TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Musical Toys Product Category

Music ‘N Play Table by CHICCO USA INC.

Chicco’s award-winning Music ‘N Play Table features a reversible table packed with engaging activities designed to help your baby learn through play. The electronic side includes a piano with large colorful keys, flashing lights, and fun melodies. There are 3 piano playing modes, 8 electronic tunes, and 4 different instrument sounds. The table also includes 8 ‘Bugs & Bees’ activities that target multiple skills that are important for your baby to develop. If you flip the table over, you’ll find a building block base to build on using the 10 included building blocks. ( Watch Video) 11/25/2009 (Price: $59.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Disney Mix Lights – Digital Audio Player by DISNEY

This MP3 player, available in several styles, lights up to beat of the music. Kids can download their favorite songs and auto-synch them with Mix Central software and online Mix Central download store, where they can also buy TV shows and music videos. The player has a 2GB memory to hold 1,000 songs, supports by MP3 and SD cards, and includes a rechargeable battery, software, a lanyard, ear buds, a USB cable and a guide. It comes with a one-year warranty. Launch date: Summer 2009. 11/23/2009 (Price: $39.99)

Ucreate Music by MATTEL INC.

Designed for wannabe DJs, this digital music system allows kids to record samples, demo mash-ups and mix and match loops. A online site allows kids to start a collection of tracks and special effects as they create their own beats. 11/23/2009 (Price: $39.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Schoenhut® 37-key Melodica by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

This 37-key wind piano produces a professional, rich tone with a full three-octave range (37 piano keys) and a tonal range from F through F. Includes a specially designed mouthpiece and deluxe carrying case.The sweet-sounding Melodica is so easy to play that many educators use it for teaching the rudiments of harmony, chord formation, theory, and for choral work. You can play chords and single notes, sharps and flats just like a piano, but within a smaller range. It's portable, inexpensive and fun — perfect for camping or travel. 11/10/2009 (Price: $49.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Fender Starcaster Strat Electric Guitar Pack by FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION

Available in black, candy apple red, midnight blue, three tone sunburst and black sparkle, this Fender electric guitar a maple neck with 22 frets, die-cast tuners, a five-way pick-up selector switch, a multi-ply pickguard and more. It's packaged with an amp and various accessories. 10/29/2009 (Price: $199.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Woodstock Kid's Accordion™ by WOODSTOCK CHIMES

The Woodstock Kid's Accordian has true authentic sound and a 2-octave range in the key of C. The adjustable strap ensures a comfortable fit. Comes packaged in a 4-color gift box and includes a songsheet with instructions and 8 songs. Additional songs are available for download from the Woodstock Chimes website. "This children's instrument has true authentic sound and comes with detailed playing instructions and eight easy-to-play songs so your child (or you!) can play songs the first time you use it," Peggy Daniel, Web Development Director of Woodstock Chimes, told TDmonthly. 10/28/2009 (Price: $25.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Woodstock Folk Guitar™ by WOODSTOCK CHIMES

Sized just right for the next generation of pickers and strummers, the Woodstock Folk Guitar is a great kid's instrument at a really great price. It looks just like a full size guitar and comes with a guitar strap, pick and vinyl carrying case. Also included is an easy-to-follow instruction booklet that teaches how to hold the guitar, the basic guitar chords, and 11 songs. Additional songs are available for download from the Woodstock Chime website. "This realistic-looking guitar will make any child feel like a pro," Peggy Daniel, Web Development Director of Woodstock Chimes, told TDmonthly.
— "It was a newer item for us and they were gone shortly after Thanksgiving," Chris Cahalane of Cape Cod Toys told TDmonthly in 4Q 2010. “We sold about 8 or 10 in the last month.” 10/28/2009 (Price: $40.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Chimalong® by WOODSTOCK CHIMES

Tuned to a C Major scale, the Chimalong is an 8-note metallophone that can be played by number, color or notes. The youngest children will use the included 15-song songbook to play by color; older children can play by number. As they progress, they'll learn to read the music and play by note. Additional songs are available on the Woodstock Chimes website. Packaged in a 4-color window box. Comes with 2-mallets, 15-song songbook and an extra #7 tube, which changes the B (for key of C) to B flat (for key of G), giving greater musical flexibility. Chimalong is "recommended for its educational value by many professional musicians, including John Sebastian, Marilyn Horne, André Watts, Peter Schickele and the late Jim Henson," Peggy Daniel, Web Development Director of Woodstock Chimes, told TDmonthly. The Chimalong has received the following awards: 2003 Parent's Choice Top 25 Toys in 25 Years; 1995 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Classic Toy, Blue Chip Award; 1995 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award, Platinum; 1995 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award, Gold Seal; and 1987 Parent's Choice Gold Award. Launch date: 1986.
―  Karen Park, owner of Zaks Gifts in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mass., only recently began selling Chimalongs, she told TDmonthly in 4Q 2010; she sells about four per month.
— Patti Tepper-Rasmussen, owner of Learning Tree Toys, Games & Books, Inc. in Oklahoma City, Ok.,  told TDmonthly in a January 2015 survey that the Woodstock Chimalong is their store's best-selling musical toy. ( Watch Video) 10/28/2009 (Price: $40.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Little Hands Music Band by EDUSHAPE LTD.

