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 Sponsors and Curators
The Museum of Yo-Yo History is a labor of love, and we would not be able to stay up-to-date with exhibits without the support of our sponsors and curators. Big thanks go to One Drop Design and Duncan for supplying us with their latest models, YoYoExpert for their help and support, and to Cody Orr, TotalArtist and YoYoBrothers™ for allowing us to use their collections!
If you're a manufacturer, or just a big collector and you want to help support the Museum drop me at line at chimera@yoyomuseum.com
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| Duncan Midnight Special AL 2023 |
| Exhibit #4770 |
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| Type | Production |
| Shape | Standard (-) |
| Axle | Bearing |
| Finish | Anodized |
| Color | Black |
| Packaging | Display Boxed |
| Construction | Multi-piece aluminum |
| Response | CBC Slim Pad |
| Diameter | 56mm |
| Width | 36mm |
| Gap | Fixed |
| Weight | 62gm |
| Condition | Mint |
| Date | 2023 |
| Owner | Rick Brough |
| Compare |  |
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The Duncan Midnight Special was originally released in 1988. It featured a polycarbonate body, a fixed metal axle, and starburst response system. Aside from its distinctive (sort of) color and side imprint, it was essentially identical to the classic plastic Duncan Imperial.
In 2023, Duncan reintroduced the Midnight Special—this time with a modern twist. The updated version was machined from 6061 aluminum and included a size A ball bearing axle, silicone response pads, and a hollow body design. It retained most of the look of the original but brought significant performance upgrades—along with a much steeper price tag compared to the $3 version from the late '80s.
The aluminum version was released in flat black, paying homage to the original, as well as in grey. Its design mirrors the Duncan Imperial AL also released in 2023.
What about that "limited edition" status?
Although the Midnight Special AL 2023 was promoted as a limited edition yo-yo—implying low production numbers and an urgency to buy immediately upon release—it didn't quite fit the definition or expectation. It took more than a year for the yo-yo to sell out suggesting that more than 200+ pieces were likely produced in each color. The store behind the yo-yo's release, beyondyoyos.com, is notorious for touting many of the yo-yos they sell as being "limited edition" probably in an effort to create FOMO. Some of their "limited edition" yo-yos have been for sale on their webstore for more than two years. What is your definition of "limited edition"?
Released March 9, 2023 at 15:00 MST.
Original retail price: $70 USD.
Recipe
Diameter: 56mm
Width: 36mm
Weight: 62gm
Response: 19mm slim pads
Bearing: Size A
Body material: 6061 aluminum
Side cap material: 6061 aluminum
Of interest...
See the Duncan Toys 1989 catalog that featured the new Midnight Special on the cover.
See also the 1994 version of the Midnight Special and the Hyper Midnight version that was sold in Japan. | |
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