The kazoo: a nostalgic instrument with WNY ties

We toured the Original Kazoo Company Factory, Museum and Gift Shop with Karen Smith, who owns the Kazoo Boutique Gift Shop. It features all sorts of cool treasures—including clothes, jewelry, home decor and toys—and wouldn’t be out of place on Elmwood Avenue.

Now owned by Suburban Adult Services, Inc. (SASi) as part of its vocational mission for adults with disabilities, the Kazoo Factory is the only remaining original metal kazoo factory in the world. Its belt-driven machines are capably helmed by a talented team of people with disabilities. Astonishingly, the machines that manufacture kazoos are the same used more than a century ago.

“Since 1907, this had been a metal factory that made stoves and chimneys, powered by electricity generated from Niagara Falls,” explained Karen. “Seeing the kazoo’s potential, the factory’s owners began assembling them through an 18-step process still followed today.”

I joked with the kids walking in that Elmer Kazoo had given the instrument its name. Turns out no one is sure where the name came from (so I’m not ruling Elmer out).

“We know the kazoo was invented by a former American slave named Alabama Vest in the 1840s,” shared Karen. “He developed the kazoo by emulating the sound of African instruments made from hollowed out tree branches and animal bones.”

The kazoo’s unique sound comes from humming into the instrument. (Yes, the kazoo is an instrument, not a toy.) A resonator made from a thin mylar lining vibrates, producing the kazoo’s trademark buzz. Thankfully, the lining is no longer made from sheep intestines.

Karen showed us a machine that visitors can use to make their own kazoo and a hand-powered model that twists and cuts the metal. Nolan was surprised the factory originally made something other than kazoos, and Bridget was impressed with how many machines are in operation.

We saw kazoos that resemble trumpets, planes and locomotives, and even an ear of corn. But the classic kazoo is the one that has been present through the past century of American history.

“When Prohibition ended, kazoos shaped like whiskey bottles were commissioned,” said Karen, who cited Ringo Starr of The Beatles as a talented kazoo player.

We learned that kazoos are a natural at celebrations, making them a staple at parades and weddings. There are more than 50,000 kazoo bands in America, and the Kazoo Factory was inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame in October.

When Karen handed the triplets kazoos, they were initially reluctant to play them. That did not last long. Once they got the hang of them, a cacophony of buzzing filled the factory. We were treated to “O Canada,” “We Are the Champions” and songs from “Star Wars” and “KPop Demon Hunters.” They quickly warmed up to the instruments, illustrating what makes the kazoo such a simple, genius invention.

“It’s hard to be sad when you play or listen to a kazoo,” remarked Karen.

The Kazoo Factory ships worldwide to music and toy stores. The draw is international. “In the past year, we’ve welcomed groups from Australia and Greece,” explained Karen. “It’s people from all over. And many grandparents.”

After our tour, Elliott played his kazoo frequently. His older sister, Izzy, wasn’t thrilled with his joyful playing while doing her homework—testing Karen’s assertion that kazoos only make people happy.

But there’s something inherently lighthearted about the kazoo. They feel old-fashioned yet familiar, like a long-lost friend from your youth. Kazoos are playful and inviting, and that may be why they’re often confused with toys.

Certainly not a toy. Absolutely a musical instrument. Definitely a WNY original.