By Andrew Liszewski
I don’t know the first thing about making music, but that doesn’t stop me from lusting over cool looking retro music gear. Now sadly the original eBay auction for this Casio VL-10 VL-Tone mini synth has ended, but according to Retro Thing, back in the 80’s this was one of the smallest synthesizers, if not the smallest, you could get your hands on.
This Casio VL-10 is even smaller than its famous brother, the original VL-Tone. It includes the same cheesy sounds and 29-button chicklet keyboard, along with convenient calculator functionality so you can double-check your record company royalty payments.
Both VL-Tones feature five awful monophonic sounds (basically the same square wave bleep with different amplitude envelopes), a sixth programmable “ADSR” synth mode, and 10 drum rhythms that should be perfect for accompanying your next smash-hit waltz or bossanova.
It goes without saying that such a device could be easily replicated on any smartphone these days, but it just wouldn’t have the same charm without the VL-10’s faux-brushed aluminum finish. Oh and I’ve included a video if it in action, but after the jump this time.
[ MATRIXSYNTH – Casio VL-10 the smallest synthesizer in the world!!! ] VIA [ Retro Thing ]
This is seriously awesome. Absolutely NO idea what I'd use it for, in the practical sense. But everything is always more fun in miniature. I mean, just take a look at those cute little mini ketchup bottles they give you at hotels. Fun city. :o)
That is so cute! I'd carry it around and bust it out all the time.
That is so cute! I'd carry it around and bust it out all the time.
That keyboard looks really great!
Nice information. Its usefulness and significance is overwhelming the way you covered all the basic necessary information is really impressive, good work keep it up.