mi Jam Drummer
© 2006 Blue Box Toys, Inc.
The drummer's equivalent of an air guitar, this musical toy consists of two rather fat drumsticks — each with a toggle switch and wired to a clip-on battery pack with a Volume control. Also, each drumstick contains a motion detector that detects the stroke of the stick — in air. Nothing is picked up if the stick hits an object, which seems counterintuitive to the notion of drumming (you hit stuff, right?). In fact, our test family thought their sticks were not working properly and gave up on them. Music from any MP3 player or iPod can be patched through the sticks into your stereo or ear buds, so you can drum over your favorite tunes. If you do choose to go portable, remember that others can't hear the drums, creating the very likely scenario that you'll look completely off your rocker. There are six drum sounds (three on each stick), along with six background patterns. In order to change drum sounds, you have to hold the toggle switch while simultaneously moving the stick in air, a rather clumsy process. In terms of sound quality, these drums are certainly not professional grade. They are certainly a fun idea with a high novelty effect that fades quickly. Traditional drums are in no risk of being replaced, at least by these. Requires two AAA batteries. A mi Jam Stage Mic (sold separately - $20) allows you to add your own vocals. Also available are the mi Jam Guitar -$39.98 and the mi Jam Mixer - $39.98.
$39.98, Smart Toy
Teaches: music, beat, rhythm, drumming
CTR Rating: 58%