A melodious journey through time — book “Sound Lightyear” for your class reunion!

▲ Sound Lightyear features a giant speaker that is truly eye-catching.

Reported and photographed by Peng Huaiyu, Taipei

As time moves forward, people often find themselves nostalgic for the old, longing to rediscover the flavors sealed away by the passage of time. Located in Taipei’s cultural and educational district,“Sound Lightyear” has been accepting group reservations for parties of 10 or more since February 18. The venue houses many timeless treasures such as Edison phonographs, music boxes, 78 rpm record players … all carrying the collective longing for music and evoking the musical memories of the older generation.

▲ Sound Lightyear is renovated from a Japanese-style house built in 1932.

Stepping into the Japanese-style house built in 1932 feels like entering a time tunnel. After being passed down through four generations and then renovated, the square-shaped old house is surrounded by greenery. The wooden carvings inside showcase Japanese elegance. The space to the right is a café, and further ahead is a hall displaying 12 vintage items.

“Sound Lightyear” was founded by Pan Shi International. The founder, a music enthusiast, displays over 40 years of collected vintage items in a way that reflects their eras, hoping that “Sound Lightyear” can become a “music museum” where visitors can experience rather than just observe.

▲ The hall at Sound Lightyear displays 12 vintage items, each worth exploring.

Lin Taiwei, deputy director of Sound Lightyear, explained that since Edison invented the phonograph in 1877, fulfilling humanity’s desire to capture sound, Taiwan saw its first phonograph in 1898. At the time, the public didn’t understand what this large box that emitted sound was and feared it might suck out people’s souls. It wasn’t until the media reported on it that phonographs became widely accepted and used.

▲ The Victrola 8-1 is known as the “King of Phonographs.”

The largest item among the vintage collection, the Victrola 8-1, known as the “King of Phonographs,” is famous for its rich stereo sound. When playing a song from Japan in 1932, its delicate audio quality feels like the original performance, offering an immersive experience. Each phonograph has doors in front; if you prefer a lower volume, simply close the doors to reduce the decibels.

▲ A super-sized music box from the United States in the 1920s, which was only circulated among nobility at the time.

Another eye-catching item is a super-sized music box from the United States, a product of the 1920s. It was quite rare back then and only found in the hands of nobility. Made from hollowed-out mahogany with perforated iron records, the sound resonates from the metal discs, taking visitors back to the golden age once exclusive to the elite.

▲ Every vintage item has a story to tell.

Both Eastern and Western music have distinct styles, but both possess a healing power that cleanses the soul. Lin Taiwei added that phonographs come with different tones — some deep and resonant, others bright and clear. For example, those from the United States offer a bold volume, while British ones are noted for their delicacy.

▲ The souvenir shop offers plenty of merchandise for music fans to choose from.

Lin Taiwei said there are three ways to visit the venue, all operating on a private booking basis for groups of 10 or more. Visitors can freely choose songs from the 1890s to the 1980s, including one hour of guided tour and one hour for dining. You can sip coffee while enjoying the music, reminiscing about the hit songs of your era in the Japanese-style house.

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