A fun way to make music.

Kazoo Definition--
A device having one or more vibrating surface(s) that amplifies and distorts the voice of the player. The pitch of the tones produced are controlled by the player's voice rather than by the change of volume of the vibrating column of air, such as caused by fingering, sliding tube, keys, valves, different sized reeds, etc.

Simpler Definition --
If you hum into it and it makes sounds, it is probably a kazoo; if you hum into it and it doesn't make sounds, it probably isn't a kazoo.
Not just for the standard metal or plastic 'submarine' kazoo,


A LOT MORE KAZOO INFORMATION IS AT kazoologist.org


So far, I have found 61 patents for kazoo type instruments. You can find them in the "Files" section.

If anyone has information about any other kazoo type instrument patents; or has a kazoo with a patent # on it please send me the number and a picture of the instrument if possible. If I don't have a pdf of that patent in the files section I will get one and add it.

The kazoo is known in many parts of the world by many different names:
Zobo, Vocophone, Songophone, Sonophone, Tommy Talker, onion flute, eunuch flute, Bigophone, Varinette, Trillophone, etc.

Contrary to common belief, the kazoo does not have to sound bad.
The onion flute or eunuch flute was used in classical music (17th and 18th centuries). Zobo, Songophone, and Vocophone looking and sounding like regular brass and woodwind instruments were very popular in bands in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Properly played, a kazoo can sound like brass, string or woodwind instruments, as well as sounds hard to imitate on conventional instruments.


I am doing research on history, science, construction, performing and about any thing else about kazooz.

There are lots of good resources in the Photos, Files and Links sections.

Everyone is welcome to share their pictures, plans, instructions, etc.