Mirliton

It might not look like it, but the mirliton is basically a 16th Century kazoo! It is played by the player humming into a hole in the side of the instrument, which causes a thin membrane to vibrate, amplifying the sound and changing its tone quality. The ornate bulb on the end protects the membrane from damage.

The instrument pictured here was made by Stefan Beck, Berlin Germany.

To find out more:

• Wikipedia article on the mirliton.
• Stefan Beck, instrument maker.