Stylophone

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Stylus-operated analog synthesizer

title: "Stylophone" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["electronic-musical-instruments", "keyboard-instruments", "toy-instruments-and-noisemakers", "1967-introductions", "synthesizers", "british-inventions"] description: "Stylus-operated analog synthesizer" topic_path: "arts" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stylophone" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0

::summary Stylus-operated analog synthesizer ::

::data[format=table title="Infobox product"]

FieldValue
imageStylophone3d.jpg
image_size300
captionA Stylophone from the 1970s
typeMusical instrument, toy
inventorBrian Jarvis
inception1967
introduced1968
manufacturerDubreq
availableYes
salesOver 3 million units (original run)
modelsOriginal, 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
urlhttps://stylophone.com/
::

| 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/

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e6/Stylophone.jpg" caption="Mid-1970s Stylophone with simulated wood panel"] ::

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f9/Originalstylophone.JPG" caption="Stylophone being played with stylus"] ::

| 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, 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. 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. The standard version was the most common. There was also a larger version called the 350S 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.

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.

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.

2007 revival

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/15/Modern_Stylophone.JPG" caption="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. The Bass, Treble, and 350S models from the 1970s were not included in the relaunch.

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.

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d9/Stylophone_Beatbox_Front_face.jpg" caption="Front view of the Stylophone Beatbox"] ::

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7c/Stylophone_Beatbox_closeup.jpg" caption="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.

Stylophone Gen X-1

In January 2017, Dubreq released details of the Stylophone Gen X-1 portable analogue synthesizer. It was designed and manufactured by Dubreq. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

Beyond critical reception, the Stylophone has appeared widely in popular culture:

References

References

  1. David McNamee. (6 July 2009). "Hey, what's that sound: Stylophone". The Guardian.
  2. "Top 5 Stylophone Songs - Get Inspired!".
  3. (30 August 2018). "A little higher and a little lower: The Treble and Bass Stylophones".
  4. Michael Johnson. (23 April 2004). "Do you remember Stylophone?". doyouremember.co.uk.
  5. Elliott, Amy-Mae. (14 September 2007). ""Iconic" Seventies Stylophone to be revived by HMV". Pocket-Lint Ltd.
  6. (September 2009). "Stylophone Beatbox review".
  7. "Stylophone Beatbox Repackaged".
  8. (28 January 2013). "Dubreq Stylophone S2".
  9. (2017-01-09). "Dubreq Stylophone Gen X-1". Mi-pro.co.uk.
  10. "Stylophone GEN-X1 – Dubreq".
  11. "STYLOPHONE GEN-X1".
  12. (30 October 2019). "Stylophone Gen R-8 Released".
  13. "Dubreq Stylophone Analog Sound S1".
  14. (16 September 2021). "David Bowie Limited Edition Stylophone".
  15. (17 September 2021). "David Bowie celebrated with Limited Edition Stylophone".
  16. (22 December 2024). "Stylophone Stylosette Keys “Cassette Synthesizer” Now Available".
  17. (16 January 2025). "Stylophone CPM DS-2 analogue drone synth".
  18. (15 August 2025). "Dubreq launches Stylophone Gen X-2".
  19. (20 November 2025). "Stylophone CPM DF-8 stereo analog filter box with modulation and crunchy delay".
  20. (November 2025). "Stylophone PINK – Special Edition". Dubreq.
  21. "Stylophone VOICE – Dubreq".
  22. "Stylophone OTF Performance Sequencer – Waitlist Announcement". Dubreq.
  23. (17 September 2020). "The Stylophone: The Enduring Legacy of One of the World's Smallest Pocket Synths". Reverb.com.
  24. (2019). "Stylophone GEN R-8 review". MusicRadar.
  25. O'Brien, Jon. (2020-09-17). "The Stylophone: The Enduring Legacy of One of the World's Smallest Pocket Synths". Reverb.
  26. Muise, Dan. (2002). "Gallagher, Marriott, Derringer & Trower: Their Lives and Music". Hal Leonard LLC.
  27. [[The Beatles: Get Back]], part 3, 00:56:54
  28. (24 January 2011). "Tall Dwarfs - All Of My Hollowness (live)".
  29. "The single and the instrument described by Loopz, the official Orbital fanzine.".
  30. (2015-11-05). "ГРОМЫКА - "Говорил я вам"/ GROMYKA - "As I Said Unto You"". YouTube.com.
  31. "Stylophone Baby Driver Attack". MI Pro.

::callout[type=info title="Wikipedia Source"] This article was imported from Wikipedia and is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Content has been adapted to SurfDoc format. Original contributors can be found on the article history page. ::

electronic-musical-instrumentskeyboard-instrumentstoy-instruments-and-noisemakers1967-introductionssynthesizersbritish-inventions