From the Toysit archive
Bach Rock Guitar
Meet a red toy that changes from violin to guitar, explore its supplied melodies, and plan a two-scene concert with a garden and a parade.
The play at a glance
One red instrument, two concert scenes
A red body, a bright neck and a little bow give the Bach Rock Guitar two different stage personalities. In the original photograph, the toy is held like a violin. Its extending neck changes the shape for guitar play, turning the same instrument into the centerpiece of another kind of pretend concert.
Fisher-Price’s guide for the 2-in-1 Bach ’n Rock Guitar, product 77820, shows the same posed violin photograph. It describes supplied classical and rock melodies that players can hear as complete songs or bring along through their own playing gestures.
Listen to the two musical roles
The guide shows the neck shortening for violin play and extending for guitar play. In violin mode, moving the bow across or tapping the toy strings advances notes of the selected classical tune. The demo control plays the complete tune.
Guitar mode offers the supplied rock songs with a backing band or as a note-by-note solo. That gives a pretend performer a choice between joining a fuller arrangement and setting the pace of a melody. Use the matching guide for the controls and keep the volume comfortable.
Try a two-scene concert
This original Toysit activity gives the performance a little scenery. Gather two large pieces of paper and crayons.
- Draw a quiet garden on one card. Add a flower, a path or a place where an imaginary listener could sit.
- Draw a busy parade on the other card, with flags or a made-up marching band.
- Choose who will introduce the first scene. The host holds up its picture and gives the concert a title.
- Let the performer choose a short toy melody or hum an original phrase that seems to fit the picture.
- Pause, show the second card and announce the change of scene. Change the toy’s mode according to its instructions if that suits the next part.
- Finish with a small bow, then swap host and performer.
A drawn instrument and a voice can carry the same concert. A partner can add a gentle repeated sound to suggest footsteps in the parade or a breeze in the garden.
Give the audience a part
Ask the listener to choose one detail from the picture before the next performance: perhaps the parade turns a corner, or a bird lands beside the garden path. The performer can answer with a shorter phrase, a longer pause or a different ending.
Keep the picture cards with the play materials so the next concert can start with a familiar scene and one new idea.
The historical record
Original Toysit coverage
The original product account and commentary are preserved below as historical coverage.
Even little musicians will find that it's simple to switch from classical violin to rock guitar with a quick tug on the neck.
The Bach Rock Guitar starts out as a classical violin (complete with bow) and magically converts into a rock-and-roll guitar! Kids can play their own tunes note-by-note or press a button to hear an entire song. The Bach Roch Guitar plays three classical tunes plus three fun rock 'n roll hits and the violin plays three classical tunes - Mozart, Beethoven & Bach. Plus the scales! The guitar plays three rock favorites - Rock Around the Clock, ABC, Rockin' Robin. Plus a jammin' guitar riff!
The Joy of a Combination Play Violin and Guitar
Musical instruments have always held a special place in the hearts of children, with their potential to unleash creativity, rhythm, and joy. Now, imagine the magic when two beloved instruments - the violin and the guitar - are combined into a single play device. Here's a deep dive into the fun of such a unique musical toy:
1. Dual Sound Experience
This combo instrument provides the best of both worlds. Children can revel in the deep, resonating chords of the guitar and the soulful, melodious notes of the violin, all in one instrument. The blend of these two distinct sounds offers a richer auditory experience.
2. Exploration & Creativity
Having two instruments in one encourages kids to explore and experiment. They can switch between the violin and guitar modes, discover new sound combinations, and even create their own unique compositions, fostering their innate creativity.
3. Motor Skills Development
Playing the strings of a guitar and using a bow on a violin require different hand movements and techniques. As children navigate between the two, they enhance their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
4. Musical Foundation
Exposure to the distinct sounds and play techniques of both the guitar and violin provides a solid foundation in music. This combined instrument can be the first step towards a deeper appreciation and understanding of musical genres and instruments.
5. Space & Cost Efficiency
Instead of investing in two separate instruments, parents can opt for this 2-in-1 solution. Not only is it more budget-friendly, but it also saves space, making it ideal for compact living areas or for travel.
6. Shared Play Opportunities
With two instruments rolled into one, siblings or friends can play together, each taking a turn with the violin or guitar aspect. This promotes teamwork, sharing, and collaborative music-making.
A combination play violin and guitar is a gateway to a world of sound, rhythm, and creativity. It offers children the chance to immerse themselves in the wonders of music, explore their artistic inclinations, and enjoy countless hours of melodious fun.
Sources and editorial notes
The original Toysit source and image are preserved. All 12 pages of Fisher-Price instruction sheet 77820a-0920 were read and visually reviewed; its cover photograph matches the original image. The guide supports the conversion and supplied-song modes described here. Specific song titles and broader musical, developmental and cost claims remain attributed to the earlier coverage. The concert is an original editorial activity; no physical testing is claimed.
- Original Toysit image — Existing same-site photograph reviewed and retained unchanged.
- Fisher-Price: 2-in-1 Bach ’n Rock Guitar instructions — Product 77820; all 12 pages and diagrams reviewed, including the matching cover photograph.
- Original Toysit coverage — Complete original product account and historical commentary preserved.
Images and descriptions are retained as historical material. How Toysit covers toys.
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