Which toy monkey with cymbals is the best?

Few toys are as iconic and recognizable as the toy monkey with cymbals. Since the invention of the first cymbal-banging monkey in the 1950s, the toy has appeared in countless movies and TV shows, leading many children and toy collectors to want their very own musical chimp.

The toy monkey with cymbals has come a long way over the past 70 years. the San Francisco Music Box Company Musical Monkey Figurine is the first choice because it is a handmade replica of the famous monkey music box from the musical “The Phantom of the Opera”.

What to know before buying a toy monkey with cymbals

About toy monkeys with cymbals

The cymbal-banging monkey is one of the most recognizable toys of the 20th century. It has evolved a lot over the years, but the basic design features a seated monkey with a pair of metal or plastic cymbals. In most cases, you can push a button or turn a screw on the back of the toy to have the animal bang the cymbals together, creating a fun sound effect. Some toy monkeys can also scream and move their lips or eyes. Beyond this simple feature, toy monkeys with cymbals can appear in a few different visual styles.

• Retro: The original cymbal-banging monkey, retro toys are usually made from soft fabric, plastic, or metal. The monkey typically wears fancy circus attire like striped pants and suspenders, and it often has eyes with red rings around the pupils. These toy monkeys are sought after by vintage toy collectors.
• Modern: These toy monkeys with cymbals are very stylized and have a somewhat macabre or scary look. Some modern cymbal-striking monkeys can look like skeletons or feature patterns that border on the supernatural. Many of these toy monkeys are hand painted and intended for display as figurines, which means they may not have any moving parts.
• Inspired by entertainment: Toy monkeys with cymbals are occasionally depicted in movies, books, and TV shows, so it’s no wonder that many of these toys are modeled after their fictional counterparts. Cymbal-striking monkeys have appeared in everything from the movie franchise”toy storyto the musical “The Phantom of the Opera”. If you’re buying the toy as a gift, make sure the recipient knows the source material.

What to Look for in a Quality Toy Monkey with Cymbals

Energy source

Most animatronic toy monkeys with cymbals are battery powered, but you can also find models that have a wind-up feature. These toys are appealing because they don’t require any external power source, but you might not be able to take advantage of modern features like artificial sound effects or working lights.

Materials

Toy monkeys with cymbals are usually made from fabric, plastic, metal, or a combination of the three. If you’re shopping for a young child, avoid toys that are primarily constructed of metal, as they can be dangerous. Also, if the child is under 5, watch out for toys with small parts, as they could pose a choking hazard.

How much you can expect to spend on a toy monkey with cymbals

The cost of a toy monkey with cymbals can vary greatly depending on the style. Modern toys usually cost between $10 and $20, while vintage toys and collectibles cost $50 or more.

Toy monkey with cymbals FAQ

Why is the toy monkey with cymbals famous?

A. When first introduced, the animatronic monkey with movable arms and facial expressions was quite ahead of its time and a huge hit with kids. It was so popular that other toy manufacturers started producing their own versions. Over time, its familiar and slightly unsettling appearance made it a common prop for sci-fi and horror movies, cementing its status as an iconic toy.

Where can I buy an original toy monkey with cymbals?

A. Although not cheap, interested toy collectors can find vintage “Musical Jolly Chimp” toys on websites like Ebay, sometimes with their original packaging.

What is the best toy monkey with cymbals to buy?

Toy monkey top with cymbals

San Francisco Music Box Company Musical Monkey Figurine

What do you want to know: Inspired by the monkey from “The Phantom of the Opera”, this toy features a cymbal-banging monkey sitting atop a working music box.

What you will love: The figurine is hand painted, hand sculpted and very durable. Winding up the classical music box, the monkey will clap his cymbals as the song “Masquerade” plays on an authentic 18-note mechanical player.

What you should consider: This monkey figure is a bit pricey and may not be suitable for young children or people unfamiliar with the musical.

Or buy: Sold by Amazon

Top toy monkey with cymbals for the money

Ebros Circus Fez Monkey Skeleton Collectible Figurine

What do you want to know: This stylized collectible figurine sports a unique and modern look.

What you will love: This miniature monkey toy is hand painted and polished to produce a colorful, detailed and spooky design. The affordable figure can sit on its own without assistance, and the company has a whole host of similar products to collect and display.

What you should consider: This modern monkey toy has no moving parts and cannot clap its cymbals together.

Or buy: Sold by Amazon

Worth checking out

Tree Buddees Retro Cymbal Monkey Ornament

What do you want to know: Although technically a Christmas tree ornament, this monkey still features an ornately painted retro design.

What you will love: This monkey ornament is made from durable hand painted resin and shipped in a decorative gift box. The cute monkey looks like the classic “Musical Jolly Chimp” with a red fez hat.

What you should consider: This hand-painted monkey is a Christmas tree decoration, not a toy, and there are no moving parts.

Or buy: Sold by Amazon

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Patrick Farmer written for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their buying decisions, saving them time and money.

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