The Molossaphone

THE MOLOSSAPHONE
Our National Musical Instrument

The National Musical Instrument of Molossia is the Molossaphone. The Molossaphone is a type of mirliton - a device which modifies the sound of a person's voice by way of a vibrating membrane. It is closely related to the kazoo - very closely related indeed. To play the Molossaphone, one "sings" into it (although the process is usually called humming); this adds a "buzzing" timbral quality to a player's voice, thus creating the unique sound. The ancestor of the Molossaphone, the kazoo, has been around for centuries, dating back to Africa, and was brought to North America in the 19th century. In various forms kazoos have played a part in Dixieland bands and they are quite popular with children as they are very easy to play.

The move to adopt the Molossaphone as our National Musical Instrument began in late 2007 XXX, when His Excellency, The President noted that our old National Musical Instrument, wind chimes, could not actually be played and had at any rate blown away in the direction of Utah. A replacement was in order, and the "kazoo", renamed the "Molossaphone", was selected. Now that we have a playable National Musical Instrument, one can expect to see the Molossaphone humming forth at every national event, and any other opportunity!

A dashing member of the Molossian Naval Infantry plays the Molossaphone.

Types of Molossaphones.

Click here to hear the Molossian National Anthem played on the Molossaphone.