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

Five-Tone Pipe by TOYSMITH

This 30" plastic tube will captivate children’s imaginations. Twirling the tube at different speeds produces up to five different resonant tones. It comes in assorted two-tone colors.
— Kevin Pohle, Head Wizard and Owner of The Wizard’s Chest in Denver, explained how kids liked them. “It makes different sounds — five of them — depending on how fast you spin it. They’re lots of fun.”
— “They’re good, inexpensive, noisy fun,” commented Diana Braddock, co-owner of Friendsville in Columbus, Ohio.
— It sells well at Pufferbelly Toys in Saint Helens, Ore. 1/30/2006 (Price: $1.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Thunder Tube by REMO

Remo makes a number of Big-Spring Drums and Thunder Tubes that emit a wide variety of sounds when shaken and played by cupping one hand over the opening. Scraping or tapping the spring produces more sounds. This Thunder Tube model measures 7” x 2.5” and produces many great combinations of mysterious, deep sounds with terrific rhythmic capabilities. It’s a versatile and very playable instrument.
— Matt Hannifin, owner of Science Toy Magic in Santa Fe, N.M., demonstrated it over the phone: “Loud, isn’t it?” They sell very well for him.
— Big Remo Thunder Tubes are rated a “Terrific Toy” by Intelligent Outfitters of Rehoboth Beach, Del.
— Played and used by many professional percussionists, its design was inspired by Indian jazz drummer Trilok Gurtu. 1/30/2006 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

LP RhythMix Guiro Shaker and Stick by LATIN PERCUSSION

This product is two instruments in one: a guiro and a shaker. Kids rub the stick along the grooved tonal ridges and the elongated scratch suggests a guiro. Kids can then shake it in time with the music, like a maraca. Parents can wipe the durable plastic clean, and the steel shot fill is non-toxic. 1/9/2006 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Glockenspiel by HOHNER

Eight multi-colored, precision tuned bars give any toddler room to make bright, colorful sounds. This product includes an attractive vinyl bag and child-safe mallet.
— When asked about hot-selling music items in his store, Jude Larene, owner of Izilla Toys in Seattle, said, "Probably the Hohner toddler [Glockenspiel].”
— Larene said he sells about 10 a month of the Hohner xylophone-like toy.
— Two of 45 retailers who spoke with TDmonthly said Hohner musical toys are customer favorites. ( Watch Video) 1/6/2006 (Price: $17.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

It's Samba Party Time by HOHNER

Little tykes can move to the beat using this music-making kit. Included are a Samba whistle, tambourine, guiro, cast and a CD of Samba music. ( Watch Video) 1/6/2006 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Elite Spinet Toy Piano and Bench — Model 2505 by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

The Elite Spinet is a musical instrument of the highest quality. Chromatically tuned, the lovely chime-like notes are produced by little hammers striking precision-ground, German steel music rods (versus the conventional taut wires used in full-sized pianos). Schoenhut's patented Learning System, with its play-by-color teaching method, makes playing simple and fun. A removable color strip fits behind the keys to guide small fingers from chord to chord. The chart also works on adult keyboards, since keys on Schoenhut toy pianos are of corresponding width. The accompanying Songbook contains a collection of familiar tunes. 1/5/2006 (Price: $135.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

First Birthday Rhythm Set by RHYTHM BAND INSTRUMENTS LLC

Made of high-quality, impact-resistant plastic, this set will last through those early years when motor skills are being developed. These musical instruments come packaged in a sturdy container, with handle, for easy transport and storage. The visually appealing, graphically fun design of the set will entice youngsters to explore the world of rhythm and begin to discover their musical abilities. The First Birthday Rhythm Set includes: Wave Drum, Rattle Roller, Clip-Clap, Handy Bell, Baby Maraca and Animal Castanet. ( Watch Video) 12/29/2005 (Price: $24.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Ghana Collection by JAMTOWN, LLC

 12/21/2005 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ocarina Whistle and Necklace by JAMTOWN, LLC

Hand painted clay whistles are beautiful and easy to play. Four holes on top for fingers, two on the bottom for thumbs. Just blow! Necklace length doubles down to hang as an ornament too! Traditional designs available in 3” medium and 1.5” mini sizes. Animal motifs are also available in 2” size.

