The other day I was digging through my mom’s attic looking for treasures from my youth. I didn’t know what to expect, honestly. I found some books, action figures and other oddities. Then, all of a sudden, I came upon something really special. What I discovered was a vintage 1980 Fisher Price tape recorder. Boy that brings back some fond memories.
This thing was in great shape when I pulled it out of a box full of random items. I was sweating buckets up in that attic as I carefully made my way carefully out of there with this prized possession in my hands. I couldn’t wait to show it off to my mother and my wife who were waiting for me downstairs.
I was probably about four or five years old when I received this toy. It had to be for Christmas or my birthday. Anyways, It is tan in color with a stationary handle, just like a boom box. There’s your usual “play, record, fast forward and rewind buttons.” The tapes that I played at the time were things like “puff the magic dragon” or audio recordings of “Pinocchio.” This item was probably one of the earliest devices that I know of in my world that opened me up to music and creativity.
Eventually, my parents picked up some blank tapes for me and I started to record my voice on it. Make believe radio and little comedy sketches are the kinds of things I would partake in. Such a nostalgic toy for opening up a child’s mind to all sorts of experiments with voice, sounds, music and playfulness. I am so happy that I found this thing.
I cannot wait to buy some batteries and play some of my old cassette tapes on it. No I do not have Pinocchio or Cinderella tapes anymore. More like Metallica or Huey Lewis. Ha ha. Boy wouldn’t that be funny if I walked down the neighborhood streets of Chi Town with that Fisher Price tape recorder on my shoulder blasting away “Puff The Magic Dragon?” Good times!
Peace out
C-Note
The Music Bard 