck as well as the top of the neck without losing its tune. Zither Heaven's soprano ukulele features a smaller body with a 14-inch vibrating string length. The neck is made of solid hard maple with nylon frets and nylon strings. The frets are closer together making it easier for a young child to play. Zither pins are used for the tuning keys. Zither Heaven's soprano ukulele is sturdy and easy to carry, making it the perfect choice for the smallest of children. Launch date: February 2012.

The quality and solid construction of a Zither Heaven ukulele puts this instrument in a class of its own. While reasonably priced to appeal to beginners and children, experienced musicians of all ages enjoy playing the Zither Heaven ukulele. The precise action and proper placement of the bridge enables chords to be played at the bottom of the neck as well as the top of the neck without losing its tune. The yellow ukulele features a 15-inch vibrating string length. The neck is made of solid hard maple with nylon frets and nylon strings. Zither pins are used for the tuning keys. The ukulele includes a tuning wrench and song booklet. Launch date: February 2012.

The quality and solid construction of a Zither Heaven ukulele puts this instrument in a class of its own. While reasonably priced to appeal to beginners and children, experienced musicians of all ages enjoy playing the Zither Heaven ukulele. The precise action and proper placement of the bridge enables chords to be played at the bottom of the neck as well as the top of the neck without losing its tune. The blue ukulele features a 15-inch vibrating string length. The neck is made of solid hard maple with nylon frets and nylon strings. Zither pins are used for the tuning keys. The ukulele includes a tuning wrench and song booklet. Launch date: February 2012.

This is the child-sized baby grand piano that teaches aspiring pianists to play with visual digital aides and a built-in metronome. A 3" LCD panel above the keyboard displays animated piano keys, left and right hands, and a metronome. As one of the 12 lesson songs plays through the piano's speaker, the correct animated fingers and keys illuminate on the LCD to indicate which of the actual keys the child should play. Aspiring musicians can customize the lessons to practice playing with one or both hands and the metronome adjusts from 16 to 400 beats per minute, allowing song tempo to be tailored to a pianist's skill level. The piano can record and play back original compositions, it has 30 demonstration songs, and can play eight different background drum beats. The piano requires less than 3' sq. of floor space and its 37-keys provide a more manageable teaching tool. Requires four C batteries. Includes sheet music for the 12 lesson songs. Stool not included. 22 1/3" H x 28 1/2 W x 17 1/2" D. (9 lbs.)

The Zither Heaven harp is unique in value. While small enough to be portable and affordable, the Zither Heaven harp is capable of sound quality superior to others in its class. When the strings are plucked, the soundboard resonates. The strings form a diatonic scale, allowing many familiar tunes to be played. Beginners can explore the harp while making real music, and they can share the experience with generations to come. This instrument was designed to turn dreams of playing the harp into reality. The harp includes a bench and tuning wrench. Launch date: February 2011.

The Zither Heaven harp is unique in value. While small enough to be portable and affordable, the Zither Heaven harp is capable of sound quality superior to others in its class. When the strings are plucked, the soundboard resonates. The strings form a diatonic scale, allowing many familiar tunes to be played. Beginners can explore the harp while making real music, and they can share the experience with generations to come. This instrument was designed to turn dreams of playing the harp into reality. The harp includes a bench and tuning wrench. Launch date: February 2011.

The Zither Heaven Ukulele Banjo, commonly known as the banjolele, provides that great banjo sound while being played like a ukulele. The precise action and proper placement of the bridge enables chords to be played at the bottom of the neck as well as the top of the neck without losing its tune. The ukulele banjo features an 18-inch vibrating string length with an overall length of 25 inches. Using sustainable native North American hardwoods, the neck is made of solid hard maple with nylon frets and nylon strings. The open-back body is made of solid cherry with a Baltic birch skin. Zither pins are used for the tuning keys. From the beginner to the experienced musician, anyone who picks up one of these instruments can make a great sound right away. The ukulele banjo includes a tuning wrench, pick, and song booklet. Launch date: February 2011.

he Zither Heaven 5-string banjo provides incredible value to anyone interested in learning to play. While reasonably priced to appeal to beginners and children, experienced musicians of all ages can appreciate the quality and solid construction typical in a Zither Heaven instrument. The precise action and proper placement of the bridge enables chords to be played at the bottom of the neck as well as the top of the neck without losing its tune. The 5-string banjo features an 18-inch vibrating string length with an overall length of 25 inches. Using sustainable native North American hardwoods, the neck is made of solid hard maple with nylon frets and nylon strings. The open-back body is made of solid cherry with a Baltic birch skin. Zither pins are used for the tuning keys. The banjo includes a tuning wrench, song booklet, and pick. Launch date: February 2011.

Zither Heaven's Rock-it Stick is a cross between a dulcimer and a guitar. The strings are tuned to D-A-D. Anyone who picks up one of these instruments can make a great sound right away without knowing music.  It is designed to promote interest in music for children and beginners, while experienced musicians can play familiar tunes without hesitation.  The Rock-it Stick features a 23-inch vibrating string length. The neck is made from sustainable native North American solid cherry with nylon frets and steel strings.  Zither pins are used for the tuning keys. The body is made from sustainable native North American solid black walnut with a Baltic birch back. Launch date: February 2011.