The Sax-A-Boom is a rare alto saxophone-shaped toy instrument which features pre-recorded musical loops on each of its eight buttons.
It may be surprisingly cool, with a range of backing tracks built-in, but why has this plastic children’s toy become such a become a sought-after collectable? The answer lies in Hollywood…
Despite its ‘Kawasaki’ branding, the instrument has nothing to do with the Kawasaki Motors Corporation.
DSI Products had the official license to create Kawasaki-branded toy automobiles, which applied to many of their other toys.
The Sax-a-Boom was developed in the late 1990s by Shoot the Moon II LLC and produced by DSI Toys Inc, but it was discontinued not long after making it tricky to find one of these ‘saxophones‘ for sale today.
Jack Black Meets The Sax-a-Boom
At live Tenacious D shows, front-man Jack Black started bringing out his Sax-a-Boom, popularising the instrument’s thumping sound and catchy licks and turning it into a treasured collectable.
The legendary status of the music-making machine only grew after the actor and musician was handed a Sax-a-Boom by ‘surprise’ during an interview in 2018. He proceeded to offer a masterclass in musical comedy with a hilarious performance backed by Fallon’s house band The Roots.
Jack Black’s performance with his toy horn is now one of the most viewed video clips of Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show and it’s easy to see why!
Where can you find a Sax-a-Boom for sale?
Production of the Sax-a-Boom came to an end in the early 2000s so you won’t find the item in a toy store and they can be pretty expensive nowadays. The best way to find a Sax-a-Boom for sale is to keep a keen eye on eBay and similar pre-owned websites.
The item in good condition on eBay will likely set you back more than $100 with some even going for upwards of $300. Prices go up and down so if you check regularly you may be able to find a bargain.
Still looking? Rather than buy a toy sax, why not spend $300 on a real saxophone? They’re way more versatile!
Check out our beginner’s guide to the saxophone or check out our list of the best alto saxophones for beginners.
i have only seen them in youtube videos and they look, incredibly interesting. if i owned one, somehow i’d play it.