Revision as of 18:34, 26 March 2006

For the box set by No Doubt, see Boom Box (No Doubt box set).

Overview

A boombox or boom-box is a portable stereo system capable of playing radio stations or recorded music (usually cassettes and/or CDs) at relatively high volume.

Boombox is also a musical group based in Sheffield, AL (near Muscle Shoals).

History

The synonym ghettoblaster or ghetto-blaster is a term that can be considered insulting or complimentary depending on the context. The word ghettoblaster originated in the U.S., apparently reflecting the belief that such systems are popular in poor inner-city neighborhoods (ghettos), especially those populated by black Americans, whether as a sign of economic power or simply to play some music/throw a party. Ghettoblaster rather than boom box became the common term in the UK and Australia for large portable stereos, perhaps because it carried less meaning.

The term carries a connotation of power and disregard of social rules, shown in the ability to blast music to overwhelm those around you, as portrayed in the film Do the Right Thing by director Spike Lee. Dispute over a ghettoblaster was a central role in that movie's culminating riot.

The word is racially inflammatory in some circumstances but has also been embraced as a term of black, urban pride — and, like many such terms, has been adopted by parts of the non-black American community. It is used as the name of at least one magazine and one recording company, and is also a popular stereotype element typically associated with funk, hip-hop and rap, African American culture, 1970s and 1980s culture, breakdancing and even racist jokes.

The ghettoblaster is seen as one of the stereotypical accessories of the b-boy (breakdancer), having been introduced to the mainstream conciousness through music videos, television and documentaries. It is also a phenomena often associated with New York City, New York, the birthplace of Hip-Hop culture, with b-boy, rapper and Hip-Hop fan alike crowding around the beats eminating from this not-so-little machine.

In the James Bond film The Living Daylights, during the customary trip into Q's workshop, loud music is heard emanating from a large portable stereo carried on the shoulder of a technician. A missile then fires from the end of the stereo at a human dummy target, which is destroyed by the resulting explosion. Q replies by stating, 'It's something we're developing for the Americans. It's called a ghettoblaster'.

The Autobot Blaster (Transformers) transforms into, and is named for, a ghettoblaster.

Features

Most Boomboxes have separate tone, volume and balance controls, as well as a stereo/mono sound switch. Higher-end models might have:

• Chrome knobs & switches
• A 'Wide sound' option
• Automatic tape cueing
• Loudness switch
• Separate bass knob/slider
• VU meters
• Dolby Noise Reduction (Dolby NR)
• Graphic Equalizers (4-bands being pretty standard)
• Lights
• LED's
• Auxiliary-in
• Audio-Out
• Shortwave radio (SW)
• Longwave radio (LW)
• Shoulder Straps
• Integrated television screen
• Burglar Alarm
• Integrated turntable (!)

Some notable makes and models from the early to mid-80's to watch out for are:

• Hitachi TRK series (eg: TRK-8080)
• JVC RC series (eg: RC-550)
• Panasonic RX series (eg: RX-5350, RX-7700, RX-7000)
• Crown SZ series (eg: SZ-5100)
• Conion (known as Clairtone in Canada)
• Sharp GF series
• Sharp VZ series (This model included a turntable)

The popularity of large portable stereos declined in the early 1990s and few models are currently manufactured. Aesthetically, the rectangular, angular, chrome look of many 1980's models were replaced with black plastic in the 1990's, and the designs have been getting curvier as we move into the 2000's

External links

• http://www.pocketcalculatorshow.com

• Consumer electronics