Fingering guide and folk song guide included. 12/21/2005 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Let's Paint™ Musical Instruments - Paint the Pond Pak by JAMTOWN, LLC

Try all three imaginative ways to play: 1.as durable musical instruments, each makes a unique sound; 2. as critters from the pond, each carries a special personality; 3. as a three dimensional canvas, each will morph into a memorable work of art. Carving details are great, like fish scales and butterfly wings. (Child safe paints, of course.)

Like making music together, painting together delivers memorable adult/child interaction! 12/21/2005 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Parents Magazine Bee Bop Band by BATTAT INC.

This colorful plastic drum is filled with insect-shaped instruments such as ant bells, bee maracas, a caterpillar tambourine, a ladybug xylophone and centipede drumsticks. 12/20/2005

The Hit Kit by DK PUBLISHING INC.

The Hit Kit is a complete guide to setting up, recording, producing and mixing music. The kit contains a 240-page instruction manual that follows the production process and is packed with hints and tips, an audio CD containing essential drum tracks and loops, and a CD-ROM containing an exclusive version of the industry standard sequencer package Hit Kit Logic Software. Logic Audio software can be installed on any home computer that meets its system requirements. Also included is a high-quality dynamic microphone that is ideal for both vocals and instruments. The kit's author is top record producer, Steve Levine. The Hit Kit requires Mac OS 10.2 or higher, 9.2 or higher, G3 with 250Mhz or faster Windows 98 SE/Me/2000/XP, Athlon/Duron or Pentium with 300 MHz or faster 128 MB RAM or more, and a CD-ROM or DVD drive for installation. 12/20/2005 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Piano Wizard by ALLEGRO RAINBOW

Piano Wizard Premier combines the fun of a video game with the fundamentals of piano lessons. That means children can sit up to a keyboard today and play anything from Bach to Bon Jovi. What once felt like practice now feels like play. Children can choose from four different fantasy worlds to play in. They can change the speed, the instrument sounds, the skill level and more. And in addition to the MIDI songs that come standard with Piano Wizard Premier, thousands more can be downloaded from Internet libraries. The software can be sold with or without the keyboard. According to Allegro Rainbow’s Brian Metcalfe, "The Piano Wizard Method teaches anyone to easily play piano in 4 steps. With Piano Wizard, the child is playing the piano the instant the game is started. They learn intuitively to hit the right note at the right time." Allegro is planning on releasing the highly anticipated Guitar Wizard. Launch date: 2003. 12/9/2005 (Price: $199.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Neurosmith Sunshine Symphony by SMALL WORLD TOYS

This plush toy puts classical music at a baby's fingertips. This huggable, plush activity toy plays beautiful classical music, while sparkling lights flash. It features four musical compositions, activated by a simple touch, and can also be used in a long-play lullaby mode. Fun tactile activities include a crinkle, squeak, beads and teether. It is a versatile crib, floor or take-along toy with high-quality sound. “I really like the Sunshine Symphony by Neurosmith,” Manager Jane Worm of Crackerjacks, Inc. in Easton, Md., told TDmonthly when asked about 2006 holiday best sellers. It's a good value and makes a nice baby gift, seconded Michael Ziegenhagen, owner of Playmatters in Cleveland. 11/21/2005 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Leadsinger LS-3700 Karaoke System by LEADSINGER

This all-in-one portable karaoke microphone allows singers to select songs straight from the mike itself. Thousands of different songs are available on separately sold MusicKartridges. It has a built-in video processor that transmits highlighted lyrics and full-color graphics by connecting to almost any TV through an RCA connection. The audio may also be played through an FM radio. The 300-song selection includes many popular songs. 11/21/2005 (Price: $129.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]