We are always looking to add more items to our Physical Objects Collection – but here are the items we really want. These are the top 10 items on our most wanted wishlist, so if you have one (preferably functional) and would like to donate it to the Museum, please get in touch!
OUR TOP 10 MOST WANTED OBJECT DONATIONS
10.
Star Wars CommTech™ Reader (1998)
The failed audio format that made the action figures for Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace talk.
9.
Vintage S. S. Adams Joy Buzzer (1930s)
The original buzzing practical joke, popularised by the Joker’s deadly version in early Batman comics.
8.
Hayes Stack Smartmodem (1981)
The world’s first dialup computer modem with a built-in speaker, to listen for the dialtone and handshake process without needing a telephone.
7.
Sony MZ-1 Walkman: The First Portable MiniDisc Player (1992)
The first portable player for our all-time favourite digital audio format.
6.
Motorola DynaTAC 8000x: The First Mobile Phone (1983)
The first commercial mobile telephone, seen here with its inventor Martin Cooper.
5.
MPMan: The First MP3 Player (1998)
Before the iPod, before the Creative Nomad Jukebox, the MPMan – not just the first MP3 player, but the first solid state MP3 player as well – appeared in South Korea.
4.
Sony PS-F5 ‘Flamingo’ (1983)
This iconic portable linear tracking & direct drive turntable plays records vertically or horizontally.
3.
Regency TR-1: The First Transistor Radio (1954)
This elegant-looking device has influenced the design of portable sound products ever since.
2.
TIE:
Koss SP/3, The First Stereo Headphones (1958)
Koss SP/3x, The Second Stereo Headphones (1960)
We would be equally happy to own either a pair of the first stereo headphones ever made (below left) or their infinitely cooler looking successor.
1.
Nagra IV-S Stereo Reel to Reel Tape Recorder (1968)
The portable tape recorder that made high-quality stereo field recording a possibility, standard equipment for film sound designers even into the 1980s.
The Museum of Portable Sound 