{{Missing information|date=January 2026|2=coverage of both officially licensed and fan-made products inspired by the Stylophone, including notable clones and reinterpretations. It also lacks detailed comparisons between the original pre-2007 models, such as circuit differences, tuning methods, and physical design changes across generations.|article}} {{More citations needed|date=January 2026}} {{Short description|Stylus-operated analog synthesizer}} {{Infobox product | image = Stylophone3d.jpg | image_size = 300 | caption = A Stylophone from the 1970s | type = Musical instrument, toy | inventor = Brian Jarvis | inception = 1967 | introduced = 1968 | manufacturer = Dubreq | available = Yes | sales = Over 3 million units (original run) | models = Original, 350S, S1, Analog Sound S1, Beatbox, S2, Gen X-1, Bowie Limited Edition, GEN R-8, Beat, Theremin, Stylosette, CPM DS-2, CPM DF-8, Gen X-2, Pink Special Edition, VOICE | url = https://stylophone.com/ }} {{commonscat|Stylophones}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2017}} thumb|Mid-1970s Stylophone with simulated wood panel thumb|right|Stylophone being played with stylus {{listen | filename = Notes on a stylophone.ogg | title = Notes being played on a Stylophone | description = Demonstration of the instrument's tone | format = Ogg }}
The '''Stylophone''' is a miniature analog synthesizer played with a stylus. Invented in 1967 by Brian Jarvis,<ref>{{cite web|author=David McNamee |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/jul/06/whats-that-sound-stylophone |title=Hey, what's that sound: Stylophone |date=6 July 2009 |publisher=The Guardian |access-date=2015-06-04}}</ref> it entered production in 1968, manufactured by Dubreq in London. Some three million units were sold during its original run, mostly as children's toys, but it was also used by professional musicians such as John Lennon, Kraftwerk and David Bowie.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Top 5 Stylophone Songs - Get Inspired!|url=https://www.pmtonline.co.uk/blog/2008/06/13/top-5-stylophone-songs-get-inspired/|access-date=2022-01-16|website=PMT Online}}</ref> The Stylophone was relaunched in 2007 by the toy company Re:, in partnership with a rebuilt Dubreq, and has since been released in several new models.
==Original models== The Stylophone consists of a metal keyboard made of printed circuit board and is played by touching it with a stylus. Each note on the keyboard is connected to a voltage-controlled oscillator via a different-value resistor, and touching the stylus to the keyboard thus closes a circuit. The only other controls are a power switch and a vibrato control on the front panel beside the keyboard, and a tuning potentiometer on the rear.
The Stylophone was available in standard, bass and treble variants, with cabinet colors used to distinguish them. The standard model was black-and-white, the treble model was white and tuned an octave higher, and the bass model was beige-and-white and tuned an octave lower.<ref>{{cite web |title=A little higher and a little lower: The Treble and Bass Stylophones |url=http://www.stylophonemuseum.com/2018/08/a-little-higher-and-little-lower-treble.html |website=Stylophone Museum |date=30 August 2018 |access-date=13 December 2025}}</ref> The standard version was the most common. There was also a larger version called the 350S, released in 1971, with more notes on the keyboard, various voices, a wah-wah effect that was controlled by moving the hand over a photosensor, and two styluses.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Stylophone , Brian Jarvis, UK, 1967 – 120 Years of Electronic Music |url=https://120years.net/the-stylophone-brian-jarvis-uk-1967/ |website=120 Years of Electronic Music |access-date=27 May 2026}}</ref>
In the early 1970s, Dubreq introduced the Stylophone Pianomate, released in 1972, a piano attachment synthesizer. It used plunger switches placed behind the keys of an acoustic piano, allowing the Pianomate to add electronic voices alongside the piano’s natural sound. It offered three timbres and vibrato, controlled through a separate amplifier and pedal.<ref>{{cite web |title='PIANOmate' electronic keyboard enhancer, made by Dubreq Studios, c.1975 |url=https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/objects/co8401771 |website=Science Museum Group |access-date=27 May 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=History - Stylophone Info |url=https://stylophone.info/history |website=Stylophone Info |access-date=27 May 2026}}</ref>
Dubreq also manufactured accessories such as the Stylophone Mini-Amp, released in 1973, a small amplifier designed for use with Stylophones and other portable instruments. It featured controls for tremolo, tone, and dual inputs, offering expanded sound-shaping options.<ref>{{cite web |title=History - Stylophone Info |url=https://stylophone.info/history |website=Stylophone Info |access-date=27 May 2026}}</ref>
