I found this item in a box of old Coleman parts which I purchased recently. Couldn't work out what it is, but knew I'd seen something similar years ago. Two days later the penny dropped - it's a KAZOO ! At least I think it is. But a metal kazoo ? They're usually made of plastic. Why does it have a threaded insert/cup, with what appears to be a circular cork gasket in between ? What goes into the top threaded cup ? At first I thought it was a child's toy for blowing bubbles.... Any help to solve this mystery ? Thanks.
There goes a membrane into the treaded cup, e.g. https://www.thomann.de/gb/thomann_kazoo_spare_diaphragm.htm Regards, Steven
I think I can see a membrane (or the remains of one) in the second pic? I suppose the fact that it is metal shows it’s age and pre-plastic era, although it’s possible there may be Bakelite kazoos out there?
@Steven67 Thank you, quite interesting. The link shows that spare membranes and metal Kazoo s are still available. I now recall seeing plastic kazoos in music shops years ago. Street buskers and jug bands use them. @podbros Thank you. Yes, a closer look and I see the remains of a torn membrane in there. I shall check out some music shops. Cheers.
@Reese Williams Aha! Worth a try. Thank you. Trial and error will determine how tight or loose to have the membrane. I assume it has to flex / vibrate to make the sound. Curiously, it is then perhaps a 'fixed reed', and not a 'free reed' instrument. Seems to be only one size in Kazoos, no soprano or bass. Maybe it depends on the strength of the operator's humming....
