Stylophone Mini: Honey I Shrunk the Stylophone
Is that a stylus in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?
The Stylophone Mini puts the famous Stylophone synth – complete with stylus, speaker and even a flashlight – on a keychain.
Stylophone Mini
It’s pretty incredible all the different ways that Dubreq has reinvented the Stylophone. The portable toy synth that you play with a metal stylus first debuted in 1968 and has been used by tons of musicians, from David Bowie to Pulp to Orbital. The company has managed to make a bunch of different versions, from the original S-1 model to a drum machine variant (the Stylophone Beat) and even a forthcoming sampler, the Stylophone Voice. And not to mention all of the more professional gear they’ve been releasing like the Theremin and CPM DF-8 hardware filter.
The company has gone bigger with the Stylophone before, but never smaller, and that’s where we’re at today. Meet the Stylophone Mini, a palm-sized Stylophone on a keychain.
“Stylophone is an iconic brand and we wanted to create something that allowed fast, easy creativity and also showcase a beloved synth,” says John Simpson, CEO of Stylophone. “In the age of AI, we wanted to make something simple, fun and real.”
Pocket Power
The Stylophone Mini may look like a cute little toy but it’s a fully playable Stylophone, just shrunk down Rick Moranis style. You get the same metal keyboard with one and 3/4 octaves, the same stylus for playing notes, and even a vibrato button for extra tweezy vibes. That button pulls double duty as the on/off switch.
While there’s no audio out of any kind, you do get onboard speakers, so you’ll need to unpack your microphone to record your jams.
The Key to Your Heart
The Stylophone Mini isn’t just tiny for the sake of smallness. It’s actually a keychain. You get a loop on the side plus a length of chain for attaching keys, charms or whatever else you might like. Smoke a little too much and forgot where the light switch is? You’re in luck, as the Mini has a built-in LED flashlight.
The new Stylophone comes in three different colors: black, white and pink, and arrives packaged in a cassette-like box.
Price and Availability
I already have a few Stylophones around the studio but I’m sure I’ll be picking up one of these. It’s ridiculously cute. And even if I don’t buy one myself, it’s a good bet there will be one in my stocking come Christmas morning.
Stylophone Mini is available now from Thomann* for €24.95.
More Information
- Stylophone Mini product page
- More about Stylophone
- More about synthesizers
- Buy synthesizers at Thomann*
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