# Retro Instruments for Modern Music MP3 Stylophone By Cowbag | Published 2008-04-04 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retro-instruments-get-hip-stylophone-goes-all-mp3 References: [firebox](http://www.firebox.com/product/1902) Awesome news - the 1970's "organ in your pocket," AKA the Stylophone, is back with a bang and it is awesome. Are you too young to know what this is? It's a battery-operated instrument with metal keys that you press to close the circuit, which in turn generates a [unique and annoying noise](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/opxy). On the modern version, however, you can listen to your [MP3 tracks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tl1-music-player) and play along (take it from me, this is VERY annoying) as well as controlling the sound. If you remember it, or want to try it, for £20 you can't go wrong. Even if you use it as [tinyiPod speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ipod-classic-fidget) until the novelty wears off... Try it online at the firebox website. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.1/10 - Popularity: 2% | Activity: 54% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Multimedia](https://www.trendhunter.com/multimedia) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Retro Music Instruments:** Opportunity to create and market modern versions of vintage musical instruments, combining nostalgia with modern functionality. - **Portable MP3 Accessories:** Opportunity to develop portable speakers and accessories specifically designed for MP3 players and smartphones, providing enhanced listening experiences on the go. - **Analog-digital Integration:** Opportunity to bridge the gap between analog and digital technologies by creating instruments that offer both retro appeal and modern conveniences. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Music Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity to create innovative products that revive and reinvent traditional music instruments for modern music technology. - **Consumer Electronics:** Disruptive innovation opportunity to develop new accessories and gadgets that enhance the functionality and user experience of portable electronics, like MP3 players and smartphones. - **Retail and E-commerce:** Disruptive innovation opportunity to tap into the market of retro-inspired products by offering unique, nostalgic items through online platforms and specialized retail stores. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Compactly Portable Theremins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/theremins.md) - [Affordable Music-Making Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/easyplay-1s.md) - [Quirky Strummable Synths](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electronic-synth.md) - [Modernized Analog Theremins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/theremin.md) - [Playful Music Production Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mytracks.md) - [Nostalgic Retro Music Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-mixtape-kit.md) - [Miniature Modern Portable Synths](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minimoog.md) - [Compact Bio-Synth Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pocket-scion.md) - [Multifunctional Compact Music Players](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playdisc.md)