In the mid-1970s, a new model appeared that featured simulated wood on the speaker panel and a volume control. However, production of the Stylophone ceased in 1975.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stylophone – Nostalgia Central |url=https://nostalgiacentral.com/toys-games/stylophone/ |website=Nostalgia Central |access-date=27 May 2026}}</ref>
Entertainer Rolf Harris served for several years as the Stylophone's advertising spokesman in the United Kingdom and appeared on many "play-along" records sold by the manufacturer.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |url=https://www.doyouremember.co.uk/memory/stylophone|title=Do you remember Stylophone?|author=Michael Johnson|date=23 April 2004 |publisher=doyouremember.co.uk|access-date=2017-03-04}}</ref>
==2007 revival== thumb|right|2007 relaunch Stylophone from Re:creation In October 2007, 28 years after the Stylophone had ceased production, the toy company Re:creation, in partnership with Dubreq Ltd. (re‑formed in 2003 by Ben Jarvis, son of the original inventor), relaunched the Stylophone. The 2007 revival model, manufactured in China and officially called the S1, is a digital recreation that closely resembles the 1960s original but adds a volume control, audio throughput, and two additional sounds.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/news/news.phtml/10148/11172/Stylophones-relaunched-HMV-retro-music.phtml|title="Iconic" Seventies Stylophone to be revived by HMV|last=Elliott|first=Amy-Mae|date=14 September 2007|publisher=Pocket-Lint Ltd|access-date=2008-04-10}}</ref>
The Bass, Treble, 350S, Pianomate, and Mini-Amp models from the 1970s were not included in the relaunch, as they were part of Dubreq’s original product line and discontinued decades earlier.<ref>{{cite web |title=History - Stylophone Info |url=https://stylophone.info/history |website=Stylophone Info |access-date=27 May 2026}}</ref>
===Stylophone Keyring=== Released in 2007 during Dubreq’s relaunch of the Stylophone brand, the '''Stylophone Keyring''' is a miniature novelty synthesizer designed as a collectible accessory. It features a small keyboard surface playable with a stylus and includes a chain attachment for use as a keyring.
While limited compared to full Stylophone instruments, the Keyring preserves the brand’s distinctive look and buzzy electronic tone. It has been promoted as a fan item and highlighted in events such as International Synthesizer Day.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stylophone Official Website |url=https://stylophone.com |website=Stylophone |publisher=Dubreq |access-date=27 May 2026}}</ref>
===Stylophone Beatbox=== In September 2009, Dubreq released the Stylophone Beatbox, the first percussion‑focused Stylophone model. It departs from the traditional box‑shaped design of earlier Stylophones, featuring a circular case with a 13‑pad touch‑sensitive keypad. The instrument offers three sound banks (drum, vocal beatbox, and bass), a tempo control, and a basic record/loop function that allows short sequences to be captured and replayed.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stylophone Beatbox review |url=https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/dubreq-stylophone-beatbox |website=Sound on Sound |date=September 2009 |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Stylophone Beatbox Repackaged |url=https://stylophone.com/stylophone-beatbox-repackaged/ |website=Stylophone.com |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref>
thumb|Front view of the Stylophone Beatbox thumb|Close‑up of the Beatbox keypad
===Stylophone S2=== In December 2012, Dubreq released the Series 2 Stylophone, a limited edition, British‑made, true analogue synthesizer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stylophone2.com|title=Dubreq Stylophone S2|date=28 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006054357/http://www.stylophone2.com/|archive-date=6 October 2017|website=Stylophone2.com|access-date=4 June 2015|url-status=usurped}}</ref>
===Stylophone Gen X-1=== In January 2017, Dubreq released details of the Stylophone Gen X-1 portable analogue synthesizer.<ref name="Dubreq Stylophone Gen X-1">{{cite web|url=http://www.mi-pro.co.uk/new-gear/read/namm-2017-dubreq-to-launch-next-gen-stylophone/021850|title=Dubreq Stylophone Gen X-1|date=2017-01-09|publisher=Mi-pro.co.uk|access-date=2017-01-09}}</ref> It was designed and manufactured by Dubreq.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dubreq.com/genx1/|title=Stylophone GEN-X1 – Dubreq|website=dubreq.com|language=en-GB|access-date=2018-11-01}}</ref> The Gen X-1 has additional controls for LFO, analog delay, low-pass filter, and envelope settings. It also includes sub-octave switches, and an input so it can be used as an effects unit.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://stylophone.com/genx1/|title=STYLOPHONE GEN-X1|website=stylophone.com|language=en-GB|access-date=2023-02-19}}</ref>
