You know that feeling when you're watching a world-class musician pour their soul into an instrument, but the instrument is basically a piece of red plastic from a 1990s toy aisle? That is the chaotic energy of Jack Black playing Saxaboom.
It’s not just a bit. It’s a masterclass in stage presence. If you’ve seen the viral clips—especially the legendary appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon—you know exactly what I’m talking about. Jack Black walks out, looking like he’s about to deliver a sermon on the power of rock, and then pulls out a chunky, primary-colored toy that looks like it belongs in a toddler's playroom.
And then he shreds.
Well, he "shreds" by pressing buttons that play pre-recorded loops. But he does it with such ferocious, sweaty conviction that you actually start to believe he’s some kind of avant-garde jazz prodigy. It’s funny, sure. But it’s also strangely impressive.
The Weird History of the Kawasaki Sax-A-Boom
Let’s get one thing straight: the Saxaboom isn’t some custom-made prop. It was a real product. Back in the late 90s, a company called DSI Toys (working with Shoot the Moon II LLC) released this "instrument" under the Kawasaki brand name.
Why Kawasaki? Honestly, licensing is a mystery, but they put their name on everything from motorcycles to power tools to, apparently, electronic toy saxophones.
The device features eight buttons. Each button triggers a different "lick" or musical loop. It’s got a thumping internal speaker that, for a toy, actually puts out a decent amount of sound. In the hands of a normal person, it’s a noisy plastic toy that parents would hide in the attic after twenty minutes. In the hands of Jables, it becomes a weapon of mass entertainment.
Why it became a Tenacious D staple
Jack Black didn't just find this thing yesterday. He’s been hauling the Saxaboom onto stages with Tenacious D for years. It fits their "mock rock" brand perfectly. They take the tropes of stadium rock—the ego, the solos, the pyrotechnics—and filter them through the lens of two guys who just really love music and aren't afraid to look ridiculous.
The comedy comes from the contrast. You have Kyle Gass, a legitimately incredible classically trained guitarist, providing a serious musical foundation. Then you have Jack, jumping around, screaming about the "power of the D," and punctuating the climax of a song with a toy that plays a cheesy, 8-bit-sounding saxophone riff.
It works because Jack Black is a "maximalist" performer. He gives 110% to every facial expression. When he's "playing" that toy, he's not winking at the camera. He’s in the zone. He's feeling the funk.
The Night Jack Black Playing Saxaboom Broke the Internet
If you haven't seen the Jimmy Fallon clip from September 2018, go watch it. Now.
Actually, wait, finish reading this first.
During that episode, Jimmy mentions that Jack is a "virtuoso" on a very specific instrument. Jack plays it up, acting humble but confident. He pulls the Saxaboom out from under the desk like it’s a Stradivarius.
What follows is pure magic. He starts a rhythm. He adds a layer. He begins scot-singing. Then, the house band—The Roots—actually starts backing him up. Think about that for a second. Questlove, one of the greatest drummers alive, is keeping time for a guy playing a plastic Kawasaki toy.
The peak of the performance is when Jack hits the "stop" button on the toy, and the entire band stops on a dime. Then he counts it back in: "1, 2, 3, 4... 1, 2, 3, MOTHERF***ER!"
The crowd lost it. It’s one of those rare TV moments that feels spontaneous and genuinely joyful. It wasn't just a celebrity promoting a movie; it was a guy having the time of his life making music out of nothing.
The "Jables Effect" on the Resale Market
Before Jack Black made it famous, you could probably find a Sax-A-Boom at a garage sale for $5. Maybe $10 if it still had the batteries in it.
Those days are long gone.
Thanks to the viral fame of Jack Black playing Saxaboom, these toys have become high-end collector's items. Because DSI Toys stopped making them years ago, the supply is fixed. Demand, however, is through the roof.
- eBay Prices: It’s common to see these things listed for $500 to $800.
- Condition Matters: Since they were toys for kids, many are scuffed or have "battery rot" in the compartment. A "mint" one can go for even more.
- The Knockoffs: Other companies have tried to make similar toys (like the Contixo models you see on Amazon or Target), but purists know they don't have the same specific licks or that chunky red-and-yellow aesthetic.
It’s a bizarre example of how celebrity culture can turn literal junk into "gear." Professional musicians now unironically buy these to use in their sets as a tribute or a gag.
How to Actually "Play" the Saxaboom
If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on one, don’t expect to play "Careless Whisper." That's not how this works.
The Saxaboom doesn't have a mouthpiece you blow into (at least, not one that affects the sound). It’s all in the buttons. There are eight of them, usually arranged in two rows of four.
- The Loops: Most buttons trigger a pre-set melody.
- The Overlap: You can layer certain sounds to create a fuller "arrangement."
- The Performance: To truly play it like Jack Black, you need to use your whole body. You have to sell the "effort" of the solo. If you aren't sweating by the end of the song, you're doing it wrong.
Why We Love It
Basically, the Saxaboom is a symbol. It represents the idea that you don't need a $4,000 Selmer Mark VI to be a rock star. You just need the right attitude.
Jack Black has spent his entire career blurring the line between "joke" and "genuine talent." He can actually sing. He has incredible rhythm. When he uses a toy, he's proving that music is about the soul of the performer, not the price tag of the gear.
Kinda makes you want to go dig through your old toy chest, doesn't it?
Actionable Next Steps if You're Obsessed
If you want to join the cult of the Saxaboom, here is what you need to do:
- Set an eBay Alert: Use the keywords "Kawasaki Sax-A-Boom" and "DSI Saxophone." Don't buy the first one you see; wait for one with a video showing it actually works.
- Check Local Listings: Look on Facebook Marketplace or at local thrift stores in smaller towns. Some people still don't know what they have.
- Learn the Routine: If you get one, study the Fallon footage. Notice how he uses the "10 nursery rhythms" and "6 rhythms" features to build tension before the big drop.
- Watch the Tenacious D Live Shows: Many fans have uploaded high-quality concert footage where the Saxaboom gets a dedicated 5-minute solo. It's the best way to see the "advanced" techniques in action.
The Saxaboom might be plastic, but the joy it brings is 100% real. Whether you're a fan of Tenacious D or just someone who appreciates a good bit, it’s a reminder that sometimes the best way to be serious about your art is to not take yourself seriously at all.