One device is synonymous with the image of 1980s music: the legendary Sharp GF-777 boombox. Though not the first portable music playing device of its kind, this derivation had both style and substance. Released in 1983, the then advanced four-speaker, dual-cassette apparatus carried a rugged yet effortlessly elegant look that quickly made it a status symbol with the time’s street culture.
For the true music mavericks and aficionados of the era—the pioneers of Hip Hop, R&B, House, Techno, etc.—the device was a marker of taste; denoting a keen understanding of quality. Wrapped in a sleek chrome finish and bold primary color accents, the GF-777 was ideal for recording and mixing; enabled with tone controls for customized sound and to connect other devices.
Looking to recapture this glory but without the overly nostalgic reverence defining a lot of retro-tech these days, specialized producer Bumpboxx has released the reimagined but greatly optimised BB-777—cohereing classic analog formats with top-grade digital performance. “We wanted to build the boombox we grew up with, but engineered for today; something powerful, reliable, and complete,” says company founder Rob Owens. “The BB-777 is our way of proving that physical sound still matters.”
While it still incorporates the defining dual cassette deck, the at once historically cued and future forward device covers all the bases—tracks the evolution of music technology over the past three decades—with included radio, CD player, bluetooth streaming and USB playback. It’s TSA-approved rechargeable battery provides up to 15 hours of cordless power. With multi-voltage 100–240V AC compatibility, the BB-777 can be used almost anywhere around the world.
Thanks to two 6.25-inch super woofers, replete with independent channel gain, the revived boombox delivers up to 270 watts of power output. The BB-777 also includes two 6.25-inch coaxial speakers—emtting balanced mids and detailed clarity—and two horn tweeters—ensuring crisp, high-frequency projection. The fan-cooled amplifier provides thermal stability during periods of extended use. There are two wired microphone inputs with volume and echo controls but also ones that are built-in. Naturally, the BB-777 comes with a headphone output.
To learn more, visit bumpboxx.com.
Photography courtesy of Bumpboxx.