===Stylophone GEN R-8=== In October 2019, Dubreq released the Stylophone GEN R-8, a limited edition, full‑analogue, metal‑cased Stylophone. Designed as a professional‑grade instrument, the GEN R-8 includes features more commonly found on higher‑end analogue synthesizers, such as dual VCOs, a multimode filter, an analogue delay, and extensive modulation options. It is considerably larger than the standard Stylophone models and was produced in a limited initial run of 500 units.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stylophone Gen R-8 Released |url=https://sonicstate.com/news/2019/10/30/stylophone-gen-r-8-released/ |website=Sonic State |date=30 October 2019 |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref>
===Stylophone Analog Sound S1=== In July 2020, Dubreq released the Stylophone Analog Sound S1 as a replacement for the 2007 S1. The new model is visually similar to its predecessor but features less rounded corners and omits the auxiliary input. Internally, the digital sampled sounds were replaced by an analogue oscillator based on a 555 timer IC, and the tone selector offers three octave ranges. The resulting sound is much closer to that of the original 1970s Stylophones.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dubreq Stylophone Analog Sound S1 |url=https://www.perfectcircuit.com/signal/stylophone-history |website=Perfect Circuit |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref>
===Stylophone Bowie Limited Edition=== In September 2021, Dubreq launched a limited-edition version of the Analog S1 as a tribute to the late David Bowie. This model features an all‑white finish, an official Bowie logo moulded into the chromed grille, and includes a colour‑printed booklet with photos, interviews, and tablature for a selection of Bowie's songs, including ''Space Oddity''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=David Bowie Limited Edition Stylophone |url=https://stylophone.com/bowie-stylophone/ |website=Stylophone.com |date=16 September 2021 |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=David Bowie celebrated with Limited Edition Stylophone |url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/09/17/2298864/0/en/David-Bowie-celebrated-with-limited-edition-Bowie-Stylophone-by-Dubreq.html |website=GlobeNewswire |date=17 September 2021 |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref>
===Stylophone Beat=== In October 2023, Dubreq released the successor to the Stylophone Beatbox, the Stylophone Beat. Like the Stylophone Beatbox, it has a record and play button and the circular metal pad. But unlike the Beatbox, it is now more of a box shape, has four sound banks (rock, techno, hip hop, and beatbox), stay‑in‑time click track & tempo lock features, and can record multiple layers of beats with the ability to mute other sounds.
===Stylophone Theremin=== On 8 January 2024, Dubreq released a Stylophone‑themed (pitch‑only) theremin. This theremin uses a slider for the different notes, unlike the other Stylophone models, which use a stylus. It has a three‑position switch which can be used to get the sound from the slider, the antenna, or a mix of both.
===Stylosette=== In December 2024, Dubreq released the Stylosette, a cassette‑shaped miniature synthesizer with a 13‑key touch‑sensitive keyboard in place of the traditional stylus. The instrument is monophonic, includes built‑in vibrato and delay effects, and can be powered by two AA batteries.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stylophone Stylosette Keys “Cassette Synthesizer” Now Available |url=https://www.synthtopia.com/content/2024/12/22/stylophone-stylosette-keys-cassette-synthesizer-now-available/ |website=Synthtopia |date=22 December 2024 |access-date=13 December 2025}}</ref>
===Stylophone CPM DS-2=== In January 2025, Dubreq released the Stylophone CPM DS-2, a compact portable analogue drone synthesizer. It features dual oscillators, sub‑oscillators, analogue filters, vintage‑style reverb, and Eurorack compatibility.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stylophone CPM DS-2 analogue drone synth |url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/stylophone-analogue-drone-synth |website=MusicRadar |date=16 January 2025 |access-date=13 December 2025}}</ref>
===Stylophone Gen X-2=== In August 2025, Dubreq introduced the Stylophone Gen X-2 as the successor to the Gen X-1. The Gen X-2 retains the portable analogue design and stylus keyboard of its predecessor but adds a multifunction tactile expression strip for real‑time control. It also expands connectivity with seven CV/Gate input and output jacks, allowing integration with external keyboards, sequencers, DAWs, and modular synthesizer systems.
