The Kanzoo Story
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Is it a kazoo? Is it a can of beans? Is it some kind of trumpet?

It's the Kanzoo! The eccentric & expressive instrument that anyone can play.

The kanzoo in action

The Kanzoo is a revolutionary innovation in kazoo technology! By mounting a specially designed kazoo inside a tin can, we’ve created an exciting new sound that’s somewhere between a kazoo and a muted trumpet. Finally the kazoo has soul, albeit a rather eccentric one. Listen to me playing 'Minnie the Moocher' on it, above!

The ingenious design of the Kanzoo lets the player hum a tune through the kazoo while adding tons of bluesy expression via the player’s hand opening and closing over the open end of the tin - it works in exactly the same way as a trumpet wah-wah mute. This effect, combined with the metallic sound of the can, makes the Kanzoo a much more musical instrument than the humble kazoo. I’ve used it in recordings for Universal and Warner/Chappell, and producers have asked me, “What’s the great effect you used on that trumpet?” (I kept my mouth shut). Listen HERE.

The Kanzoo will amaze your friends and family and always goes down a storm at gigs. Perfect for scat singers, improvisers, brass players and musical oddballs and adventurers - there’s nothing you can’t do with a Kanzoo. And not only can you tootle melodies on it - the Kanzoo also doubles as mini washboard. The ridged sides of the tin can be played with the performer’s nails to create a pleasing chick, brrricka, chick sound, the perfect accompaniment to any tune.

Made from recycled tin cans and bioplastic, we’ve designed the Kanzoo with the environment in mind, keeping waste to a minimum. Each Kanzoo is lovingly constructed by hand and tested for quality, and no sharp edges to worry about . All you need to do is enjoy expressing yourself through this fabulous and eccentric new instrument. The only question is: Can you Kanzoo? Watch the 'How to Kanzoo' video (above) to learn how to play and order one below!

44 in stock (can be backordered)

Questions and Answers

As long as you care for your Kanzoo, it will serve you for years to come. Indeed, with age, the sound can even improve! As a mottled-looking surface appears on the metal of the can, the tone of the instrument will mature in just the same way that the sound of a Stradivarius violin will improve with age.
The resonator is the part of a kazoo that creates the buzzing sound. Your Kanzoo is cleverly constructed so that if the resonator ever fails (which is very unlikely) you can replace it yourself. Kanzoos are designed to last a long time! Simply use some long-nose pliers to grab the kazoo inside the tin and twist it ANTI-CLOCKWISE. The Kazoo part will unscrew, and you can remove it from the tin. Next, unscrew the resonator from the top of the Kazoo and replace it with a small circle of thin plastic bag, greaseproof paper, or whatever resonator you’d like to try. Now, screw the resonator back in place and replace the kazoo using the same method you did to remove it, this time tightening it CLOCKWISE. Now you’re ready to Kanzoo again!
Of course, the Kanzoo is a very simple instrument - a kazoo in a can. We’ve just created what we think is the best possible version.If you’d like to try making your own, all you’ll need is a can of beans or whatever you like, a kazoo, a vice, a drill, and some metal files.First, eat the beans. Now clean out the can and remove the label, carefully scraping away the very sticky glue (you may need a glue remover for this bit). Using your metal files, make sure that the open end of the can doesn’t have any nasty sharp edges that could cut you or anyone else who wants to have a tootle on it…Now you need to put the can in a vice and VERY carefully drill a hole big enough for your kazoo to fit through. It has to be just right—not so big that the kazoo slips out, and not too small so it won't fit tight. You may need to drill a few small holes and then knock out the remaining metal. Take GREAT CARE to tidy up the sharp edges of the can with your metal files.Now, taking care not to cut yourself on any stray sharp edges of the open end of the can, wedge your kazoo into the tin from the open end of the can so that the resonator is inside the can and that it fits tightly. You now have a simple Kanzoo! Enjoy!BUT this may seem too much like hard work… Why not just buy a carefully made and designed KANZOO from us? We’ve done all the hard work for you!
If you can hum a tune, you can play the Kanzoo, but it’s suited to those with a KanZoo attitude.