Musical toys specially designed to lead babies from the first discovery of noise and sounds into the creative world of making music. The four-piece set includes: baby xylophone, rattle roller, mini wave drum and spinner mini rainbomaker. ( Watch Video) 10/20/2009 (Price: $49.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Baby Tambourine by EDUSHAPE LTD.

This tambourine features a unique modern shape with a comfortable grip for small hands. It's light but durable. There are  four pairs of steel jingles under a safe clear cover. It comes in a variety of colors. ( Watch Video) 10/20/2009 (Price: $11.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

31" Electric Guitar - Red by FIESTA

23" Toy Acoustic Guitar in Red. Give the gift of music. Features quality sound, lustrous finishes, clear tone, quality materials and craftsmanship, and good vibrations. Play the blues, country, flamenco, rock, pop, and classical. 9/16/2009 (Price: $69.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Little Women - Jo by GREEN TREE PRODUCTS, INC.

This wind-up musical doll rolls her head in time with the music. She's "Jo" in the "Little Women" collection. ( Watch Video) 8/25/2009

Nature's Own Bugs - Amazing Mushroom by BLUE BOX TOYS INC.

The Amazing Mushroom is a three-stage activity toy that allows achild to progress through the phases of crawling, sitting and standing. The Mushroom is equipped with fun features and learning activities, including light effects, music, a color rainbow and a ball-drop surprise. Launch date: January 10, 2009. 8/19/2009 (Price: $49.99)

Light 'n Sound Butterfly Book by TALENTOY FACTORY LTD.

This butterfly character design toy comes in a book style with each page of the butterfly wings featuring a different activity. Children can explore all the activities as the butterfly head lights up. Launch date: January 10, 2009. 8/19/2009 (Price: $17.99)

Bops - Wooden Percussion Toys by ONE WORLD PROJECTS INC.

These frogs, fish and turtles are handmade in Vietnam using the ecologically harvested woods of the tropical jackfruit tree, and only when the tree is no longer able to bear fruit. The company calls them "bop-animals," as "bop" is the Vietnamese word for the "ribbit" you hear when you run a wooden stick (included) along their spine. These fair-trade items are made by artisans. Launch date: April 22, 2006. 8/19/2009 (Price: $13.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ocean Friends Treasure Box by ENCHANTMINTS

This tall treasure box is excellent for tiny treasures. Earrings, bracelets, charms and sachets are all safe and comfortable inside. Four drawers, one in front and one on each side. It measures 6” x 4” x 6”. 7/16/2009

Schoenhut® 37-key Concert Grand by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

Inspired by the beauty of a full-size concert grand, Schoenhut® Piano Company offers this exquisite miniature 37-key replica. Complete with opening top to release the lovely chime-like tones, this smaller version is designed for a child with serious musical aspirations. Each piano in the series is custom built from solid maple and ½-inch multi-ply birch, stained in mahogany or painted in your choice of white or black, with the interior hand finished to match the selected exterior. The hinge is designed to raise and lower gradually, so as not to slam down on little fingers. Chromatically tuned, the sound is produced by little hammers striking precision-ground, German steel music rods.Schoenhut's patented Learning System, with its play-by-color teaching method, makes playing simple and fun. Available in Mahogany, Black or White. 7/6/2009 (Price: $255.97) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Schoenhut® Electric Guitar by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

This could be a first guitar for kids and a travel guitar for players of all ages. It includes eight dot position inlays, 1/4 pin pickup, and a silkscreen logo. No assembly is required. Launch date: August 2009. 6/29/2009 (Price: $115.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Keyboard Classics by SASSY

