In the pantheon of musical instruments, there stands a distinct pecking order.

At the top are the regal stringed and haughty wind instruments with symphonic tones. Below them are the slightly more earthy, party-oriented percussion instruments (excluding the piano) and brass section.

Standing slightly off stage, ignored at parties, are the oddballs: the triangle, tambourine, and cowbell. Below them, all - barely even allowed to be in the musical club - stands the lowly Kazoo.

The Kazoo, also known as the “Down-South Submarine,” has noble roots. Similar instruments have long been used for ceremonial purposes in Africa before being reworked and made into the Kazoo. 

Founded in 2007 and housed at the Kazoobie Kazoo Factory in Beaufort, SC, the Kazoo Museum hosts a collection of nearly two-hundred unique kazoo-related items. Started by Kazoo retailers and enthusiasts Rick Hubbard and Gayle Andrus is now owned and operated by Stephen Murray. The museum shows off a collection of “kazoos shaped like famous cartoon characters, electric kazoos, and kazoos over 100 years old.”

The Kazoo Museum guides you through the engaging journey of one of America’s only homegrown instruments and aims to bring a little more respect to the lowly Kazoo. Take a factory tour, watch the process and making of the Kazoo and end the time by making your very own Kazoo!