[pianotech] It's NOT a kazoo!

[Mark Purney]

A kazoo is something you hum into, which anyone can do. This is not a 
kazoo, but a Tongue Depressor Harmonica (TDH). It's a reed-like 
instrument that vibrates when air passes through it. The only way to 
alter the pitch while playing is to bite down with varying pressure. 
It's a bit of a challenge to make music with.

You know how annoyed we get when people refer to 7-foot pianos as "baby 
grands," or use the term "spinet" to refer to a 52" upright? It's the 
same thing in the world of serious TDH players, they are equally annoyed 
when someone calls it a "kazoo."

Maybe you naysayers should get your penny's worth (the cost of two 
tongue depressors) and give it a try.  My cat loves it - he sings along 
when I play it. Although he may really be asking me to stop, I'm not 
100% certain which it is.

Are we so high and mighty as piano technicians that we have to mock 
other forms of making music? Some people make music using wood saws or 
wine glasses, or by hitting trash cans with a stick. Some interesting 
music can be made using household objects. Maybe we should embrace these 
things instead of ridiculing them.

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go practice playing my TDH.



On 3/16/2012 3:26 AM, Gary wrote:
> On 3/14/2012 10:13 PM, Joseph Garrett wrote:
>> I suppose all of you have recieved the totally juvenile Kazoo Kit 
>> with your
>> Journal. I'm wondering where that came from? Sheesh!
>> Joe
>>
>>
>> Joe Garrett, R.P.T.
>> Captain of the Tool Police
>> Squares R I
>>
> I'm glad I'm not the only one thinking the same thing.
> Gary
>
>