What is a talkbox?
A talkbox is a musical instrument effect that allows you to literally sing with the sound of an instrument, such as a synthesizer or guitar. It works by amplifying the input signal, then delivering that sound through a vinyl tube to your mouth. Now the signal will replace your own vocal chord sound, and you shape the words like regular speech as you play the notes on the instrument.
This famous robotic effect has been used on iconic songs from Zapp and Roger Troutman (More Bounce To The Ounce, Computer Love, California Love) and more recently Byron “Mr. Talkbox” Chambers (24K Magic)
*Note that talkbox was originally used as a guitar effect, but the TalkStar is the first self-powered talkbox designed specifically for use with a synthesizer.
Is the TalkStar difficult to play?
There are techniques that must be learned in order to use the TalkStar, but with a purchase you get FREE enrollment into our Talkbox Master Class. This is the only comprehensive online course to learn the techniques required. As far as musical ability, you need only play one note at a time so it’s far easier than playing piano. With our course and some practice, anyone can master the TalkStar!
Take a look at the overview of our Talkbox Master Class.
What else will I need to use the TalkStar?
TalkStar is a self-powered talkbox, so all you need is a synthesizer or guitar. We focus our training on use with a synth and recommend a simple analog modeling unit like the Novation MiniNova or the Korg MicroKorg, but almost any synth can create the tones needed for a good talkbox sound. This is all explained in our Talkbox Master Class, and custom patches are supplied for many of them.
You will also need a 1/4″ mono phono cable (also called an instrument cable) to connect your synth to the TalkStar. Just plug in and go!! The TalkStar is more than loud enough to perform without a microphone in most cases, but if you want to record your TalkStar performance into your DAW you will need one. Recording techniques are also covered in the Talkbox Master Class.
Why is TalkStar more expensive than other talkboxes?
The TalkStar is a professional grade product, hand-made in the USA with the highest quality components and a decade of engineering. Also, because the TalkStar was designed for use with a synthesizer (not guitar) it requires a much more powerful amplifier and horn driver.
Other self-powered talkboxes on the market, such as the MXR M222 or Rocktron’s Banshee 2 are designed for guitar which puts out a much smaller signal. When a synthesizer is used with these less expensive units, they cannot handle the range and power, causing them to overload, distort, and create a limited volume and flattened sound. A guitar also does not create the deep low tones that a synthesizer creates, and the tiny horn driver inside cannot reproduce these frequencies.
Other models manufactured in bulk in China with cheap components just cannot compare, but they might be a good place to start while you are learning the techniques with our Talkbox Master Class ($50). When you feel you are ready to upgrade to a TalkStar, you will get a $50 discount on your purchase!
Where can I buy the TalkStar?
The TalkStar is sold exclusively here on our website. Selling the TalkStar at a wholesale price to distributors would make it even more expensive, plus we wouldn’t have a direct connection to our family of customers. We make sure every TalkStar owner is satisfied and has our support in mastering the talkbox skills.
Plus our Talkbox Master Class (FREE with TalkStar purchase) resides here on our website, so selling direct to our customers is ideal, and creates what we call our TalkStar Family!
What type of payment methods are accepted?
We proudly use the PayPal payment portal, which is proven safe for all credit cards worldwide – or use your PayPal balance for payment. Feel free to learn more about PayPal payments HERE.
For US customers only, we are also proud to offer financing through Affirm, America’s most trusted and easy online financing plans. With Affirm, you can get your TalkStar now and pay over time with reasonably low interest. Feel free to learn more about Affirm Financing HERE.
How much is the shipping?
We are proud to offer FREE SHIPPING to anywhere in the world! Our US customers will receive their order via FedEx and our customers outside the US will receive their order via FedEx Intl. – usually within days!!
Please note* International orders will require an additional VAT and customs duty cost depending on your country. A duty calculator is supplied in the checkout section to calculate this amount. We hope that with TalkStar covering the high cost of Intl. shipping, this will be acceptable to get the highest quality instrument available right to your door!
We have shipped to happy customers in over 42 countries! You will receive detailed tracking information once your order has shipped. FedEx will arrange all customs duty payments and schedule your delivery at your convenience.
*Someone will need to sign for the delivery, for US and Intl. shipments. We will NEVER have your precious TalkStar sitting outside waiting to be stolen!
Is there a warranty?
Yes! We offer a limited warranty of one year, covering any defects in materials and operation of the TalkStar. Each unit is meticulously made by hand, and thoroughly tested at multiple stages before shipping.
Feel free to read our complete warranty terms HERE.
Can I return my TalkStar?
PLEASE NOTE: NO REFUNDS OR RETURNS.
We are confident that you will be happy with the performance of our TalkStar talkbox.
Unfortunately due to the delicate nature of the shipping process with the TalkStar, we cannot accept returns or issue refunds. Please be sure that you want your TalkStar before ordering.
If there are any issues or defects in performance/workmanship in your TalkStar, we will honor our Warranty to ensure the quality of operation.