Some Frequently Asked Questions (And Answers)

Is Twink children's music?

I didn't intend to be the next Raffi, just to make fun and quirky music. So far I've gotten positive feedback from all kinds of folks, including kids, punks, and grandmothers (and even a punk grandmother or two!). It's certainly kid-safe, and the whippersnappers seem to enjoy it.

Where can I learn more about toy pianos?

Check out Chris Allert's toy piano informative website at toypiano.org. A good history of toy pianos by Margaret Leng Tan can be found in the September, 1998 issue of the Experimental Musical Instruments journal. The Miniature Piano Enthusiast Club has a fun newsletter for collectors and fans of the instrument.

Where can I get my own toy piano?

Almost all of mine were found used at thrift stores, garage sales, and online auction sites. For new instruments, Harmony Central is a reputable online dealer with a wide variety and reasonable prices.

I found an old toy piano in my attic. Can you tell me what it's worth?

Sorry, I'm not good at appraising. I mainly collect things for personal enjoyment and use, not for market value.

Are there other musicians that use toy instruments?

Heck, yeah! Here are just a few:

Margaret Leng Tan Wendy Mae Chambers Pianosaurus Pascal Comelade Robert Minden and Carla Hallett Chapi Chapo & Les Petits Musiques de Pluie

Toychestra Toydeath Adam C. Burke Pascal Ayerbe Self

And don't miss Eric Schneider's fabulous collection of mini organs.

Isn't there another Twink?

I named my project Twink because it sounds like the noise a toy piano makes. At the time I didn't know about a 1960s psychedelic singer/drummer in the UK named John Alder who went by "Twink." At least two other bands have put out CDs under the name Twink since my own albums debuted. A 1980s cartoon called Rainbow Brite featured a character named "Twink." I've even come across a kids' clothing line with the name. Since posting this FAQ, someone alerted me to the 1967 Ken Nordine album "Twink." If you see a Twink CD and want to make sure it's by the toy piano band, check the Discography page.

Similarly-named bands are nothing new. Here are a few of my favorite examples »