A remarkable Kickstarter project is underway aiming to bring the legendary GF-777 back to life in a modern(-ish) BB-777 form.
The 1980s were a special era in many ways. One of the most iconic devices from that time was the “boombox”: an oversized “portable” radio cassette player with equally oversized specifications. Whether the claimed dozens—or sometimes even hundreds—of watts were actually achieved back then is something we’ll wisely leave open. What is certain, however, is that an entire subculture embraced these machines as a new status symbol (or fashion accessory, if you will). Shoulder-carried systems quickly became a defining feature of the streetscape in major cities. Many enthusiasts still love these devices, packed with shiny buttons, multiple speakers (some of which were occasionally just for show), and more. A new Kickstarter project now aims to revive the legendary GF-777 in a modern incarnation.
Old meets new
The design of the new BB-777 stays as true as possible to its era, while subtly incorporating modern features. For example, the dual cassette deck allows you to digitize tapes via USB. There’s also a replaceable lithium battery offering up to 15 hours of playback on a full charge. Bluetooth is included as well, alongside a built-in CD player.
The classic tuner has been retained, complete with an analog tuning section. FM, AM and shortwave are all supported, effectively turning the device into an emergency radio you’re unlikely to misplace anytime soon.
According to its creators, the BB-777 delivers a total (maximum) output of 270 watts—more than enough to blow away any modern “ghetto.” It’s not exactly cheap (just like the originals back in the day). Backing the Kickstarter campaign now gets you a 38% discount, bringing the price down to “just” $649. Several other bundles—also with Kickstarter discounts—are available as well.