Sound features include a sub‑oscillator with octave selection, pulse‑width modulation, and an envelope with attack, pitch, and decay controls. The Gen X-2 also carries over the Gen X-1’s low‑pass filter, LFO, and analogue delay, making it capable of producing basses, leads, and experimental tones. At launch, the Gen X-2 was priced at approximately £69.95 / $99.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dubreq launches Stylophone Gen X-2 |url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/dubreq-launches-stylophone-gen-x-2 |website=MusicRadar |date=15 August 2025 |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref>
===Stylophone CPM DF-8=== In November 2025, Dubreq introduced the Stylophone CPM DF-8, a stereo analogue dynamic multi‑filter unit with modulation and delay. It offers dual filter channels, multiple filter types, ADSR envelopes, and Eurorack compatibility.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stylophone CPM DF-8 stereo analog filter box with modulation and crunchy delay |url=https://synthanatomy.com/2025/11/stylophone-cpm-df-8-stereo-analog-filter-box-with-modulation-and-crunchy-delay.html |website=Synth Anatomy |date=20 November 2025 |access-date=13 December 2025}}</ref>
===Stylophone Pink Special Edition=== Also in November 2025, Dubreq released a special edition of the original Stylophone finished in bright pink. The Stylophone Pink retains the classic stylus interface, built‑in speaker, headphone socket, and vibrato effect, but is distinguished by its cosmetic design.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stylophone PINK – Special Edition |url=https://stylophone.com/product/stylophone-pink-special-edition/ |website=Stylophone.com |publisher=Dubreq |date=November 2025 |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref>
===Stylophone VOICE=== In January 2026, Dubreq introduced the Stylophone VOICE, a portable multi-sampler designed for real-time sound manipulation and performance. Unlike previous Stylophone models, the VOICE allows users to record their own samples via a built-in microphone or auxiliary input and play them back using a stylus-operated keyboard. It features three sample playback voices, twelve onboard effects (including pitch shift, delay, and reverb), and a built-in sequencer with four pattern memory slots. The VOICE also includes integrated drum sounds, a two-octave stylus keyboard with transpose function, and a built-in speaker, making it a compact and accessible tool for experimental sound design and lo-fi music production.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stylophone VOICE – Dubreq |url=https://stylophone.com/stylophone-voice/ |website=Stylophone.com |access-date=17 January 2026}}</ref>
===Stylophone OTF=== Announced in January 2026, the '''Stylophone On-The-Fly''' (OTF) is a real-time performance sequencer developed by Dubreq as part of its Stylophone Pro Range and Music Lab series. Unlike traditional step sequencers, the OTF is designed to be played live, with hands-on controls that respond instantly during playback. It features 8-step pattern programming with dynamic access to 16, 32, or 64-step sequences, and supports glide, ratchets, rests, ties, and controlled randomness per step.
