Playtime Engineering Aims to Simplify Electronic Music Making for Kids with Musical Toy Startup

Troy Sheets, a musician who started making music at a young age, recognized the challenge for aspiring musicians, especially young ones, to access and afford advanced music equipment. To address this gap, Sheets developed Blipblox, an affordable and user-friendly synthesizer designed for children aged 3 and up, priced at $199.

Building on the success of Blipblox, Sheets’s company, Playtime Engineering, is launching a new product called MyTracks. MyTracks is described as a “toy-like instrument” and functions as a groovebox or electronic music production device, featuring a drum machine, synthesizer, built-in microphone for audio sampling, and sequencer. With intuitive controls and a randomize feature, MyTracks aims to simplify beatmaking and encourage music exploration for kids.

The Kickstarter campaign for MyTracks is set to begin on April 9, with an expected price range of $249 to $299 for backers, while the retail price is anticipated to be $349. The first round of products is expected to be delivered in November.

The emphasis on kid-friendliness is a key feature of the product. Playtime Engineering ensures that all Blipblox devices undergo rigorous testing to meet safety standards, including being BPA-free and compliant with toy safety regulations. Safety measures such as locking the plastic knobs into the device to prevent choking hazards and securing the batteries in a screw-down compartment are implemented to prioritize child safety.

The company asserts that its products are the only synthesizers available that are fully certified to international child safety standards, highlighting its commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable musical experience for children.