LittleBits Synth Kit

This product is seriously cool. So quick and easy to swap around the modules - actually easier than the typical method of using phono cords and jacking them in and out of modules. Great way to teach or learn about analog sound synthesis. Could make an excellent hands-on introduction to analog synths for the purpose of extending this knowledge to a wider platform, such as customizing instruments in Propellerhead's Reason music software. You can slap the keyboard into an oscillator, snap on the speakers, and (with the power module too) you've got music. Want a more complex sound, just snap another oscillator between the first one and the speaker. And maybe the filter. Want a sound that fades up, or attacks like a piano key? Add the envelope. You don't even need to know what any of them do, because the accompanying guide book starts with basic projects and builds up. With some quick explanations, but honestly just putting them together gives you a pretty good idea what they do (though I must admit to having prior experience). The only real point of dissatisfaction is that the keyboard is both very basic/klunky (due to having just normal button switches, not "keys" per se), and very short in range. Even reaching like half an octave more could make a difference. Also, some modules (like the filter) seem to get into a funky state from however it was previously used, and connecting to briefly to the trigger rather than the input seems to clear that up. It's amazing how fast you can get started, and how quickly you can alter your chain of modules (soooo quick...). I bought it as a Christmas gift for kids, but I was the first to start playing with it. Then the kids saw how cool and easy it was, and excitedly took over :D