Washtub Bass

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timboZ

timboZ

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Has anyone made a washtub bass?
I am thinking of making one.
 
I've seen gutbuckets made from 5-gallon buckets and also galvanized (half-bushel/ or maybe full bushel) tubs with holes cut in the side.

They aren't very loud.

The one I tried was strung with monofilament as opposed to rope.
 
The intonation is every bit as good as most doghouse players I've played with.
 
I've played with a few of 'em and know of a local guy that makes an EXCELLENT one out of a 6 gallon bucket (good lick finding one of those).. He's done a few little tricks with the lid and some standoffs that give the thing some good sound output...

Google search "Gutbucket Bass" and you'll come up with some ideas.. Everything from big buckets up to using a old clawfoot bathtub..

--
Rob
 
Yep. It's not too hard. We fooled with this many years ago in an occasional jug band of sorts.

You can have some fun if you pick up a real washtub or a small stock tub - like 15 or 20 gallons, made of galvanized steel. You can get these at farm & garden centers. You take a broomstick or something a little heavier and notch the end to fit the rim on the upended tub. Drill a hole in the center of the bottom of the tub and bolt in a small closed eye. Use strong twine or rope, maybe clothesline - experiment - and tie to the eye; the other end whipped around the end of the broomstick.

The trick with this thing is to stick a brick or plank under one end so the tub is off the ground, just in the front, an inch or two. Then you'll be in business. Plenty loud.

And if you play this thing you really should wear a baseball hat, or at least have a gnarly moustache.
 

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Looks like this.

You can also google "jugband", "jug band" or "jug band music" and all Hell will break loose. :cool:
 

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Treeline said:
And if you play this thing you really should wear a baseball hat, or at least have a gnarly moustache.
Click to expand...
What kind on moustache wax should I use. :D

Thanks for the info everyone.
 
Is that a NOS tank?? Or do pinholes help the tone? :cool:
I can see it now... "Yeah, she's got a '57 Chevy tank with the original sending unit." :D


Weedwhacker line.... Never thought of that. Now you got me thinking again, dammit.
 
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