The OTF includes full Eurorack CV, Gate, Sync, and MIDI connectivity, and can be linked with multiple units to form a modular multi-sequencer system. Additional features include loop recording up to 1024 steps, per-step gate outputs, summed gate out, and selectable pitch modes such as whole tone, blues, and Spanish scales. The device is housed in a compact enclosure with labeled performance controls and a minimalist interface. Stylophone launched a waitlist for updates, demos, and release information via its official website.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stylophone OTF Performance Sequencer – Waitlist Announcement |url=https://stylophone.com/stylophone-otf-waiting-list/ |website=Stylophone |publisher=Dubreq |access-date=21 January 2026}}</ref>
==Reception, legacy, and popular culture== The Stylophone has been described as both a novelty toy and a cult synthesizer. Critics note its distinctive buzzing tone and portability made it appealing to children, while its use by artists such as David Bowie and Kraftwerk gave it credibility in professional music.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Stylophone: The Enduring Legacy of One of the World's Smallest Pocket Synths|url=https://reverb.com/news/the-stylophone-an-enduring-legacy-of-one-of-the-worlds-smallest-pocket-synths|publisher=Reverb.com|date=17 September 2020|access-date=13 December 2025}}</ref> Modern reviews highlight the Gen X‑1 and GEN R‑8 as bridging the gap between toy and serious synthesizer, cementing the Stylophone’s reputation as an enduring icon of electronic music.<ref>{{cite web|title=Stylophone GEN R-8 review|url=https://www.musicradar.com/reviews/stylophone-gen-r-8|publisher=MusicRadar|date=2019|access-date=13 December 2025}}</ref>
Beyond critical reception, the Stylophone has appeared widely in popular culture: * One of the earliest uses in pop music was in the Small Faces song "Donkey Rides, A Penny, A Glass",<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Brien |first=Jon |date=2020-09-17 |title=The Stylophone: The Enduring Legacy of One of the World's Smallest Pocket Synths |url=https://reverb.com/news/the-stylophone-an-enduring-legacy-of-one-of-the-worlds-smallest-pocket-synths |access-date=2022-06-25 |publisher=Reverb |language=en}}</ref> released as the B-side of their single "The Universal" in June 1968.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Muise |first=Dan |title=Gallagher, Marriott, Derringer & Trower: Their Lives and Music |publisher=Hal Leonard LLC |year=2002 |isbn=9780634029561 |pages=94}}</ref> * John Lennon played a Stylophone during a rehearsal of the George Harrison song "Old Brown Shoe" on 28 January 1969.<ref>The Beatles: Get Back, part 3, 00:56:54</ref> * David Bowie used the Stylophone on his 1969 hit "Space Oddity" and later on his 2002 album ''Heathen''.<ref name="Dubreq Stylophone Gen X-1"/> * Rahsaan Roland Kirk played the Stylophone onstage in a 1969 concert introduction to “I Say a Little Prayer for You.” * Kraftwerk's 1981 song "Pocket Calculator" features the Stylophone and ends with a Stylophone solo.<ref name=":1"/> * The Tall Dwarfs song "All My Hollowness to You" from the 1981 EP ''Three Songs'' uses the Stylophone as the main instrument.<ref>{{Citation |title=Tall Dwarfs - All Of My Hollowness (live) | date=24 January 2011 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMr0c_jhWhw |access-date=2023-11-26 |language=en}}</ref> * Orbital’s 1999 track "Style" takes its name from the Stylophone and uses it extensively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.loopzorbital.com/discog/ep/style.html|title=The single and the instrument described by Loopz, the official Orbital fanzine.}}</ref> * Richard Barone and producer Tony Visconti used the Stylophone on Barone’s 2010 album ''Glow''. * Russian rock group {{ill|Gromyka|ru|Громыка}} use the Stylophone as a main instrument.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1noby9YOq8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/V1noby9YOq8 |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|title=ГРОМЫКА - "Говорил я вам"/ GROMYKA - "As I Said Unto You" |publisher=YouTube.com |date=2015-11-05 |access-date=2016-04-12 |language=ru}}{{cbignore}}</ref> * British band Pulp featured the Stylophone in their song "Styloroc (Nites of Suburbia)". * The 2017 film ''Baby Driver'' includes a brief Stylophone appearance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mi-pro.co.uk/news/read/hollywood-hit-baby-driver-boosts-sales-for-dubreq-s-iconic-stylophone/022631 |title=Stylophone Baby Driver Attack|work=MI Pro}}</ref> * Min-Gi Park from the animated show ''Infinity Train'' owns a Stylophone. * James Acaster plays Auld Lang Syne on a Stylophone in his Netflix special ''Repertoire''.
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * [https://stylophone.com Official Stylophone website] * [http://www.stylophonemuseum.com Stylophone Museum] * [https://www.perfectcircuit.com/signal/stylophone-history Stylophone history article at Perfect Circuit] * [https://reverb.com/news/the-stylophone-an-enduring-legacy-of-one-of-the-worlds-smallest-pocket-synths Stylophone legacy article at Reverb]
==See also== * Omnichord * Toy piano * Electronic organ * Synthesizer * Otamatone * Casio VL-1
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Stylophone}} Category:Electronic musical instruments Category:Keyboard instruments Category:Toy instruments and noisemakers Category:1967 introductions Category:Synthesizers Category:British inventions