This petite piano is designed with many textures and moving parts to foster tactile sensitivity. Baby gets a lesson in cause and effect by pushing on the white keys and hearing one of three classical music selections from Beethoven and Mozart. The blue and purple keys light up as the music plays. The textured handle is shaped like a baby grand. Two large, colorful beads slide around on the handle for added play value. Like a player piano, this one has a moving cylinder on the top. Baby can spin it and watch beads rattle and pop inside, or hold the rattle by the handle and shake it to make a baby’s own music. "It fosters tactile sensitivity through multiple textures and moving parts," Peggy Barrett, PR consultant at Barrett Marketing Communications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2, 2009. 6/3/2009 (Price: $4.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rock Godz Rock Stix LED Drumsticks by ELECTROSTAR

Designed for use with traditional drum sets or with drum console gaming systems, Rock Stix LED drumsticks pulse with every beat. The user taps the Rock Stix to activate the ultra-bright LED, which illuminates the entire stick. Batteries are included and replaceable. The Stix are constructed with Lexan professional-grade plastic for superior durability and optical clarity. There are no switches, wires or controls, and the product is available with red, blue or rainbow LEDs. The packaging features a "try me" option so customers can see the functionality of the product and the LED brightness and color before they buy. Launch date: July 2009. 5/19/2009 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Riff-Rocker™ USB Game Controller by ELECTROSTAR

The Riff-Rocker is a portable, personal USB guitar game that can be plugged in and played anytime, anywhere. The pocket-sized guitar functions like the widely popular, interactive guitar game but costs a fraction of the price. The Riff-Rocker is portable and designed to be easy to use. It requires a one-time, free software download. The software comes with an assortment of preprogrammed songs and allows players to import their own purchased music from the Web or their MP3player. The Riff-Rocker’s frets are used to play notes that appear on the computer screen. Players earn points by hitting the notes, and additional points are awarded when the fret keys are held down for long notes. It includes easy, medium and hard levels of play, as well as a multiplayer option. "The Riff-Rocker was designed as an inexpensive gaming alternative to all the accessories, games and consoles required to play other musical video games," Karlie,in marketing at Buztronics, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009. 5/19/2009 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rock Godz Rock Stix LED Drumsticks by ELECTROSTAR

Designed for use with traditional drum sets or with drum console gaming systems, Rock Stix LED drumsticks pulse with every beat. The user taps the Rock Stix to activate the ultra-bright LED, which illuminates the entire stick to create incredible lighting effects in low-light conditions. Batteries are included and replaceable. Rock Stix are constructed with Lexan professional-grade plastic for superior durability and optical clarity. There are no switches, wires or controls to get in the way. They are available with red, blue or rainbow LEDs. The packaging features a "try me" option so customers can see the functionality of the product and LED brightness and color before they buy. Launch date: July 2009. 5/19/2009 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Light up Bounce Back Ball by ELECTROSTAR

The Bounce Back Ball is a game in itself. The user secures the nylon band around his wrist with the elastic strap, then tosses or throws the ball to activate the ultra-bright LEDs. He must prepare to catch the ball as it returns to his hand. The Bounce Back Ball is available in blue with impact-activated blue LEDs. “Try me” packaging feature allows customers to see the ball’s LED brightness and color before they buy. Launch date: July 2009. 5/19/2009 (Price: $3.49) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Songs of "The Little Mermaid" (Accompaniment CD) by STAGE STARS RECORDS

Featuring a performance by Tony-nominated actress Sharon McKnight, this accompaniment CD allows children to sing along with the music of the Disney Broadway musical. In addition to well-known songs from the animated movie, new songs were added by composer Alan Menken. Two versions of each song are provided; the student can learn the song by singing along with guide-vocals, then practice on their own by singing with the accompaniment tracks. It was named a Top Ten Cast Album of 2008 by TalkinBroadway.com. "All songs are fully-orchestrated and recorded in the original show key — ideal for Broadway fans. [It] works well as a learning tool when paired with the sheet music," Malinda, marketing director at Stage Stars Records, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2008. 4/27/2009 (Price: $29.95)

Tub Tunes Water Drums by ALEX BRANDS

These floating drums introduce kids to rhythm while they bathe, and can be pitch-adjusted according to the amount of water in the drums themselves. They come with a waterproof rhythm chart.
— “We sell tons of Alex's bathtub musical instruments. A dozen or so [per month],” Mary Porter, owner of The Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly in spring 2009.
— In March 2009, eight of 64 retailers named instruments by Alex-Panline as their best-selling bath toys.
— Alex products are always top sellers for Melody’s Choices, Owner Steve Melody told TDmonthly in spring 2009. “Stock it well and it will sell well,” he said. 4/9/2009 (Price: $13.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]